$47,310 /Yr
Temple University Master of Arts [M.A] Philosophy is a 30-credit graduate program designed for thinkers pursuing advanced philosophical inquiry. The degree spans up to three years, offered in full-time or part-time modes. Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the program welcomes international students with a Bachelor’s degree and English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 minimum). Total program cost ranges from US$34,440 to US$47,310 (INR 32.72 Lakhs to INR 44.94 Lakhs). Applications open year-round; students typically begin in Fall or Spring intakes.
Temple’s philosophy faculty work across Anglo-American and European traditions, contemporary issues, and historical scholarship. The program trains graduates for academic careers, public-sector policy roles, non-profit leadership, and industry-adjacent fields. Graduates have secured positions in universities across the US, Europe, and Asia. The Center for the Humanities provides associate positions and grants to advanced students pursuing interdisciplinary research.
- Cohesive graduate community with 30-credit flexible structure enabling full-time employment or doctoral study simultaneously.
- Faculty mentorship across multiple philosophical traditions with access to center-funded research and professional development.
- Career pathways spanning academia, government, non-profits, and corporate ethics—not confined to teaching roles.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the Fall 2026 intake are Open. International student deadline: Rolling admissions—apply as early as possible to secure funding.
For Indian applicants, US consulate processing typically requires 1–3 weeks post-visa approval. Secure your I-20 document from Temple early to begin the F-1 visa timeline.
Also Check: Temple University Master of Arts Philosophy Admission
Temple University Master of Arts [M.A] Philosophy Fees and Living Costs 2026
The M.A. Philosophy program charges per-credit tuition with no distinction between domestic and international students at the graduate level. Full-time enrollment (9–12 credits/semester) or part-time (6 credits/semester) allows flexibility for working professionals and research-focused scholars.
| Fee Component | Amount (USD) | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Per Credit Hour (All Graduate Students) | US$1,148–$1,577 | INR 108,976–INR 149,815 |
| Total Program Tuition (30 Credits) | US$34,440–$47,310 | INR 32.72 Lakhs–INR 44.94 Lakhs |
| Application Fee (Non-Refundable) | US$60 | INR 5,700 |
| International Student Services Fee (Estimated Annual) | US$500–$800 | INR 47,500–INR 76,000 |
Source: Temple University Graduate Admissions, official tuition per credit as of June 2026.
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.0 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily; verify before applying.
- Cost includes tuition and core student services; health insurance (mandatory for international students) ranges US$1,500–$2,200/year additionally (INR 1.42–2.09 Lakhs/year).
- Part-time students (6 credits/semester) extend the program to 2–3 years, spreading costs across semesters and enabling part-time work income.
- Pennsylvania residency status does not apply to international graduate students; all pay the per-credit rate of US$1,577.
Cost of Living in Philadelphia for Master of Arts Philosophy Students
Philadelphia offers lower living costs than comparable US cities. On-campus housing and shared apartments keep monthly expenses predictable for graduate students balancing study and research.
| Expense Category | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) | Annual (USD) | Annual (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Apartment Rent | US$700–$850 | INR 66,500–INR 80,750 | US$8,400–$10,200 | INR 7.98 Lakhs–INR 9.69 Lakhs |
| Groceries and Dining (Off-Campus) | US$300–$400 | INR 28,500–INR 38,000 | US$3,600–$4,800 | INR 3.42 Lakhs–INR 4.56 Lakhs |
| Local Transportation (Bus/Subway Pass) | US$60–$80 | INR 5,700–INR 7,600 | US$720–$960 | INR 68,400–INR 91,200 |
| Books, Academic Supplies, and Tech | US$80–$150 | INR 7,600–INR 14,250 | US$960–$1,800 | INR 91,200–INR 1.71 Lakhs |
| Personal and Miscellaneous | US$100–$150 | INR 9,500–INR 14,250 | US$1,200–$1,800 | INR 1.14 Lakhs–INR 1.71 Lakhs |
| Total Monthly Estimate | US$1,240–$1,630 | INR 1.18 Lakhs–INR 1.55 Lakhs | US$14,880–$19,560 | INR 1.41 Lakhs–INR 1.86 Lakhs |
Cost Reality for Indian Students: Combined tuition and living costs for a 2-year full-time M.A. Philosophy range from INR 62–70 Lakhs. Scholarships can offset 20–40% of tuition. Plan for total expenses of INR 45–55 Lakhs if securing partial funding.
Temple University Master of Arts [M.A] Philosophy Admission 2026
Temple’s M.A. Philosophy program accepts students from all bachelor’s degree backgrounds. The department values intellectual curiosity, writing ability, and demonstrated interest in philosophical inquiry—not prior philosophy study. International applicants represent 25–30% of cohorts.
