Cornell University

Graduate SchoolGraduate School

Graduate SchoolFields of Study

Philosophy Ph.D. (Ithaca)

Field of Study

Philosophy

Program Description

The Ph.D. program is designed to be completed in no more than six and one-half years. Accordingly, students in the program are normally guaranteed full financial support for six and one-half years.

The Sage School does not offer a terminal master's degree. For detailed information on the Graduate Program in Philosophy, please visit the Sage School of Philosophy Web site.

Contact Information

Website: http://philosophy.cornell.edu/graduate
Email: philosophy@cornell.edu
Phone: 607 255-3687

218 Goldwin Smith Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY  14853

Concentrations by Subject

  • philosophy

Tuition

Visit the Graduate School's Tuition Rates page.

Application Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadlines:

Fall: January 6; no spring admission

Requirements Summary:

Submit the following to the Graduate School via the online application:

  • Biographical information
  • Academic information (including unofficial transcripts)
  • English Language Proficiency Requirement for all applicants 
  • Recommender information, including email address
  • Three to five letters of recommendation; total of five letters of recommendation will be accepted (submit all online), but only three are required
  • Financial support information, if needed for international applicants
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume or C.V.
  • Writing sample in philosophy (no longer than 30 pages)
  • Application fee (Note: Fee waiver request available at the end of the application
  • Note: GRE test scores not accepted for application to this program.

Learning Outcomes

The successful graduate student in our program will know how to “do philosophy” as the discipline is currently practiced in the Anglo-American tradition.  This involves, among other things, being able to:

(1) Think clearly and creatively about fundamental concepts.

(2) Generate original arguments about topics of philosophical significance

(3) Write in a clear and logically-perspicuous fashion, and

(4) Reconstruct and evaluate the philosophical arguments of others.

(5) In addition, students will be competent in the history of philosophy and in philosophical and/or mathematical logic. 

(6) Finally, students will be accomplished classroom teachers and seminar leaders.