About the Program Anchor

About the Program

The Department of Philosophy offers a program of study that leads to the Ph.D. in philosophy. We also offer programs that lead to either the Ph.D. or M.A. in philosophy in conjunction with a J.D. in law or an M.D. in medicine.

Our graduate programs reflect our pluralistic orientation as a department that values both historical and contemporary philosophical approaches, as well as public-facing and practically engaged philosophy. We have broad strengths in ethical theory and practical ethics (especially bioethics), social and political philosophy, philosophy of language, epistemology, modern European philosophy, and the Catholic philosophical tradition. Members of the Department also have distinctive research interests relevant to the graduate program in feminist philosophy, philosophy of gender, moral psychology, social epistemology, disability studies, philosophical approaches to race, science and social values, and philosophy of law.

We are committed to preparing our graduate students to do advanced research in philosophy, to recognize and realize professional standards within the discipline; to design and pursue both independent and collaborative research programs; and to achieve teaching excellence. We train not just teachers and scholars, but ethics consultants and other “alt-ac” professionals who participate in sophisticated applications of their doctoral training beyond the academy.

Ph.D. in Philosophy applicants can choose to apply for a concentration in Cognitive Science.

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Degrees Offered Anchor

Degrees Offered

  • Ph.D.
  • Ph.D./J.D.
  • Ph.D./M.D.
  • M.A./J.D.
  • M.A./M.D.
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Admissions Requirements Anchor

Admissions Requirements

For general graduate admissions requirements, visit the Office of Graduate Admission’s Application Information page. Review the program’s website for additional information on program application requirements.

Application Materials required:

  • Application Form
  • Non-refundable Application Fee
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Optional: Statement on Diversity, Personal Background & Contributions
  • Writing Sample
  • Letters of Recommendation (3)
  • Transcripts – Applicants are required to upload to the application system copies of official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. Visit the Office of Graduate Admission’s Application Information page for additional details and FAQs.
  • Resume/CV
  • TOEFL/IELTS  (if applicable)
    • TOEFL = 80 minimum
    • IELTS = 7.0 minimum
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Application Deadlines Anchor

Application Deadlines

  • Fall (Ph.D.): December 15
  • Fall (M.A.): January 15
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Degree Requirements Anchor

Degree Requirements

The M.A. degree requires 30 credit hours without a thesis or 24 with a thesis.

Requirements for the Ph.D. include:

  • 45 credit hours
  • A proficiency examination in logic or successful completion of a course in symbolic logic with a grade of B or higher
  • Passing comprehensive exams taken during pro-seminars in ethics, epistemology and metaphysics
  • Acquiring any special skills (such as language proficiency) required for the dissertation and successfully completing and defending a dissertation
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Connect with Us Anchor

Connect with Us

Program Contact: John Greco, Director of Graduate Admissions

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Apply Now Anchor

Apply Now

Begin your application today!

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