Academic Eligibility and Prerequisites
| Requirement | Minimum / Expected | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | Any field; 3.0+ GPA preferred | Transcripts must be evaluated by WES or NACES (3–4 week turnaround). Submit early. |
| Standardized Test (GRE) | Optional (waived for many applicants) | If submitting: 150+ Verbal, 145+ Quantitative typical for philosophy admits. |
| Work Experience | None required | Career-changers and recent graduates equally competitive. |
| Statement of Purpose | Required; 500–750 words | Articulate why philosophy matters to you. Avoid generic study-abroad rhetoric. |
| Letters of Recommendation | 2–3 required; preferably academic | Contact referees 4–6 weeks before deadline. Email works; institution letterhead not required. |
English Language Proficiency Requirements
All non-native English speakers must submit proof of English proficiency. Temple accepts multiple tests; no single test waives this requirement.
| Test | Overall Minimum | Component Minimums (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | Reading: 6.0, Writing: 6.0, Listening: 6.0, Speaking: 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 79 | Reading: 19, Writing: 18, Listening: 17, Speaking: 20 |
| PTE Academic | 53 | All sections minimum 50 |
| Duolingo English Test | 110 | All sections minimum 100 |
- IELTS 6.5 is achievable for most serious candidates with 8–12 weeks of focused preparation; Indian students average 6.8–7.0 on first attempts.
- TOEFL 79 is slightly easier than IELTS 6.5 if you struggle with the speaking section; prep timelines are similar.
- Duolingo is the fastest and cheapest option (1–2 weeks, US$49); some universities still view it as less rigorous than IELTS/TOEFL but Temple accepts it equally.
Temple University ranks #102 in the US (US News National Universities 2026), reflecting broad strength across liberal arts and graduate programs.
Tip for Indian Applicants: Your educational background matters less than your articulated intellectual interests. Philosophy cohorts are diverse; prior philosophy coursework is not expected or required.
Temple University Master of Arts [M.A] Philosophy Application 2026
Temple uses rolling admissions for graduate programs. Early applications (by January) receive stronger funding consideration; spring cohorts open admissions closer to the intake date.
| Intake | Expected Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | Rolling / No Fixed Deadline | Open (Apply Now) |
| Spring 2027 | Expected October 15, 2026 | Likely Open |
| Fall 2027 | Expected January 15, 2027 | Expected (Plan Ahead) |
Source: Temple University Graduate Admissions. Deadlines are estimates based on prior cycles; verify at the department website.
- Submit application materials (transcripts, test scores, statement, letters) as a complete package—partial applications receive lower priority.
- Visa processing (F-1) requires your I-20, which Temple sends after admission and proof of financial support (≥US$60,000 total for 2 years).
- Allow 4–6 weeks for document evaluation and 2–3 weeks for I-20 issuance; begin the visa application immediately after receiving the I-20.
Application Tip: Rolling admissions means early applicants (November–December for Fall intake) see offers first. Funding pools deplete as the cycle progresses; don’t delay.
Temple University Master of Arts [M.A] Philosophy Scholarships 2026
Temple offers limited merit-based scholarships for graduate philosophy students. Most funding comes from graduate assistantships tied to teaching or research positions within the department or broader university.
A typical fellowship covers US$12,000–$18,000/year (INR 11.4 Lakhs–INR 17.1 Lakhs/year) in tuition remission plus a small stipend for 20 hours/week work. Over two years, this reduces total tuition cost by approximately US$24,000–$36,000 (INR 22.8 Lakhs–INR 34.2 Lakhs), leaving remaining out-of-pocket costs around US$10,000–$23,000 (INR 9.5 Lakhs–INR 21.85 Lakhs) for tuition plus living expenses.
- Philosophy department offers graduate assistantships to qualified admits; applications are reviewed after admission decisions.
- Teaching Assistant (TA) roles involve grading, office hours, and course support for 1–2 undergraduate philosophy sections.
- Research Assistant (RA) positions support faculty projects; competitive and assigned based on research interest alignment.
Scholarship Reality: Full-ride scholarships are rare; partial support (50% tuition + stipend) is realistic for strong admits. International students without assistantships typically need family funding or external Indian scholarships.
Read More: Temple University Scholarships and Financial Aid
Temple University Master of Arts [M.A] Philosophy Salary and Graduate Outcomes 2026
Philosophy M.A. graduates pursue diverse careers beyond academia. Employment outcomes include university teaching, policy analysis, corporate ethics consulting, grant writing, non-profit leadership, and publishing.
| Career Path | Typical Role | First-Year Gross Salary (USD) | First-Year Gross Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic (University Lecturer, VAP) | Visiting Assistant Professor or Sessional Instructor | US$42,000–$58,000 | INR 39.9 Lakhs–INR 55.1 Lakhs |
| Non-Profit / NGO | Program Coordinator, Policy Analyst | US$35,000–$48,000 | INR 33.25 Lakhs–INR 45.6 Lakhs |
| Government / Policy | Policy Advisor, Research Officer | US$48,000–$62,000 | INR 45.6 Lakhs–INR 58.9 Lakhs |
| Corporate / Business | Ethics Consultant, Business Analyst, Content Strategist | US$50,000–$65,000 | INR 47.5 Lakhs–INR 61.75 Lakhs |
| Publishing / Media | Editor, Writer, Communications Specialist | US$38,000–$52,000 | INR 36.1 Lakhs–INR 49.4 Lakhs |
Source: Temple University Graduate Outcomes Survey, Alumni LinkedIn profiles, BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook (2026).
