Program in Philosophical Foundations of Physics

Other Information
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/philosophy/programs/text/philphys.html

Degree Programs: Full-Time/Part-Time: Free-Standing M.A.

Chair: Achille Varzi, Ph.D.
713 Philosophy
Tel: 212.854.3531

Program Director (Philosophy): David Albert, Ph.D.
706 Philosophy
Tel: 212.854.3519

Program Director (Physics): Allan Blaer, Ph.D.
Tel: 212.854.3262

Director of Graduate Studies: Christopher Peacocke, D.Phil.
704 Philosphy
Tel: 212.854.3384

The Departments of Physics and Philosophy jointly offer a Master’s degree in the Philosophical Foundations of Physics. The program is designed to meet the needs of gifted students who are intrigued by, and want to participate in, the growing scholarly interest in the relationship between the philosophy of science and the foundations of physics. The program draws on the diverse strengths of Columbia University and the surrounding metropolitan area in physics, the foundations of physics, the philosophy of physics, and the philosophy of science. Among the first of its kind in the U.S., the program is suitable for bright students with undergraduate degrees in either physics or philosophy who aspire to do original research in the conceptual and philosophical foundations of modern physics. Students who successfully complete the program may apply to a Ph.D. program in either physics or philosophy and, thereafter, to pursue a career in research; however, the program is also very useful to students whose future plans involve teaching or science journalism.



Special Admission Requirements

In addition to the requirements listed below, all students must submit 1 official transcript showing courses and grades per school attended, a Statement of Academic Purpose, a writing sample (a course paper, term paper, etc.) and 3 letters of evaluation from academic sources. All international students whose native language is not English or whose undergraduate degree is from an institution in a country whose official language is not English, must submit scores of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or IELTS. For more information, refer to our Admissions Information and Frequently Asked Questions pages.

DEGREE:

Master's Only

   

Deadline for Fall Admission

April 15

Deadline for Spring Admission

November 15: part-time study only

Resume/CV

yes

Writing Sample

yes*

GRE General

yes

GRE Subject

no

Miscellaneous

none

Candidates should have taken at least two undergraduate courses in philosophy and 24 points of physics.

* No more than 20 pages on physics, philosophy or the philosophy of science.