Program Overview

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Philosophy (PhD)

The Philosophy PhD program at New York University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in philosophy, preparing them for careers in academia, research, and other fields. The program requires the completion of 72 credits, including coursework, a dissertation, and various other requirements.

Program Description

Philosophy strives to answer the most fundamental questions about the world and our place in it. The study of philosophy encompasses a wide range of interdisciplinary areas, including metaphysics, ethics, epistemology, philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, and political philosophy. The program at NYU is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of these areas, as well as the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct independent philosophical research.

Dual Degree

The Philosophy Department offers a dual degree with the NYU School of Law: Philosophy PhD/Law JD.

Admissions

All applicants to the Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS) are required to submit the general application requirements, which include:

• Academic Transcripts
• Test Scores (if required)
• Applicant Statements
• Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
• Letters of Recommendation
• A non-refundable application fee

Program Requirements

The program requires the completion of 72 credits, including:

• 20 credits in dissertation research
• 36 credits in basic coursework
• 16 credits in electives
• A logic requirement, which can be satisfied in four ways:
  • Taking a graduate-level logic course in the NYU philosophy department
  • Taking a graduate-level course elsewhere, with approval from the Director of Graduate Studies
  • Satisfying the department that some course or courses taken previously meet the required standard
  • Scheduling an oral examination covering an appropriate range of topics

Basic Course Work

The nine basic courses are drawn from advanced introduction courses, intermediate-level courses, topics or advanced seminar courses, and research seminar courses. Students must take at least two courses each in two of the three distribution categories: value theory, metaphysics and epistemology, and history of philosophy.

Third-Year Review

In the Third Year Review Preparation Course, students work with a faculty member to develop and refine an already existing paper or project. The paper should be a substantial and polished piece of work that demonstrates the student's ability to take their philosophical research and writing to a high level.

Logic Requirement

The department's logic requirement can be satisfied in four ways, including taking a graduate-level logic course or scheduling an oral examination covering an appropriate range of topics.

Additional Program Requirements

• Thesis Prospectus: Students develop a prospectus for their dissertation, which should clearly articulate an interesting philosophical project and situate it in the space of philosophical ideas.
• Prospectus Defense: The prospectus defense takes the form of an oral examination, with the principal purpose of reaching an agreement with prospective future members of the student's thesis committee as to the shape and substance of the project.
• Thesis and Oral Examination: The dissertation can consist of a monograph or three outstanding papers. Students are expected to complete all degree requirements, including the dissertation, within six years.
• Departmental Approval: All Graduate School of Arts & Science doctoral candidates must be approved for graduation by their department for the degree to be awarded.

Sample Plan of Study

The sample plan of study outlines the typical course of study for students in the Philosophy PhD program, including the required coursework, electives, and dissertation research.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will have:

1. The ability to conduct independent philosophical research
2. The ability to make significant, original contributions to the field
3. A proficiency in written communication
4. A proficiency in oral communication
5. A proficiency in the teaching of philosophy
6. A familiarity with a broad range of areas in contemporary philosophy
7. A familiarity with one or more topics in the history of philosophy
8. A competence in formal logic

Policies

University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages. Academic Policies for the Graduate School of Arts and Science can be found on the Academic Policies page.