Doctorate in Philosophy

Ph.D. Placement

The Department of Philosophy at Duquesne University was one of the first graduate programs in the United States to emphasize the concentrated study of phenomenology and contemporary Continental philosophy. The current program continues the commitment to this distinctive orientation.

We emphasize, in addition, a thorough grounding in the history of philosophy. The graduate faculty includes scholars in ancient, medieval, and modern philosophy. Courses are regularly offered on figures such as: Husserl, Heidegger, Merleau-Ponty, Sartre, Adorno, Derrida, Levinas, Habermas and Foucault, as well as the pre-Socratics, Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Islamic philosophers, Descartes, Spinoza, Kant, Hegel, Nietzsche and Kierkegaard.

The Ph.D. program prepares students to enter the academic profession as scholars and teachers. Graduate students ordinarily take 9 course credits (3 courses) each semester. Course work for the Ph.D. is normally completed in three years. The fourth year and those following are dedicated to the dissertation.

Requirements for Application to the Ph.D. Program

  • Bachelor's degree in philosophy, or the equivalent, from an accredited college or university. Students must submit 2 official transcripts of academic work from each institution attended.
  • GRE scores. [School Code (2196), Department Code (2801)]
  • At least three letters of recommendation.
  • A statement of intent as to why you want to study Philosophy and why in particular at Duquesne University
  • It is helpful if entering students have reading knowledge of at least one of the following languages: French, German, Greek, or Latin.
  • A writing sample of no more than 3000 words.
  • Complete applications must be received by Feb. 1, for students entering the following fall semester.

 

To Apply

Online

  • Fill out and submit the appropriate free online application form:

    Online Application for U.S. citizens and permanent residents (or Green Card holders)

    Online Application for International applicants (not citizens, permanent residents, or Green Card holders)

  • There is no fee to apply on line. We will accept your supporting application materials through Interfolio, you can find out more about Interfolio at www.interfolio.com.

By Mail

McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts
Graduate Office
Duquesne University
600 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15282

Requirements for Completion of the Ph.D.

  • A minimum of 48 graduate credit hours, i.e., 16 courses of 3 credits each. Students must take at least one three-credit course in each of the four historical periods: ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary.
  • Language Requirement. Demonstrated reading knowledge of two of the following languages: Greek, Latin, German, or French. This requirement should be met during the first three years of coursework.
  • Comprehensive Exams.
  • 3 courses of supervised teaching. Normally this occurs in the third or fourth year. International students are generally exempted from this requirement.
  • An approved dissertation proposal must be submitted to the Graduate School Office no later than two years after completion of the comprehensive exams. All remaining work leading to the Ph.D. degree, including defense and electronic submission of the dissertation, must be completed within four years of the comprehensive exam.
  • In order to graduate at the end of a particular session, candidates must submit the final copy of their dissertation for approval to their director and readers at least one month before the final oral defense may be scheduled.
  • After the final oral defense of the dissertation, the signed copy of the dissertation signature page along with the approved checklist and supporting documents must be delivered to the Chair and to the Graduate School. All above items must then be submitted to the library by the date listed in the University Calendar.
  • Candidates must have made formal application for the degree at the office of the Registrar prior to the date listed in the University Calendar, and should be present at graduation.
  • Candidates must make complete settlement of their financial accounts with the university.
  • Transferred Graduate Credit: With the approval of the Chair of the Department, graduate work done at other accredited institutions may be offered in partial fulfillment of course requirements, provided the grade is no lower than a B. After a reasonable time has elapsed to observe the student's work at Duquesne, a transfer of up to 24 graduate credits is possible.

Ph.D. Funding

  • The department awards several Ph.D. assistantships  that are renewable for up to four years.
  • These assistantships include stipends and tuition waivers for all 48 hours of course work required for the Ph.D. degree.

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