The Department of Philosophy offers two separate graduate degree programs leading to the Ph.D. degree and the terminal M.A. degree respectively. Through our Coterminal degree program, Stanford students can earn an M.A. in philosophy while earning their B.A. or B.S.

As part of Stanford University, graduate students will enjoy access to the varied resources of one of the premier educational institutions in the world: from our extensive library system to the wide-range of research projects being pursued in various parts of the campus. The department has a tradition of interdisciplinary research and works closely with a variety of departments and programs across the breadth of Stanford University. Our graduate students regularly take classes, and sometimes earn degrees, in other departments or programs including the J.D. from the Stanford Law School.

Our program also has an international flavor. We welcome applications from international students and many of our current graduate students are from around the world. Two of our faculty spend one quarter here and the rest of the year abroad: Professor Dagfinn Follesdal from Norway and Professor Johan Van Benthem from the Netherlands. In addition we regularly have international visitors.

In addition to the general resources provided by an elite research institution like Stanford, the department has excellent resources for graduate students. We have our own Tanner Library that provides both quick access to journals and books but also serves as a quite place to study. Graduate students who are teaching receive office space.

Finally, Stanford has an attractive campus situated in the middle of the Bay Area. We are 45 minutes away from San Francisco to the north and San Jose to the south. San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and one of the most diverse. The geography and weather of the Bay Area, and the nearby Pacific coast, provide many resources to those who want to be out in nature or just enjoy a stunning view.

PLEASE NOTE: The department offices will be closed for the last 2 weeks of December. Any mail or email sent during this time will be received in January.