PhD Philosophy at University of Pittsburgh

Programme overview

The PhD in Philosophy trains students for research and teaching in philosophy through a seminar-based curriculum, a comprehensive evaluation and examination, and a dissertation. The department does not admit students for a terminal MA.

Faculty: Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences | Department: Department of Philosophy | Intake: Fall | Location: Pittsburgh, PA, United States

What you will study

Requirements include advanced logic (PHIL 2500 or higher), reading proficiency in ancient Greek, Latin, French or German, a two-term first-year Proseminar, seminars in metaphysics and epistemology, ethics and philosophy of science, three history-of-philosophy seminars, and at least 12 graduate seminars overall. Students are comprehensively evaluated by the fifth term, write a comprehensive examination paper, submit a prospectus and a dissertation (maximum 250 pages) and pass a final oral exam.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Online application with $75 fee by January 10: statement of purpose, official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work, three letters of recommendation, and a philosophical writing sample of about 20-25 pages. GRE optional. International applicants: TOEFL 90 (at least 22 in each section), IELTS 7.0 (at least 6.5 in each section) or Duolingo 110.

Domestic applicants: USD 27,412 a year (2026-27). Pennsylvania-resident graduate tuition, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

International applicants: USD 49,272 a year (2026-27). Out-of-state (non-PA resident) graduate tuition, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

Intake: Fall

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