Program Overview
Introduction to Marquette University's Graduate Programs
Marquette University offers over 70 certificate, master's, and doctoral programs through its Graduate School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The university is renowned for its academic rigor, innovation, and the achievements of its community of scholars.
Master's, Doctoral, and Certificate Programs
The Graduate School at Marquette University provides a wide range of programs, including:
- Business and Management
- Communication and Social Sciences
- Computer Science, Math & Statistics
- Counseling & Psychology
- Data Science & Analytics
- Dentistry
- Education, Policy and Leadership
- Engineering
- Health Sciences
- Humanities
- Law School
- Natural Sciences
- Nursing
Additional Programs
The university also offers:
- Online Programs
- Accelerated Degrees
- Continuing Education (non-degree)
PhD in Philosophy Program
The PhD in Philosophy program at Marquette University is designed to integrate the pursuit of enduring questions in the history of philosophy with contemporary problems and approaches. The program offers graduate training that synthesizes these perspectives, allowing students to analyze current debates with reference to their origins.
Program Outcomes
The PhD in Philosophy program aims to:
- Develop professional skills, including advanced critical thinking, scholarly research, teaching, and publication.
- Provide teaching experience, with quality mentorship and training, to nearly all PhD students.
- Offer research opportunities in specific areas, including History of Philosophy, Ethics and Values, Phenomenology and Existentialism, and Philosophy of Mind/Science.
- Provide funding opportunities, including graduate assistantships with tuition benefits and stipends for work as research and teaching assistants.
Requirements Overview
The PhD in Philosophy program requires:
- A total of 60 hours, including 48 credits in coursework and 12 credits for the dissertation.
- Incoming PhD students who hold an MA in philosophy or related fields may transfer in up to 18 credits.
- A foreign language requirement, typically in French, German, Latin, or Ancient Greek.
- A Doctoral Qualifying Paper submitted the semester after completion of coursework.
- A Doctoral Dissertation.
Career Opportunities
While traditional paths for PhD students include university and college careers in teaching and research, there are also a wide range of non-academic careers available. The university's PhD students have a good placement record in academic positions, and PhD and MA students have been successful in obtaining non-academic positions in various careers, including:
- Librarian
- Chief of Research and Development
- Paralegal
- Chief of Staff
- Client Side Developer
- Software Developer
- Ethics and Compliance Manager
- Senior Content Marketing Manager
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for admission to the Graduate School at Marquette University, applicants must:
- Hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or international equivalent.
- Have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
- Demonstrate English proficiency for non-U.S. citizens.
Application Details
The application requirements include:
- A completed online application form and fee.
- Transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities.
- A statement of purpose outlining the applicant's achievements and intentions in philosophy.
- Letters of recommendation from at least three professors or professionals familiar with the applicant's academic work and/or academic background.
- A sample of philosophical writing, demonstrating skills in correct citation and bibliography, as well as philosophical acumen in reasoning.
- For international applicants, a TOEFL score or other acceptable proof of English proficiency.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the fall term is February 1.
Financial Aid
Merit-based aid, including graduate assistantships and fellowships, is available. Private scholarships may also be available, and U.S. citizens and permanent residents may be eligible to apply for need-based federal aid (loans) to help fund their educational expenses.