MA Philosophy at University of California, Santa Cruz

Programme overview

The Philosophy MA is open to philosophy majors and to applicants from other disciplines with a significant philosophy background. It is designed to be completed in one to two years, or one year on the Contiguous Bachelor's/Master's pathway. M.A. students take the same classes as PhD students.

Faculty: Humanities Division | Department: Philosophy | Duration: 1 to 2 years; 9 graduate seminars, 45 credits | Study mode: full-time | Location: Santa Cruz, CA, United States

What you will study

First-year students complete six courses: three mandatory seminars (metaphysics/epistemology, history of philosophy, moral philosophy) and three electives, pass a logic competency exam with B or better, and attend the graduate colloquia course. Second-year students take three more seminars and submit a capstone paper of the 45-credit programme, normally defended before two faculty.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

UC Santa Cruz graduate admission: bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited university awarded before the entry quarter, a B average or better in the last two years of undergraduate coursework, and demonstrated English proficiency. Applicants whose first language is not English: TOEFL iBT minimum 83 (4.0 on the 2026 scale) or IELTS Academic overall 7; waiver may be requested by applicants with a four-year bachelor's degree from an English-speaking institution. GRE General and Subject tests not required. Transcripts and three letters of recommendation (up to five accepted). Programme materials: curriculum vitae, writing sample of 4,000-6,000 words, Statement of purpose and personal history statement. Application deadline: January 5 (Philosophy MA/PhD). Application fee $135 domestic, $155 international.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,722 a year (2026-27). California resident graduate tuition; excludes Student Services Fee, campus fees and health insurance Source

International applicants: USD 15,102 a year (2026-27). Nonresident Supplemental Tuition, charged in addition to the 13,722 tuition for non-California residents and international students Source

Duration: 1 to 2 years; 9 graduate seminars, 45 credits

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