Master of Philosophy at University of Virginia

University of Virginia

United States of America, Charlottesville

University Rank:#275

International students can study the Philosophy at University of Virginia at its main campus in Charlottesville , United States of America. This Master degree is available as a Full Time program delivered on campus in English. The program has a duration of 4 years and is offered at the university's main campus. Students can apply for the next intake starting on August 22, 2027.

About Master of Philosophy

Degree Requirements

Master of Arts

Of the 30 credits required for the master's degree, students are expected to complete a minimum of 24 credits of graded coursework.

Students are expected to complete a qualifying paper. Two submissions to obtain approval of the qualifying paper are permitted, with a missed deadline counting as one submission.

Doctor of Philosophy

Of the 72 credits required for the doctoral degree, students are expected to complete a minimum of 36 credits of graded coursework.

Students are expected to obtain approval of two qualifying papers by a committee of faculty readers assigned by the Director of Graduate Studies, the first by the beginning of the third semester and the second by the beginning of the fifth semester. Students are permitted a total of four submissions, with a missed deadline counting as one submission. One of the two papers may be waived for a student who enters the program with a master of arts degree, in which case a total of two submissions will be permitted.

Students are expected to achieve an average grade of at least B+ in two courses approved by the faculty in each of three areas, including Metaphysics and Epistemology; Ethics; and History of Philosophy. No more than one course each in ancient, medieval and modern philosophy will be counted toward the History of Philosophy requirement.

Students are expected to demonstrate qualification in logic by achieving a grade of at least B in PHIL 2420, a grade of at least B on the final exam of PHIL 2420, or a grade of at least B- in PHIL 5420.

Students are expected to obtain approval of a dissertation proposal.

Students are expected to take PHIL 9700, the Dissertation Seminar, in their sixth semester.

Students are expected to complete all requirements stated above by the conclusion of the sixth semester of study.

Students are expected to write and defend a dissertation.

Disciplines

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Philosophy at University of Virginia

Entry Requirements

Statement of Purpose

The statement of purpose should indicate your reasons for applying to the proposed program at the University of Virginia and describe your preparation for this field of study, research interests, future career plans, and intellectual or life experiences in order to aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study. Your commitment to a selected field of study is presumed in the receipt of your application; instead, please discuss specific issues in the field that engage you. Please limit your submission to between 500 and 1,000 words.

Transcripts

Applicants must upload unofficial transcripts of their entire post-secondary academic record to the online application, including all undergraduate- and graduate-level coursework. Applicants are expected to have achieved a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their undergraduate programs.

Transcripts that are not stated in English must be accompanied by a translation into English.

Please do not request and mail official transcripts as part of the application process. Unofficial transcripts are sufficient for the faculty’s review of your application. If you are offered admission to the Graduate School, you will be asked at that time to send official transcripts from the undergraduate institution you attended to the Central Graduate Admission Office.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation should be submitted electronically through the online application system. Once you have saved the contact information for a particular reference within the online application, that individual will receive instructions via e-mail for submitting a letter of recommendation on your behalf. The Graduate School requires two letters of recommendation. As many programs require additional letters, please consult the program's website for additional requirements. You may submit your application independently of the letters submitted by your references.

Letters of recommendation should be sought from faculty in your proposed field of study who are sufficiently familiar with your work to make a comprehensive evaluation of your abilities. If you have already undertaken a graduate program, at least one of the letters should be from a faculty member who is familiar with your academic performance on the graduate level.

English Requirements

IELTSMin 7
TOEFLMin 90

Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Philosophy at University of Virginia

Application Fee 85

How to Apply for Master of Philosophy at University of Virginia

All application updates should be uploaded via the student portal. Applicants received an email with login credentials for the portal a few days after their Common App was received. Please do not email updates to individual admission officers.

Master of Philosophy at University of Virginia

University of Virginia

United States of America, Charlottesville