Doctor of Philosophy Degree Program

Course of Study

The course requirement for the PhD in Philosophy is satisfactory completion of 15 graduate-level courses, exclusive of 699 and 899. Of these, seven must be university philosophy courses at the 700 level, exclusive of 796. The remaining eight may include: up to six hours of Independent Study or university philosophy courses at the 500, 600, or 700 level.

Summary of Degree Requirements

In addition to the course requirement, a candidate for the PhD in Philosophy must also satisfy a course distribution requirement, a "starred paper"/preliminary exam requirement, and the area exam requirement. When these requirements have been satisfied, the student may begin work on the PhD dissertation. To satisfy the dissertation requirement, a candidate for the PhD must write an acceptable PhD dissertation, defend it at the final oral exam, and submit it in proper form to the Graduate School and the department. A complete account of the requirements for the PhD in philosophy is contained in "The PhD Program in Philosophy", available from the department.