Philosophy

The Philosophy program at the University of California offers students an in-depth exploration of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and reason. This comprehensive curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of the historical and contemporary debates that shape philosophical discourse. Students have the opportunity to study a wide range of topics, including metaphysics, epistemology, logic, ethics, philosophy of mind, and political philosophy, among others. The program emphasizes rigorous argumentation and precise analysis, equipping graduates with the intellectual tools necessary for diverse careers in academia, law, public policy, education, and beyond. Throughout their studies, students engage with primary philosophical texts, participate in lively discussions, and develop their own perspectives on complex philosophical problems. The program also encourages interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from science, literature, and social sciences to enrich philosophical understanding. Faculty members at UC are renowned scholars dedicated to mentoring students and fostering a vibrant intellectual community. The curriculum offers flexibility, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests, whether they aim to pursue graduate study or enter the workforce directly. In addition to coursework, students have access to seminars, workshops, and research opportunities that deepen their engagement with philosophical inquiry. Graduation from the UC Philosophy program prepares students to think critically, communicate effectively, and approach complex issues with analytical rigor, making them valuable contributors in a variety of professional fields.

Requirements in the First Year

During their first year, all graduate students are expected to fulfill a set of breadth requirements. These requirements are designed to provide both a common experience on which students can build their individual projects and a shared framework within which they can exchange ideas. Six courses, to be completed in the first year, are required of every graduate student in philosophy. These six core courses will constitute the bare minimum required for the M.A. or Ph.D.

This minimal core set of courses will consist of (i) three graduate seminars, designated by the department each year as mandatory for every first year student, and (ii) three electives (any three graduate seminars in philosophy). Of the three required seminars, one will be in metaphysics/epistemology, one in the history of philosophy, and one in moral philosophy.

No courses labeled Philosophy 294 or higher will satisfy any of these minimum core requirements. This restriction is redundant for 299 (since that course is open only to students who have advanced to candidacy). The point of this restriction is to limit the use of independent studies, reading groups or student seminars for graduate seminar credit.

During their first year of study all students must pass a logic competency examination with a grade of B or better. This examination will cover material typically taught in a first course in formal logic.

To facilitate the professionalization of students in the exchange and development of academic knowledge and skills, all first- and second-year doctoral students will be required to enroll in Philosophy 280 and 281.

Philosophy 280, Graduate Colloquia Course, provides preparation for and requires attendance at all department-sponsored colloquia and works-in-progress presentations each quarter.

Philosophy 281, The Pedagogy of Philosophy, provides training in university-level teaching in general and in the pedagogy of philosophy specifically. It meets during the fall quarter only.

The Ph.D. program provides students with closely monitored training in philosophy. The program is designed to be completed in six years or less. Graduate work in philosophy can lead to careers both inside and outside academia. Because most doctoral students will be preparing for a career that involves teaching philosophy, they are encouraged to be teaching assistants for at least three quarters.

Courses. A minimum of 12 graduate courses. Up to two courses may be taken from the offerings of other departments, and up to two courses may be independent studies.

Language requirement. The foreign language will be individually determined based on the relevance of such linguistic skills to the research interests of the student. Proficiency can be demonstrated either by passing a written examination administered by the department or by successfully completing a language course approved by the graduate committee.

Qualifying examination and Research Seminar. The qualifying examination, normally taken during the third year of enrollment, is centered on a qualifying essay that demonstrates the candidate's ability to do extended, dissertation-level research and analysis relevant to the proposed thesis topic and dissertation plan. The examination focuses on the student's research project and on the fields of scholarship it presupposes.

Near the end of the required coursework, doctoral students will develop a research project resulting in a substantial paper. The paper is required to enroll in the research seminar, Philosophy 270, which must be completed during or before winter quarter of the third year. The seminar will allow students to make substantial progress on a qualifying essay and cultivate their ability to assess and provide critical feedback on another author’s philosophical work. Philosophy 270 is only offered in winter quarter, and will normally be taken in the third year, though with permission of the instructor, it may be be taken earlier than the third year. It is optional for M.A. students.

Prospectus. Within one year of passing the qualifying examination, i.e. usually during the fourth year, doctoral students will submit and defend a dissertation prospectus, consisting of some written foundation and a plan for completion of the dissertation. The committee for the prospectus defense is normally the dissertation committee.

Dissertation. The final requirement for the Ph.D. degree is a dissertation representing a contribution to philosophical research.

Requirements

• Transcripts. You may upload a scanned copy of your unofficial transcripts to your online application, or send official copies to the Graduate Application Processing address
• Statement of Purpose. Recommended length is a concise 2-4 pages, single-spaced.
• The Personal History Statement is required of all applicants.This statement will be used in conjunction with your application for graduate admission and financial support. Please note that the Personal History Statement should not duplicate the Statement of Purpose.
• A résumé is required for some applications and optional for others.
• All recommendation letters are required to be submitted electronically through the online application.  You must register a minimum of three recommenders, and as many as five, via the Recommendations page of the online application.
• The application fee for the 2016-17 academic year is $105 for domestic applicants and $125 for international applicants. This fee can be paid by credit card or e-check (the e-check option is only available if you have a U.S. bank account). 
• Official GRE scores must be sent from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to UC Santa Cruz, School Code 4860 (no department code necessary).  Official scores must be received prior to the application deadline.
• If you are a non-native English speaker you will be required to take an English language competency exam.  UC Santa Cruz accepts the TOEFL or IELTS test.  Official scores must also be sent from the testing service to UC Santa Cruz, School Code 4860

Scholarships

• Regents Fellowships. A limited number of these fellowships are awarded to first-year graduate students in master's and doctoral programs. These awards provide a stipend and/or payment of university fees except non-resident tuition.
• Global Education

The University of California offers a comprehensive Philosophy program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and reasoning. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and a broad perspective on both historical and contemporary philosophical debates. Students enrolled in this program engage with a wide range of philosophical texts from ancient to modern thinkers, including Aristotle, Kant, Nietzsche, and contemporary philosophers. The curriculum is carefully structured to include courses in logic, ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and the history of philosophy, allowing students to develop a well-rounded understanding of the discipline.

The program aims to cultivate skills that are applicable across many fields, including law, politics, education, and technology, by encouraging rigorous analysis and articulate expression of complex ideas. Students have opportunities to participate in seminars, research projects, and discussions that foster intellectual growth and debate. The faculty members are distinguished scholars known for their research contributions and dedication to teaching, providing mentorship that supports students' academic and professional development.

Graduate students can pursue advanced research through Master's and Ph.D. programs, contributing original scholarship to the philosophy community. The university also promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing philosophy students to explore intersections with cognitive science, artificial intelligence, history, and other relevant fields. Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers in academia, government, private sector policy analysis, and education. Overall, the Philosophy program at the University of California is committed to fostering critical inquiry, ethical insight, and a global perspective, preparing students to engage thoughtfully with complex issues in an increasingly interconnected world.