Philosophy Major, PhD

Philosophy is an ancient discipline. It pursues systematic rational inquiry into human experience and the broader world. Its main subfields include: ethics, the study of what to do and how to live; metaphysics, the study of the nature of the world; and epistemology, the study of knowledge and understanding of the world. The history of philosophy is also an important subfield. Philosophy pursues its questions with a variety of methods. These have at their core commitment to precise, clear, and careful explanation, argument, and analysis; to the refusal of dogmatism; to ongoing openness to criticism; and to the production of a systematic and accurate view of both ourselves and the world in which we live. The serious study of philosophy broadens intellectual horizons. A PhD in philosophy also prepares students for a career as an academic researcher and teacher.

Campus Code

Knoxville Campus

Admissions Standards/Procedures

Admission to the graduate program is decided on a case-by-case basis. The deadline to apply is January 15.
An application to our program includes
- a writing sample of approximately 4000-6000 words,
- personal statement,
- transcripts from prior degree programs, and
- three letters of recommendation.
While some prior experience in philosophy is necessary for admission, we are open to applications both with and without prior degrees (MA or BA) in philosophy.

Credit Hours Required

Minimum of 72 credit hours after the Bachelor’s or
Minimum of 48 credit hours after the Master’s

Required Courses

PHIL 600 - Doctoral Research and Dissertation (24 credit hours)
For students with a Master’s, 24 credit hours, or for students with only a Bachelor’s, 48 credit hours selected in consultation with the major professor and/or dissertation committee. These must include
PHIL 601 - Proseminar
at least one other philosophy course at the 600-level

Additional Course Requirements

There are course distribution requirements, to ensure breadth of knowledge across
- ethics and political philosophy,
- metaphysics and epistemology, and
- history of philosophy
- Please see the department’s graduate student handbook for details of these distribution requirements
- Prior graduate-level coursework may be used to fulfill these requirements.
- Courses are selected in consultation with the major professor and/or guidance committee.

Non-Course Requirements

Students must normally demonstrate a reading knowledge of one living foreign language in which there exists a significant body of philosophical literature.
- In special circumstances relating to the area of dissertation research, the Graduate Committee may (i) approve a language that does not satisfy these conditions or (ii) waive the requirement of a foreign language in favor of another appropriate research skill.
Preparation and defense of a dissertation

Undergraduates

Graduate Students