Philosophy PhD

The Department of Philosophy offers graduate study in a variety of subfields, with notable strengths in two areas of cross-disciplinary research that apply philosophical ideas and methods in the real world. The first is applied ontology, which links philosophical ideas and methods to the use of computers in managing data, for example in medical research or in intelligence analysis. The Department is the world’s center for the academic study of theoretical and applied ontology. A second area where the Department has particular strengths is in the growing field of philosophy, politics, and economics, which studies how the economy, political and social institutions, and questions of justice interact and draws on analytical tools and models from a range of disciplines to address pressing social problems. The Department also excels in philosophy of science, bioethics, and early modern philosophy. The Department is distinguished by its high-quality teaching, robust faculty-student interaction within a vibrant academic community, and the successful placement of our graduates in both academic and extra-academic positions.

Curriculum

Required Core (9 credits)

PHI 596SEM - Grad Dissertation Seminar Credits: 3
PHI 604LEC - Teaching Philosophy Credits: 1-3
PHI 637SEM - Special Topics Credits: 2 - 4

One Seminar in Logic (3 credits)

Two Seminars in History of Philosophy (6 credits)

PHI 556SEM - Top in History of Phil Credits: 3
(Can take two PHI 556 to fulfill requirements.)
PHI 637SEM - Special Topics Credits: 2 - 4

Three seminars in (a) Metaphysics and Epistemology or (b) Value Theory (9 credits)

PHI 579SEM - Special Topics Credits: 3
PHI 598LEC - Special Topics Credits: 1 - 3
PHI 634SEM - Top Metaphys & Epistemol Credits: 3

One Additional Seminar in any Area of Philosophy (3 credits)

PHI 525SEM - Philosophical Analysis Credits: 3
PHI 528SEM - Philosophy of Language Credits: 3
PHI 548SEM - Ontology for Data Science Credits: 3
PHI 564SEM - Aristotle Credits: 3
PHI 578SEM - Kants Ethics & Aesthetics Credits: 3
PHI 579SEM - Special Topics Credits: 3
PHI 588SEM - Contemp European Phil Credits: 3
PHI 598LEC - Special Topics Credits: 1 - 3
PHI 637SEM - Special Topics Credits: 2 - 4

Electives (15-22 credits)

Dissertation and Independent Studies (20-27 credits)

PHI 599TUT - Graduate Tutorial Credits: 1 - 6
PHI 703TUT - Dissertation Guidance Credits: 1 - 9
PHI 704TUT - Dissertation Guidance Credits: 1 - 9

Total Credit Hours: 72

3.0 Degree GPA required

Instruction Method

In Person (100 percent of courses offered in person)

Full/Part Time Options

Full Time

Credits Required

72 Hours

Time-To-Degree

5 Years

Application Fee

$75

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).

Online programs/courses may require students to come to campus on occasion. Time-to-degree and number of credit hours may vary based on full/part time status, degree, track and/or certification option chosen. Time-to-degree is based on calendar year(s). Contact the department for details.