Many of the students accepted into the M.A. program in philosophy have completed undergraduate philosophy majors or minors, though we also accept students with degrees in related areas and students with compelling interests or strong undergraduate backgrounds.

Normally, applicants should have an undergraduate grade-point average of B or better both overall and in philosophy courses. While having a background in philosophy is not necessary for admission, applicants are required to have completed three or more philosophy courses with a grade of B or higher to be considered for admission. Those who do not meet these requirements may apply for graduate special status and upon completion of three philosophy courses with the necessary GPA, may be considered for the M.A. program in philosophy. Applicants who wish to pursue this option should consult with the philosophy graduate director regarding the courses they need to complete.

We do not require GRE scores for admission into the program. However, such scores will be taken into consideration by the admissions committee if they are available.

The philosophy department has a two-part application to the MA. program:

Applicants for admission must meet the University of Nevada, Reno Graduate School's admission requirements. Applications to Graduate School are only accepted online. Be sure to indicate M.A. in Philosophy. Your official transcripts must be sent to the Graduate School.
In addition, please send the following directly to the Department of Philosophy:
Letter of Intent: a letter describing your interests and goals and explaining why you want to pursue your studies in our department. Be sure to indicate which program you are interested in - general philosophy or philosophy specializing in ethics, law and politics.
Writing Sample: sample of your recent writing in philosophy
References: three letters of recommendation, preferably from philosophy instructors, may be submitted through the Graduate School or sent to the Department of Philosophy.
If your record is unusual in some way and you feel as though you need additional supporting materials, we would like to consider them as well. Please send them directly to the philosophy department. If you have questions, please contact our Director of Graduate Studies, Benjamin Young.

TOEFL: 550 (paper) or 79 (internet)
IELTS: 6.5 (academic version)