Philosophy

The Department of Philosophy offers M.A. and Ph.D. programs. These programs provide a strong emphasis on the history of philosophy (ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary) and a special focus on Continental philosophy from Kant to the present. Faculty also teach and conduct research in metaphysics, philosophy of science, philosophy of religion, ethics, aesthetics, and social and political philosophy. Students have considerable flexibility in designing programs of study and have access to the resources of Political Science, Theology, and other departments. If a desired course is not offered, it may be possible to arrange a Readings and Research course on the desired topic (please consult with the appropriate professor if you wish to do so). The department also participates in a Joint M.A. Program in Philosophy and Theology, a Law and Philosophy Dual Degree Program, and an M.A. program in Philosophy, Law, and Policy (see below).

Admission to the doctoral program is highly selective (about five admitted each year from over 150 applicants). Doctoral studies are funded for five years in the form of tuition remission, Research Assistantship and Teaching Fellowship, and a University Fellowship in the last year for the writing of the dissertation free of any other duty. Doctoral students are expected to pursue the degree on a full-time basis and to maintain satisfactory progress toward the completion of degree requirements.

The M.A. program may be taken on a full-time (two years) or part-time basis (five years maximum). Financial aid and tuition remission are not normally available for students seeking the M.A.

All applicants are strongly encouraged to submit the results of the Graduate Record Examination. Students who speak a native language other than English must provide evidence of English proficiency. A score of 100 or higher on the TOEFL iBT test or 7.0 or higher on the IELTS test is required. TOEFL and IELTS scores are considered valid from exams taken a maximum of two years prior to application program deadlines.

For more information on the programs, please consult our website at bc.edu/philosophy.

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