MA Philosophy at University of California, Los Angeles

Programme overview

The aim of the graduate program is to produce philosophers of high quality. A graduate degree in philosophy is the usual path to becoming a professional academic philosopher, but the skills attained in the study and practice of philosophy are highly transferable and sought after by enlightened employers across the globe. The focus of the department’s graduate training is original philosophical research, and the PhD program culminates in the production of a long written document (the dissertation).

Faculty: College of Letters and Science | Department: Philosophy | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall | Location: Los Angeles, CA, United States

What you will study

Areas of study: Consult the department. For the M.A. degree, students must complete, with grades of B or better, at least nine upper division or graduate courses (36 units), excluding Philosophy 199, of which five courses (20 units) must be in the Philosophy 200 series, numbered between 200A and 290. The total course requirement must include Philosophy 200A-200B-200C and one designated course in logic or similar technical subject. Students should consult the Manual for Graduate Students in Philosophy for the list of designated courses. Courses in the 500 series may not be applied toward the course requirements for the M.A.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Application deadline: December 01, 2026. GRE: Not required. Scores will not be considered in the admissions process if submitted. Letters of recommendation: 3, on the official forms. In addition to the University's minimum requirements and those listed above, all applicants are expected to submit a writing sample with all identifying information removed, and a statement of purpose. Applicants expecting to be out of town during March or the first half of April should provide a telephone number (or numbers) where they may be reached. Philosophy, Ph.D./Law, J.D. The Philosophy department and the School of Law offer a concurrent degree program whereby students may pursue the Doctor of Philosophy and the Juris Doctor degrees at the same time.

Most graduate departments and schools have deadlines in November and early December for the following fall term.

Graduate application fee: $135 for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, $155 for all other applicants, $200 for the Global Executive MBA for Asia Pacific, Master of Financial Engineering and MS in Business Analytics; nonrefundable, paid by card with the online Application for Graduate Admission.

Executive MBA: rolling admission for fall entry; Round 1 December 1, 2026, Round 2 February 1, 2027, Round 3 May 1, 2027; application fee $200.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.ucla.edu/admissions/steps-to-apply/

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