1. Apply online.
2. Download an application form and mail it.
3. Request an application form by phone, (732) 932-9181, or e-mail the Graduate Program Administrator.

Financing
Our graduate students normally receive five years of financial support: three years of fellowship (during which no teaching is required), and two years of support as teaching assistants. Fellows and T.A.s qualify for health insurance and full tuition remission. (Applicants should note that there is a place on the application form to indicate that you are interested in receiving such financial aid.) Financial support beyond the fifth year is often available, but is not guaranteed. Given the requirements of the program, it is reasonable to expect to complete the Ph.D. in five years.

Housing
There is graduate student housing available through the University, within walking distance of the Philosophy department.

Cognitive Science Certifiacte
One can also obtain a cognitive science certificate while doing a philosophy Ph.D. at Rutgers. The decision to take the cog sci track can be made after coming to Rutgers.

Frequently Asked Questions about Applying to Rutgers for Graduate Work in Philosophy
Unfortunately, we do not have the staff available to answer the numerous requests we receive for private correspondence (email, telephone, or face-to-face meetings) about the Rutgers Ph.D. program in philosophy. But we have put together a list of answers to Frequently Asked Questions which we hope will be helpful to you. Most of the information you will need can be found on the department webpages. To find out more about graduate study in philosophy in general, you should speak to your undergraduate advisor or philosophy professors.

1. To how many Ph.D. programs should I apply?
   Answer: Since admission to the top philosophy programs is so competitive, it is usually to your advantage to apply to a wide range of programs.
2. When should I apply?
   Answer: Rutgers does not have rolling admissions, so you should apply any time before the deadline for applications. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have submitted a complete application by the deadline. If your application is incomplete by the deadline, your dossier will not be considered. Mailing with a tracking number or delivery confirmation is advised. Please do not call or email to inquire whether your application is complete.
3. What percentage of applicants is admitted?
   Answer: We admit roughly 2-3% of the nearly 300 applications received.
4. What are the average GRE scores and GPAs of admitted students?
   Answer: We don't have precise data on this question. On average GRE scores tend to be very high, around 96% or above, and GPAs tend to be 3.7 or above. But we have accepted students with GREs and GPAs that are significantly lower when other factors are taken into account. You should not be discouraged from applying solely on the grounds that your GREs or GPA is below these markers.
5. I've read the webpage listing the requirements for the Ph.D. What is the typical course of study over the 5-year period?
   Answer: You must begin your studies at Rutgers by fulfilling the coursework requirements, usually completed in the first 2-3 years. You must then pass a Proposal Defense in order to proceed to candidacy for the Ph.D. The Proposal Defense usually occurs in your third or fourth year.
6. Does taking the certificate in cognitive science extend the time it takes for me to get my Ph.D.?
   Answer: No. Students may achieve the cognitive science certificate while simultaneously working towards the Ph.D. as some courses count towards both. Please consult the appropriate link on the department webpage.
7. What kind of fellowship/teaching package can one typically expect to receive from Rutgers?
   Answer: Most admitted students receive a package consisting of three years of fellowship and two years of TA/GAship, plus five years of tuition remission. But some students have some funding from other sources. Most funding packages include health insurance.
8. What if it takes me longer than 5 years to complete my degree?
   Answer: We aim to have students complete their PhD in 5 years. But there has often been funding for one or even two years beyond that, for students who are progressing. We expect that most students who need it will be able to receive such funding in the future.
9. Is summer teaching available?
   Answer: Summer teaching is usually available for those who want it. The stipend for such courses varies depending on teaching experience.
10. Am I able to take classes in other departments for credit toward the Ph.D. in philosophy?
    Answer: It depends. This is determined on a case-by-case basis by the Graduate Director.
11. I am applying with a Masters in philosophy from another program. Will I get transfer credit for my Master's work?
    Answer: It depends. This is determined on a case-by-case basis by the Graduate Director.
12. What is the Ph.D. completion rate?
    Answer: Over the last 15 years approximately 85% of entering students have completed their degrees.
13. Who reviews my application?
    Answer: Applications are reviewed by a group of professors in the department.
14. How long does it take, on average, for graduates of the program to find a position?
    Answer: Most find a job the year they go out on the market. Please consult the webpage giving our placement record.
15. I applied but did not gain admission to the program. Can you tell me how I might improve my application for next year?
    Answer: Every application has different strengths and weaknesses, and we don't have the resources to review applications for specific requests of this sort. Some common reasons applications fail include insufficient background in philosophy, weak letters of recommendation, low GREs/GPA, and a writing sample that fails to demonstrate philosophical sophistication or genuine engagement with a philosophical issue. The strength of an application, however, is a function of many factors taken together, and no one factor is determinative.