Philosophy

The Philosophy Program at Boston University offers students a comprehensive and rigorous exploration of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, logic, and the nature of reality. Designed for those who are curious about the underlying principles that shape human thought and society, the program provides a broad foundation in Western and non-Western philosophical traditions, while fostering critical thinking, analytical skills, and clear argumentation. Undergraduates can choose from a diverse array of courses covering areas such as metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of mind, ethics, political philosophy, philosophy of science, and aesthetics. Graduate students have opportunities for advanced research and specialization, guided by distinguished faculty members recognized for their scholarly contributions. The curriculum emphasizes both historical and contemporary philosophical issues, encouraging students to engage deeply with classic texts and current debates. Through seminars, discussion-based classes, and research projects, students develop the ability to analyze complex ideas, formulate well-reasoned arguments, and communicate philosophical concepts effectively. The program also supports interdisciplinary approaches, integrating philosophy with fields like cognitive science, law, history, and the arts. Students are encouraged to participate in seminars, conferences, and publication opportunities, preparing them for careers in academia, law, public policy, business, or other fields that benefit from strong analytical and ethical reasoning skills. The Philosophy Program at Boston University aims to cultivate thoughtful, ethically aware individuals capable of contributing meaningfully to intellectual and societal progress.

Course Requirements

Coursework consists of eight courses (32 credits). Course requirements are as follows:

• At least five courses in philosophy, one of which may be a language course.
• Logic Proficiency: Every student must demonstrate competence in logic by (1) passing one of the following courses with a B+ or higher, or (2) passing a logic examination, administered by the department, that assumes the knowledge provided by GRS PH 633 Symbolic Logic.
  • GRS PH 633 Symbolic Logic
  • GRS PH 661 Mathematical Logic
  • GRS PH 662 Foundations of Mathematics
  • GRS PH 668 Philosophical Problems of Logic and Mathematics
  • GRS PH 674 Inductive Logic and Scientific Methodology
  • GRS PH 864 Philosophy of Logic

Concentration in the Philosophy of Science

Students must fulfill the general Master of Arts degree requirements of the Department of Philosophy. Students should consult with their advisors when selecting courses to fulfill the additional following requirements:

• GRS PH 687 Topics in the Philosophy of Science
• Two courses in the philosophy of a particular science
• An elective in the philosophy of science, philosophy of math, logic, epistemology, metaphysics, or history of the philosophy of science.

The student specializing in the philosophy of science will take the same total number of courses as any other philosophy MA student. 

Language Requirements

The foreign language requirement is contingent upon the nature of the MA thesis. Only if the student’s thesis director mandates it will the student be required to demonstrate competence in a foreign language. The standards for meeting this requirement will be determined by the thesis director.

Thesis

The master’s thesis consists of an investigation or study of a specific problem, theme, or area of philosophy; it is composed under the direction of a current member of the Department of Philosophy. Aimed at helping prepare the student to make contributions to philosophical discussion and debate, the thesis should take the form of a scholarly publication or monograph, not over 19,000 words, with adequate documentation and bibliography, as appropriate (these are included in the word limit). The thesis must be examined by two faculty members and defended at an oral examination before the same two professors. One of the professors will be the thesis director.

Requirements

• Application
• $95 Application fee
• Transcripts
• Three academic recommendations
• Official GRE General Test score report
• Personal statement/statement of purpose
• Scholarly writing sample
• TOEFL iBT 100 or IELTS 7.0.

Scholarships

• Global Education
• Merit-Based Aid
• University-Wide Merit Aid

The Philosophy program at Boston University offers students a comprehensive exploration of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, reason, and language. Through rigorous coursework, students develop critical thinking, logical analysis, and clear argumentation skills that are essential for various careers and academic pursuits. The program emphasizes both historical and contemporary philosophical issues, encouraging students to engage with classical texts as well as current debates in metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and philosophy of mind. Boston University provides a vibrant academic environment with access to distinguished faculty members renowned for their research and teaching excellence. Students can participate in seminars, workshops, and philosophical discussions that foster intellectual growth and a deeper understanding of philosophical concepts. In addition to classroom learning, the program offers opportunities for research, independent study, and internships, enabling students to apply philosophical theories to real-world contexts. The philosophy major prepares graduates for careers in law, education, public policy, business, technology, and academia, or for further graduate studies. The program also encourages interdisciplinary approaches, allowing students to combine philosophy with other fields such as political science, psychology, or religious studies. Boston University's commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that students are exposed to a wide range of perspectives, fostering open-mindedness and ethical awareness. Graduates of the program often pursue advanced degrees, contributing to scholarly research, or engaging in public discourse on ethical and philosophical issues impacting society. Overall, the Philosophy program at Boston University aims to cultivate thoughtful, analytical thinkers equipped to address complex questions and contribute meaningfully to intellectual and societal development.