Philosophy (Applied Philosophy) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

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Hagey Hall Hub located on Waterloo's main campus

Learn to integrate theoretical philosophical training with practical problems with the PhD in Applied Philosophy program.

You’ll engage with and reflect on real, practical situations and problems rather than on detailed engagement with current professional philosophical literature. Completion of an eight-month applied research placement at a host organization such as a non-profit, hospital, business or government agency will provide you with practical experience.  

With the skills you gain to think logically and abstractly about complex projects, you’ll be prepared for a successful career in academia, government, health care, business, charitable organizations, and beyond.

Program overview

Department/School: Philosophy
Faculty: Faculty of Arts
Admit term(s): Fall (September - December)
Delivery mode: On-campus
Program type: Doctoral, Research
Length of program: 48 months (full-time)
Registration option(s): Full-time, Part-time
Study option(s): Thesis

Application deadlines

  • February 1 (for admission in September)

Key contacts

Ashley Price
adprice@uwaterloo.ca

Supervisors

Admission requirements

  • The average required for admission to the PhD in Applied Philosophy program is 80%.
  • The typical background for Applied Philosophy PhD students is a Master of Arts (MA) in Philosophy.
  • Applicants with a Master’s in a related discipline are encouraged to apply. Depending on the amount of philosophy background, these applicants may be admitted to the PhD in Applied Philosophy program or may be admitted to the MA in Philosophy program. (A separate application to the MA program is not required.)

Degree requirements

Application materials

  • Supplementary information form (SIF)
    • Statements answering the questions below (at most 300 words for each answer):
      • Question 1: Please provide a brief statement of interest that outlines the areas of philosophy you hope to pursue in the program. Include an explanation of your interests in applied philosophy, and what kind of placement you hope to engage in.
      • Question 2: Please explain why the University of Waterloo's Department of Philosophy is a good place to pursue such a project, and why your background makes you well suited to pursue it successfully. Include any work or volunteer experience relevant to your interests in applied philosophy.
    • Review the writing your personal statement resources  for helpful tips and tricks on completing this form
  • Transcript(s)
    • From previous institutions.
    • At the time of applying, an unofficial transcript is fine; if and when a student is enrolled they will be asked to submit official copies.
  • Writing sample
    • A philosophy paper of around 2500 words is desirable; longer and shorter papers are acceptable too, but please don't send anything longer than 5,000 words.
  • References
    • Three academic references are required, one of which may be from a referee outside of academic philosophy
  • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable.

    • TOEFL 100 (writing 26, speaking 26), IELTS 7.5 (writing 7.0, speaking 7.0)

Tuition and fees