PhD in Philosophy

As a student in the highly ranked UMass philosophy MA/PhD program, you will prepare for a career in academia by producing rigorous and meaningful philosophy and engaging in original research alongside faculty.

You’ll pursue coursework in the traditional fields of metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, logic, and the history of philosophy, as well as build and hone your teaching skills by working with faculty and the UMass Center for Teaching, and volunteering in schools with our Philosophy for Kids program.

You and your peers will also benefit from reading groups with topics such as ethics, propositional attitudes, and selected philosophers, as well as an active departmental speaker series, and student-organized colloquia in which you can present your work.

The preliminary requirements of the philosophy PhD program includes extensive coursework, a starred paper, an area examination document, and an oral area examination. After completing the preliminary requirements, students complete and defend a dissertation. Students in the PhD program may also receive the master’s degree upon completion of all components of the preliminary requirements other than the area examination.