Graduate study in philosophy at the University of Arkansas

FAQs:

        General program questions:

How long is the program?

        We have two programs. The MA program usually takes two years, with three additional years for the PhD.

Many schools offer a five-year combined MA/PhD program. Why keep the MA and PhD programs separate?

        Having two distinct programs is good for those who intend to complete a Master's degree and go on to another PhD program. It also benefits students who want an MA and are not yet sure they want a PhD. And students who already have an MA and come here do not need to start over; they can complete the PhD in three years, rather than five.

How is Arkansas's placement record?

        Click here for information.

What kinds of financial assistance are available?

        The main form of aid is a teaching assistantship, which provides a modest stipend as well as a tuition waiver. The department also has a very limited number of research assistantships (same stipend and waiver). In addition to this and external scholarships, the Graduate School offers a number of fellowships and employment opportunities. Click here for details.

How are teaching assistantships allocated?

        Each year a limited number of graduate teaching assistantships are offered, usually for the expected duration of the student's program of study (i.e., two years for MA students, three for PhD students). The assistantships are awarded on a competitive basis to those students who show the most promise of excellence in teaching philosophy.

Does successful completion of the MA guarantee me a seat in the PhD program?

        No, but students who have completed the Master's and done well in the program are generally accepted into the PhD program with departmental funding.

Do I have to reapply for admission if I want to stay on for the PhD after completing the MA?

        Yes, but see the previous answer. Also, the admission application fee you paid to apply to the MA program need not be paid again.

What if it takes me longer to finish my degree?

        The Graduate School requires that MA degrees be finished in six years, PhDs in seven. The department can sometimes extend funding beyond the periods cited above, but such decisions must be made on a case-by-case basis.

What are the program requirements?

        They are listed here.

Is philosophy the appropriate field for me?

        Students with little previous exposure to academic philosophy sometimes expect a course of study that is really more appropriate to some other field, like psychology, religious studies, or English literature. Our course descriptions should give the potential applicant some idea of what our department takes philosophy to be.

        Application questions:

What application materials do I need to send and where do I send them?

        Send letters of recommendation, writing sample, statement of purpose, and assistantship application (if desired) directly to the department; send admission application, fee, transcripts, and GRE scores (if available) to the U of A Graduate School. Links can be found here.

What are the application deadlines?

        We have rolling admissions, so there is no real deadline for application into one of our graduate programs. Applications for assistantships, however, need to be complete by March 25 prior to the fall for which the assistantship is sought.

Do I need a BA in philosophy for admission to the MA program?

        No, though it certainly helps. Students with a more extensive background in philosophy and/or related fields will have better chances of admission. The successful applicant usually has at least 18 undergraduate hours in philosophy, though sometimes students with fewer hours are admitted. Promising students with poor backgrounds are sometimes admitted "with deficiencies": admitted to the program but required to take more than the usual number of courses for the degree. Students with very little or no prior coursework in philosophy are encouraged to take several undergraduate courses before applying. 

Do I need an MA for admission to the PhD program?

        Yes. We do not offer a combined MA/PhD program. Students who are in the process of finishing a Masters at the time of application may be conditionally admitted.

Can I admitted directly to the PhD program with an MA in some other, related field?

        No. However, many students pursuing Master's degrees in closely related fields end up taking a fair amount of graduate level work in philosophy. Up to six hours of this may transfer.

What requirements does the Graduate School impose?

        Admission to the Graduate School and admission to a department's graduate program are distinct. U of A Graduate School requirements can be found here.

How do I convince the admissions committee that my work in related fields prepares me for graduate study in philosophy?

        You should submit a philosophy paper as a writing sample if at all possible. Nonphilosophy majors should indicate in their statement of purpose what kind of philosophical background they have.

Do all my materials have to be submitted simultaneously?

        No.

What should I say in my statement of purpose?

        You should briefly summarize the high points of your dossier and describe your philosophical interests. If you have a particular project you would like to pursue, you should discuss it. If your background is in some field other than philosophy, you might tell us about what formal training in philosophy you have had. If there is anything else in your file that requires clarification/explanation, this is the place to offer that. Autobiographies and discussions of self-taught material tend not to strengthen an application.

How should I have my letters of recommendation sent?

        It doesn't matter, so long as they are confidential. Your letter writers may send them directly to us.

I'm an international student. Where do I find out about English language tests and special application requirements?

        Here.

Are GRE scores necessary?

        No, but you are welcome to submit them if they are likely to strengthen your application.

How do I apply for financial aid?

        It depends on the kind of aid sought. Assistantship applications require a form to be sent to the Philosophy Department. Other sources of aid (e.g., U of A Graduate School, external scholarships) will need to be contacted directly.