Applicants to any graduate program in philosophy should consult the American Philosophy Association's Data on Philosophy as a Profession for valuable information.

Application deadlines for the UIC graduate program in philosophy are January 1 for those who wish to be considered for a fellowship, and February 1 for applicants who wish to be considered for a teaching assistantship only. (Because the postal system slows down and becomes more error-prone around Christmas and New Year's Eve, you should, if possible, send your application before the holiday season.)

Students with a background in philosophy who have not majored in philosophy may apply to the UIC graduate program in philosophy. A minimum grade point average of 3.00 (A=4.00) is usually required.

For information on our faculty go to Faculty. For information on our graduate program, go to Graduate Program. You can also download the Graduate Brochure (a .pdf file).

To apply, you need to submit the nine items listed below. Item one may now be submitted online. Items two through five should be mailed to the office of admissions and records:

University of Illinois at Chicago
Office of Admissions and Records (MC 018)
Box 5220
Chicago, IL 60680-5220

Valerie Brown, Graduate Secretary
University of Illinois at Chicago
Department of Philosophy (MC 267)
601 South Morgan Street, 1421 UH
Chicago, IL 60607-7114

1. Graduate Admission Application form. Both forms and directions to the online application may be found at the UIC Graduate College/ Application Forms site. You may print the form, submit the form online, or request that it be mailed to you. If you want a copy of your Graduate Application form for your own records, be sure to print out a copy before you hit "Submit".
2. Official Transcripts from all the post-secondary institutions you have attended (other than UIC). These transcripts should be sent directly to the above address by the institutions you have attended. Official copies sent by you are acceptable provided the sealed envelope carries the official stamp of your institution over the seal. International applicants should arrange to provide both original transcripts and translations meeting the conditions described in the Graduate Admission Application.
3. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Scores, if English is not your first language. For information see toefl.org. Or write to the Educational Testing Service, Box 955 Princeton, New Jersey 08540. Your college placement office may also have information concerning the TOEFL.
4. Application Fee, as described in the Graduate Admission Application.
5. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores. If you have not yet taken the GRE, you should arrange to do so as soon as you can. You can obtain information at the GRE web site. Or write to the Educational Testing Service, Box 955 Princeton, New Jersey 08540. Your college placement office may also have information concerning the GRE.
6. Application for Graduate Appointment, if you are applying for financial aid. This form is available online; just click here.
7. Personal Statement, of no more than 300 words, explaining your background and interests in philosophy.
8. Writing Sample that demonstrates your capacity for philosophical work, such as an essay you have written for a philosophy course.
9. Letters of Recommendation (three or more) sent directly to us from people familiar with your past academic work and your potential for graduate study in philosophy. Letters from your undergraduate (or graduate) philosophy professors are usually most valuable, but letters from anyone else who is in a position to evaluate your capacity for academic work may also be sent. It is not necessary to use the "UIC Letter of Recommendation" form, and in any case recommenders should write detailed prose documents of about one page.

If you have any questions at all about the application and admission process, please e-mail Valerie Brown, write to her at the above address, or phone her at (312) 996-3023. If Ms. Brown is not available when you telephone, you may ask to speak to Ms. Charlotte Jackson, the Philosophy Department Administrative Assistant. You may also contact Daniel Sutherland, the Philosophy Admissions Officer.