IX. Graduate Programs
Philosophy
PhD Program
The Department of Philosophy includes a wide range of expertise which allows students accepted into our graduate programs to both extend their philosophical education at the graduate level and to concentrate their research project in a number of areas. These include the history of philosophy, ethics, social and political philosophy, feminist philosophy, epistemology, philosophy of mind, metaphysics, and philosophy of science. There is also a diversity of approaches within the department, with faculty expertise in analytic, continental and other philosophical traditions and approaches. The aim of the program is to develop philosophers who are well rounded in the traditional areas of study and who have achieved a high level of expertise in their special areas of research.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the program is restricted to those who have an MA in philosophy, or an outstanding record in undergraduate studies in philosophy.
Degree Requirements
Students are normally required to take between six and ten courses plus the PhD Research Seminar (PHIL*6960). Students must also demonstrate knowledge in at least five designated fields of study. This may be done by course work, by examination, by thesis or by a suitable combination of these. Students must pass an Oral Qualifying Examination by the end of their fifth semester in the program. Students in the program may be required to demonstrate competence in one or more skills which their advisory committee decides, in consultation with the program officer, is needed for their dissertation (e.g. a language other than English). PhD candidates must submit a thesis of not more than 75,000 words (250 pages). More details are available at http://www.uoguelph.ca/philosophy.