Graduate Degrees in Philosophy

Philosophy

The graduate program in philosophy at the University of Colorado Boulder is designed to provide students with broad and intensive training in philosophy. It focuses on the careful philosophical development and professional preparation of its students. The Department of Philosophy has distinguished faculty in all the core areas of philosophy.

We offer a Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy. The department also offers a five-year Bachelor’s–Accelerated Master’s program to highly qualified CU Boulder undergraduates that leads to the BA and MA in philosophy.

Degree Types

MA ᐧ PhD

In the 2021–22 Philosophical Gourmet Report, the department was ranked 27th among PhD programs in the U.S., 36th worldwide and 13th for U.S. public universities.

In Philosophical Gourmet’s specialty rankings, the department placed in nine areas.

The department provides significant financial support for all students in the PhD program and some financial support for some students in the MA program.

Degree Options & Application Requirements

Philosophy

Master of Arts

Plan I: Thesis option (28–30 credit hours)
Plan II: Nonthesis option (36 credit hours)
2-year program
Students may earn this degree as part of the Bachelor's–Accelerated Master's degree program, which allows currently enrolled CU Boulder undergraduate students the opportunity to earn a bachelor's and master's degree in a shorter period of time. To learn more, please visit the Bachelor’s–Accelerated Master’s program page.

GRE/GMAT Requirements

Not required. The admissions committee will not see any scores that are submitted.
Please note that international applicants may still be required to submit TOEFL/IELTS scores.

Application Deadlines

International applicants: Dec. 15, 10 p.m. MT
U.S. applicants: Jan. 3, 10 p.m. MT

For program details, review the course catalog for the MA in philosophy.

Doctor of Philosophy

2.5 years of coursework
2.5 years of work on a dissertation
5 years of guaranteed funding

GRE/GMAT Requirements

Not required. The admissions committee will not see any scores that are submitted.
Please note that international applicants may still be required to submit TOEFL/IELTS scores.

Application Deadlines

International applicants: Dec. 15, 10 p.m. MT
U.S. applicants: Jan. 3, 10 p.m. MT

For program details, review the course catalog for the PhD in philosophy.

Research Areas

Ancient, Medieval and Modern History of Philosophy
Metaphysics
Epistemology
The Philosophy of Science
Meta-Ethics
Normative Theory
Political Philosophy
Practical Ethics

Learn More About Research Areas at CU Boulder

Funding Opportunities

We understand funding opportunities play a major role in helping you to decide whether a program is right for you. At CU Boulder, PhD students are supported through research and teaching assistantships. Students are also encouraged to apply for their own sources of funding.

Explore General Funding Explore Department-Specific Funding

Graduate Student Resources

Student success is best met with holistic support and resources. CU Boulder offers robust resources, programming and opportunities to help students establish meaningful connections, adjust to graduate student life and find assistance when they need it. Whether it’s academic, social, or health and wellness support, the university provides an array of resources to meet the diverse needs of our students.

Graduate Student Organizations