PhD Philosophy at University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Programme overview

The PhD in Philosophy prepares students for careers as academic researchers and teachers, with training across ethics and political philosophy, metaphysics and epistemology, and the history of philosophy.

Faculty: College of Arts and Sciences | Department: Department of Philosophy | Duration: Minimum 72 credit hours after the bachelor's or 48 after the master's | Study mode: full-time | Location: Knoxville, TN, United States

What you will study

Students complete 24 hours of PHIL 600 Doctoral Research and Dissertation plus 24 hours (with a master's) or 48 hours (bachelor's only) of coursework including PHIL 601 Proseminar and at least one other 600-level philosophy course, with distribution requirements across the three areas. Students normally demonstrate reading knowledge of a foreign language with significant philosophical literature, then prepare and defend a dissertation.

Career pathways

Academic research and teaching.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission is decided case by case with an application deadline of January 15. The application includes a writing sample of approximately 4000 to 6000 words, a personal statement, transcripts from prior degree programs and three letters of recommendation. Some prior experience in philosophy is necessary, but applicants with or without prior philosophy degrees are considered.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

International graduate applicants on F and J visas: Fall online submission April 15 and file completion May 15; Spring June 15 and October 1; Summer October 15 and February 15. Departmental deadlines may be earlier.

Apply through the official page: https://gradschool.utk.edu/

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