Philosophy and Literature


Supported Degree Objectives

  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Required Supporting Documents


English Proficiency Requirements


  • The following English proficiency minimum scores are required by this program for the tests listed below. To view additional English proficiency options accepted by this program and the Graduate School, visit the English Proficiency Requirements page.

TOEFL: Internet-Based Test (IBT): Minimum Overall Required Score: 100
Minimum section requirements:

  • Reading: 19
  • Listening: 14
  • Speaking: 18
  • Writing: 18

TOEFL: Essentials: Minimum Overall Required Score: 9
Minimum section requirements:

  • Reading: 8
  • Listening: 8
  • Speaking: 8
  • Writing: 8

Doctoral Degree Program Requirements


  • Cumulative Grade Point Average from most recently conferred undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree:
    • 3.4 or equivalent (A=4.0)
  • Master's Degree Completion

Application Deadlines


  • Fall* Spring* Summer*
    January 10 December 1 May 1 U.S. Citizen
    January 10 October 15 March 15 International

  • *The first round of admission and funding will begin after January 10. Complete your application by January 10.

Program Contact Information


  • Name Andrea Furrer
    Phone 765-494-7161
    Email furrera@purdue.edu
    Web Program Website
    Address Daniel W. Smith, Director
    Purdue University
    Beering Hall of Liberal Arts and Education
    100 North University Street
    West Lafayette, IN. 47907-2067
    USA

Additional Information


  • Applicants for the special Ph.D. programs in English and Philosophy are required to have a Master's Degree in either English, Philosophy or a foreign language for admission.
Purdue West Lafayette campus