Graduate-school outcomes for philosophy students are typically not taxed differently. Federal and state income taxes reduce gross salary by approximately 22–28% depending on location and filing status.
ROI Reality: A philosophy M.A. costing INR 32–45 Lakhs yields mid-career (10-year) earnings of INR 50–75 Lakhs/year in US roles. Career advancement to senior policy, director-level, or tenure-track roles pushes lifetime ROI solidly positive.
Check Out: USA Post-Study Work Visa and Career Growth
USA F-1 Student Visa for Temple University Master of Arts Philosophy Students 2026
The F-1 Student Visa is the standard pathway for international students in the USA. Temple University is a SEVP-certified institution; your I-20 document (issued after admission and proof of funding) is the foundation for the visa application. Processing typically takes 1–3 weeks after biometric data collection.
- On-Campus Work: F-1 students may work up to 20 hours/week during semesters and full-time during official breaks (Winter, Spring, Summer). Graduate assistantships count toward this limit.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): After graduation, you are eligible for up to 12 months of full-time work authorization in roles related to your degree. Philosophy graduates have used OPT for policy internships, research positions, and business analyst roles.
- Dependent Coverage: Spouses and children may apply for F-2 dependent visas. They may not work but can access university health insurance and services.
- Permanent Residency Sponsorship: US employers may sponsor H-1B or EB-category visa petitions; timeline to green card is typically 5–7+ years for Indian nationals due to per-country immigration quotas.
Visa Reality: F-1 status requires maintaining full-time enrollment (12 credits/semester minimum for the first year) and health insurance. Part-time study after year one requires special permission from USCIS.
Also Check: Complete Guide to USA F-1 Student Visa
Temple University’s Master of Arts in Philosophy serves students aspiring to leadership roles in ethics, policy, academia, and intellectual discourse. The affordable Philadelphia location, flexible part-time options, and research-driven faculty community position it as a distinctive choice for Indian applicants balancing career advancement and philosophical depth. Apply early for rolling admissions to maximize funding consideration; target IELTS 6.5 and a strong statement of purpose demonstrating genuine intellectual engagement.
Master of Arts [M.A] Philosophy FAQs
Ques. What is the difference between Temple’s M.A. and Ph.D. in Philosophy?
Ans. The M.A. (30 credits, 2–3 years) is a terminal degree for philosophers entering diverse careers or pausing before doctoral study. The Ph.D. (60+ credits, 5–7 years) is research-intensive and leads to academic positions. Both share faculty but differ in scope and timeline.
Ques. Do I need prior philosophy coursework to apply for the M.A.?
Ans. No. Temple accepts students from all undergraduate backgrounds. Your statement of purpose and critical thinking ability matter more than prior study. The program includes foundational courses for students new to philosophy.
Ques. Can I work while pursuing the M.A.?
Ans. Yes. On-campus positions (graduate assistantships, library work) and off-campus work (20 hours/week during semesters, full-time during breaks) are common. Many students complete the degree part-time while working in non-profits, policy, or education sectors.
Ques. What are placement rates and typical first-year salaries for Temple philosophy graduates?
Ans. Temple does not publish formal placement statistics, but alumni track into academia (visiting positions at US and European universities), policy analysis, non-profit leadership, and corporate ethics roles. First-year salaries range USD 35,000–65,000 (INR 33.25–61.75 Lakhs) depending on sector.
Ques. How much does it cost for an Indian student to complete the M.A. with no scholarships?
Ans. Tuition is INR 32.72–44.94 Lakhs for 30 credits. Living costs in Philadelphia add INR 14.88–19.56 Lakhs/year (INR 29.76–39.12 Lakhs for two years). Total out-of-pocket: INR 62–84 Lakhs without funding. With a 50% tuition scholarship and part-time work, this reduces to INR 45–55 Lakhs.
Important Alert
- Application Deadline For Fall 2027 Intake - Mar 1, 2027
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $47310 |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Books and supply | $1290 |
| Total Cost | $1290 |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $50880 |
| 2023 | $41430 |
| 2021 | $39870 |
Important Dates
| Event | Application Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline For Fall 2027 Intake | Mar 1, 2027 |
Scores Required
Required Document List
Complete Application
Application Fee
Official Transcripts
English Language Requirements
A copy of the Passport
Personal Statement
Specific Essays and Short Answers
Two Letters of Recommendation
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Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 2,500/Yr$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,000/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 4,000/Yr$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 20,000/Yr$20,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based |
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Priority Application Deadline for Fall 2027 Intake (1st Feb 2027) | USD 20,561 /Yr |
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Application Deadline For Spring 2027 Intake (1st Oct 2026) | USD 59,970 /Yr |
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Primary Application Deadline For Spring Intake (1st Sep 2026) Standard Application Deadline For Spring Intake (1st Oct 2026) | USD 16,380 /Yr |
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