Overview

The Philosophy programme at Western Michigan University is recognised as one of the premier graduate courses in the United States according to the Philosophical Gourmet Report. This Master of Arts degree provides students with a sophisticated environment to explore complex theoretical frameworks and practical applications. By fostering critical thinking and research skills, the curriculum prepares graduates for the highest levels of academic and professional success.

Why Philosophy at Western Michigan University?

The department maintains an exceptional reputation for student outcomes, with graduates consistently securing places at world-renowned doctoral programmes and top-tier law schools. Students benefit from a highly flexible curriculum that allows for personalised academic paths across various philosophical traditions. The university also provides significant opportunities for independent study and direct collaboration on faculty research projects.

A distinctive feature of this department is its commitment to student support, with a strong history of providing graduate assistantships to enrolled students. These roles offer valuable professional experience, allowing first-year students to lead discussion sections and second-year students to teach their own courses. This practical teaching experience is paired with a vibrant intellectual community and access to diverse research centres.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 15620 per year
National fee: USD 15620 per year
Local fee: USD 10414 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured around three primary concentrations, allowing students to specialise in their areas of interest. Modules may include:

Metaphysics
Philosophy of Mind
Epistemology
Theoretical & Practical Ethics
Philosophy of Science
Medical Humanities
Research

Careers with Philosophy

Graduates of this programme are exceptionally well-prepared for further academic study or professional careers in law and ethics. Many alumni have successfully transitioned into Ph.D. programmes at prestigious institutions such as Rutgers, Stanford, Berkeley, and the University of Michigan. The analytical rigour of the course also serves as an ideal bridge to legal education, with former students gaining admission to elite law schools across the country.

Beyond academia and law, the skills developed during the programme are highly transferable to roles requiring complex problem-solving and ethical analysis. Graduates are equipped to enter various sectors where critical reasoning and clear communication are valued, including policy development, healthcare ethics, and high-level consultancy.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Aesthetics

Philosophical Applications of Symbolic Logic

Philosophy of Mind

Philosophy of Language and Logic

Metaphysics

Philosophy of Religion

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00

More details

We will consider applications on a rolling basis until April 15.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Kalamazoo, United States

Disciplines

Philosophy View 224 other Masters in Philosophy in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Copy of passport identification page

Proof of English language proficiency

Transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended or are attending, including diplomas, examination results, mark sheets and certificates

$100 non-refundable application fee

Proof of sufficient funds for the first academic year of study at WMU according to estimated cost of attendance

This program requires the General GRE.

This program requires three recommendations

Written statement

Previous written work

Completed a minimum of 12 semester hours of undergraduate work in philosophy, including: (a) a course in the history of modern philosophy, and (b) a course in symbolic logic.

Achieved a 3.0 or above overall grade point average in the applicant's undergraduate philosophy courses

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

15620 USD / year

≈ 15620 USD / year
Out-of-State

15620 USD / year

≈ 15620 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

10414 USD / year

≈ 10414 USD / year

Additional Details

Local Summer: 2,386 International Summer: 3,579

Living costs

Kalamazoo

United States

1000 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Philosophy.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Kalamazoo

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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