MA Philosophy at University of Pittsburgh

Programme overview

The Department of Philosophy at the University of Pittsburgh runs a broad graduate programme oriented primarily toward the doctoral degree, alongside a smaller master's route for students who wish to pursue philosophy as a secondary degree to their primary study at the University. The department does not admit students for a terminal MA.

Faculty: Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences | Department: Department of Philosophy | Duration: Minimum two terms of full residence (24 credits) beyond the bachelor's degree; all requirements to be completed within four calendar years of initial registration | Location: Pittsburgh, PA, United States

What you will study

The MA requires area requirements in metaphysics/epistemology plus ethics or philosophy of science, at least two units of history (one ancient, one modern/nineteenth century), a logic requirement, a language requirement and at least 8 department courses (24 credits), of which at least 4 are at the 2000 or 3000 level, with a B or better.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

The department does not admit students directly to a terminal MA; the MA is available in special circumstances (for example as a secondary MA for students enrolled in a PhD programme in another Pitt department, or the Duquesne MA programme for Duquesne PhD students). The MA is conferred only with an overall QPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants to the department's graduate programme (PhD) apply through GradCAS by January 10 with a statement of purpose, transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a philosophical writing sample of about 20 to 25 pages and a $75 application fee. GRE scores are optional. International applicants: TOEFL minimum 90 (at least 22 in each section) or IELTS minimum 7.0 (at least 6.5 in each section).

Domestic applicants: USD 27,412 a year (2026-27). Pennsylvania-resident graduate tuition, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

International applicants: USD 49,272 a year (2026-27). Out-of-state (non-PA resident) graduate tuition, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

Entry terms (Fall, Spring, Summer) and deadlines are set by each school or department; the University's graduate catalog lists Fall, Spring and Summer terms for new graduate students.

Graduate and professional applications are made online to the school or department of intended study, with deadlines set by each school or department; official English-test results are required from applicants from countries where English is not the official language.

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