How to Apply
IMPORTANT: Beginning Spring 2015 all applications to the Department of Philosophy graduate program must be submitted via the UNM online application. All supplementary materials including the statement of purpose/letter of intent, scholastic resume (CV), writing sample, and at least three letters of recommendation must be uploaded via the online application. Please keep in mind that once you hit submit at the end of the online application you will not be able to go back and upload the these materials. However, once your online application has been submitted you may log back in to check on the status of your official transcripts, official GRE scores and send reminder prompts to your letter writers.
One may apply directly to the Ph.D. program without an M.A. in philosophy. Applicants who are not admitted to the Ph.D. program and who do not already have an M.A. in philosophy will automatically be considered for admission to the M.A. program.
Application Process
1. To begin your application, visit this link. (Please be sure to select 'graduate application.') If you are submitting a paper application, include a photocopy of the application with the materials being sent to the department. (Note: If you do not pay the $50.00 non-refundable application fee when you file the application online you will need to mail a check to the UNM Admissions Department at UNM Admissions PO Box 4849, Albuquerque NM 87196-4849. You may also pay by credit card by calling the Bursars office at 505-277-5363.)
1a. Materials required by the Office of International Admissions (applicable only to international applicants) include:
i. Application (Our major code is PHIL)
ii. Residency Information form (paper application only)
iii. Application Fee ($50.00, non-refundable)
2. Official Transcripts: one set is required from each institution you have attended. International Applicants should send their transcripts directly to the Office of International Admissions at:
The University of New Mexico
Office of International Admissions
1 University of New Mexico
MSC06 3850
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
Questions regarding international admissions (including those regarding the TOEFL requirement) should be addressed to the Global Studies Office/ Office of International Admissions:
Website: https://geo.unm.edu/admission/
email: geo@unm.edu
All other transcripts must be mailed to the UNM Office of Admissions at:
The University of New Mexico
Office of Admissions
P.O. Box 4895
Albuquerque, NM 87196-4895
3. In addition to the above materials, The Department of Philosophy also requires the following be uploaded to the online application (be sure to attach documents before submitting your application).
- A Statement of Purpose/Letter of Intent in which you briefly describe the areas of philosophy, philosophical problems, and/or philosophers you wish to study.
- A scholastic resumé (CV) indicating schools attended, degrees in progress and degrees received, and current contact information (address, phone and e-mail address).
- A writing sample of not more than 20 double-spaced, typed pages on a philosophical topic.
- A minimum of three letters of recommendation.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are optional. The candidate may submit them if they wish. The School/Institution Code is 4845 and the Department code is 2801.
Any questions regarding the application process may be sent to thinker@unm.edu (or we may be reached at 505-277-2405). Any questions about the philosophy program or department strengths should be referred to the Graduate Director via email at pmliving@unm.edu
Application Deadlines
The Department of Philosophy assures consideration of applicants who meet the following deadlines:
| Semester Admitted | MA Program | Ph.D. Program |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | February 1 | January 5 |
| Spring | November 1 | No Spring admission |
Contact: thinker@unm.edu
Phone: (505) 277-2405
Fax: (505) 277-6362
Or by mail:
Department of Philosophy
MSC 03 2140
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
Screening of Applicants
All application documents are reviewed carefully by a departmental committee of at least three, but sometimes as many as six or seven, faculty members. The writing sample, academic record, and letters of recommendation are as important as the GRE scores. For the M.A., we are especially interested in candidates who have the potential to go on to the Ph.D. (at UNM or elsewhere). For the Ph.D., we are particularly interested in candidates whose interests match our strengths and who we think have the potential to be strong candidates for teaching positions when they graduate. Since we only admit students to the Ph.D. for whom we can provide financial aid, and since financial resources tend to be limited, admission to the Ph.D. program can be highly selective. Admission to the M.A. program, since it does not hinge on financial aid, is competitive but not as selective as for the Ph.D.
The UNM Department of Philosophy takes affirmative action factors into consideration in making admission decisions.
