Graduate Application Process

Application

The application deadline for guaranteed full consideration for admission in Fall 2026 is February 1, 2026. However, we continue to accept and review applications on a rolling basis until the process of forming the incoming class is complete (April 15, 2026). 

All application materials will be submitted (uploaded) into the Graduate Admission Application.

Advanced Opportunity Program (AOP) Fellowship

Please consider applying for the Advanced Opportunity Program Fellowship  (AOP), be aware that the Philosophy department must nominate applicants for this fellowship internally. If you decide to apply for the AOP, please inform the Chair of Admissions, Stan Husi (husi@uwm.edu) as soon as possible.  The Philosophy Department selects whom to nominate for this fellowship, among those who apply.  Accordingly, the Department sets an application deadline of January 4, 2026, in order to give time for the review of applications in advance of the deadline for departments to submit nominations. 

Note: Philosophy Department AOP applicants do not need to complete the “Dissertation/Abstract” part of the AOP application. If the application asks, please leave this section blank.

All application materials will be submitted (uploaded) into the Graduate Admission Application

Philosophy MA Program Application Requirements

  • Online application
  • $75 processing fee (unfortunately, the Department is unable to waive this fee).
  • Transcripts: All applicants, including UWM students, must upload transcripts from all academic institutions where a bachelor’s degree or above has been or will be earned. If you are admitted and enroll at UW-Milwaukee, you must submit an official transcript for your bachelor’s degree with the degree and date awarded. (Additional official transcripts may be required. The Graduate School will send additional instructions to you after the official admission decision has been made). UWM students will not have to submit their official, degree-bearing transcripts. 
  • Reasons Statement (For a description of this requirement, please see under “Additional Items” at https://uwm.edu/graduateschool/admission/).
  • GRE: The Philosophy Department no longer requires GRE scores as part of the application for the MA program.
  • Three letters of recommendation, preferably from academic instructors/advisors who know your academic work well. Applicants will provide the names and email addresses of the letter writers in the online application. We do not have forms for letter writers. Letters should be on official letterhead. Letter writers will receive an email with directions for uploading their letter.
  • Writing Sample (2500 – 7000 words).
  • Optional Document. Applicants may upload a CV or cover letter if they wish, but this is not required for the application.

International Students should contact UWM’s Center for International Education for additional admissions requirements / costs and should apply as early as possible because it takes more time to process international applications.

Plan ahead to be sure all materials are received on time.

Please visit the Graduate School’s Philosophy Program information to view the requirements for the MA in Philosophy.

For more information about UWM’s graduate school’s application requirements, please visit the UWM Graduate Admissions website. 

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