Apply to Graduate School

The Graduate School coordinates online applications to our master's and doctoral programs. There may be supporting materials that are required along with your online application for graduate admission, so be sure to review the degree requirements before you apply.

You will need to submit the following with your application:

• Names and contact information for at least three people familiar with your work, and who have agreed to write a letter of recommendation for you. The Graduate School will contact them and ask them to submit their letters electronically directly to USC.
• Transcripts from any post-secondary institution where you have done academic work. (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application purposes. Official transcripts are required upon joining the program.)
• GRE scores are now optional. 
• If your native language is not English you'll be required to submit a satisfactory score on the TOEFL or the IELTS Intl. Academic Course Type 2 exam.
• A statement of purpose discussing your reasons for applying to our program and what you hope to get out of the program.
• One sample of written work.

Note:

1: GRE Scores are now optional.

2: The Graduate School has waived all application fees for the current application cycle.

3: All students admitted to the PhD program are offered funding in the form of a Graduate Assistantship, which includes a stipend and a full tuition waiver. In addition, some funded MA positions are available. All applicants who submit an application by January 15 will automatically be considered for funding.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Expand allWhen will applications be reviewed? 

The review of applications will begin after the January 15 deadline. Although it is not possible to specify an exact date by which applicants will learn whether they have been accepted, a decision should be made by the end of February.

Can I apply for the Ph.D. program if I only have an B.A.?

Yes! Although the degree requirements differ for students who enter the Ph.D. program without an M.A. in Philosophy, you are not required to have an M.A. in order to apply for the Ph.D. program.

Do I need to secure an advisor in order to be considered for admission?

No, you are not expected to reach out to members of the department in advance. If admitted to the program, we will encourage you to communicate with faculty members with whom you are interested in working.

Are there any online resources to help me with my application?

Yes, we recommend visiting here and here for some helpful information about applying to Graduate School in Philosophy.

Apply for Undergraduate Admission

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions manages online applications to the university and provides the most comprehensive information on the application process. The admissions office also provides the latest information on application deadlines and university scholarships for S.C. residents and nonresidents. So whether you are applying as a freshman, are looking to transfer to South Carolina or are planning to come to Columbia from another UofSC campus, you can check the requirements based on your current status and apply now.

 

 

Awards and Scholarships

We believe in recognizing outstanding achievement and we offer a number of awards to philosophy students at the undergraduate and graduate level. In addition, the university offers an array of scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

For more information about why you might want to apply to our graduate program, see this flyer!