School Overviews
Students who want to pursue advanced studies in philosophy can find master's and doctorate programs, as well as dual degree options. The best schools combine good national ranks, with diverse offerings and real world opportunities.
Several top schools offer graduate degrees in philosophy. Three schools on the east coast offer particularly notable programs. Each was nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report for 2017.
1. New York University in New York
New York University's graduate program is known for its courses in logic, metaphysics, moral and political philosophy, philosophy of mathematics, philosophy of mind and epistemology. NYU's Department of Philosophy offers programs awarding Master of Arts (M.A.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees.
The department also offers dual-degree programs in law and philosophy, and medicine and philosophy.
NYU was ranked #36 among national universities by U.S. News and World Report for 2017.
The New York Institute of Philosophy funds major research projects, conferences, workshops, and public lectures available to students.
2. Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ
Rutgers University offers a 5-year Ph.D. program that provides students with knowledge of the major areas of philosophy. The philosophy program director is editor-in-chief of two leading philosophy of law journals.
The program is designed to help students develop their skills in logic and critical thinking, preparing them for jobs in academia, research and writing. There is also an MA in Legal Philosophy available.
The school was ranked #70 for 2017 among all universities in the country by U.S. News and World Report.
3. Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island
At Brown University, master's degrees are only awarded in progress to a Ph.D. Students spend two years on coursework and the third year on literature reviews before beginning to write a dissertation in the fourth year. Teaching is also required in the second and fourth years.
Financial support is guaranteed for five years, although a sixth year of funding may be possible.
U.S. News and World Report ranked Brown #14 among national universities for 2017.
Top Philosophy Graduate Programs
Graduate schools in philosophy are also provided by these top-notch universities:
| School Name | Distinction | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia University | Philosophy department publishes the Journal of Philosophy | New York, NY |
| Harvard University | Grad students can pursue a Juris Doctor (J.D.) and a Ph.D. in Philosophy simultaneously | Cambridge, MA |
| Princeton University | Philosophy department hosts the Women in Philosophy workshop | Princeton, NJ |
| University of Arizona in Tucson | Philosophy department runs the Center for the Philosophy of Freedom, which sponsors research, education and community outreach | Tucson, AZ |
| University of Chicago | Philosophy department operates the Elucidations podcast, featuring philosophers speaking about their work and expertise | Chicago, IL |
| University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | University offers graduate study in ancient philosophy, a collaborative effort between the philosophy and classical studies departments | Ann Arbor, MI |
| University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill | The Chapel Hill Colloquium welcomes philosophers to enjoy three days of papers and discussion every fall | Chapel Hill, NC |
| University of Pittsburgh | Campus includes the Center for Philosophy of Science | Pittsburgh, PA |
| University of Southern California | Students have access to the campus' Hoose Philosophy Library | Los Angeles, CA |
For students who want advanced education in philosophy, graduate level programs are available through highly ranked universities. Many schools also offer enrichment opportunities, like philosophy publications and speaker series.
