Program Overview
Philosophy, PhD
The William H. Miller III Department of Philosophy at Johns Hopkins University continues the tradition of preparing graduate students to make original contributions to the field and to pursue careers in college and university teaching.
Overview
When the Johns Hopkins University was founded in 1876, it was the first university in the United States designed as a center for research and doctoral education. Among its earliest graduate students were Josiah Royce and John Dewey; C.S. Peirce was an early faculty member.
Admission Requirements
While an undergraduate major in philosophy is good preparation for graduate study in the department, applications are welcomed from students with other majors whose interests are now turning toward philosophy. To apply, please submit the following:
- Online application
- Application fee
- Statement of Purpose
- Letters of recommendation (three)
- Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts must be uploaded through the online application.
- GRE scores (optional)
- TOEFL or IELTS score (for international applicants)
- Sample of work
Application Deadline
The deadline for applications is December 15. Admissions decisions will be made around March 15.
Requirements
Coursework
A minimum of 14 courses is required, of which Proseminar will count as 2. Students must satisfy the Categories I-III distribution requirements, the analytic philosophy requirement, and the social concepts requirement. A minimum of 3 of the required courses must be graduate seminars at the 600 level. The minimally passing grade in regular courses is B-.
Preliminary Research Exercise
In consultation with their advisor, students decide on a contemporary debate or subfield to research during the summer between the first and second years.
Qualifying Paper
Work on the Qualifying Paper extends from the end of the second year to the middle of the third year. Every student is expected to sign up for independent study with their advisor for the first term of the third year in order to work on this project.
Dissertation Proposal & Topical
The Dissertation Proposal is a paper of roughly 15-20 pages, accompanied by a bibliography, developed in consultation with the advisor and one other faculty member. When the Proposal is completed and is judged acceptable by these two faculty members, the Topical examination will be scheduled and the Proposal will be circulated to the entire department.
Dissertation & GBO Exam
A Ph.D. dissertation is to be written under the direction of the student's Dissertation Readers, who share the entire responsibility for its supervision.
M.A. Degree Requirements
Students are not normally admitted to pursue a terminal Master's degree in Philosophy. However, students may earn and receive a Master's degree in Philosophy in the course of pursuing the Ph.D. in Philosophy, or in the course of pursuing a graduate degree in another field, or if they enter the Ph.D. program in Philosophy but then leave the Department (for any reason) before completing it. Students enrolled in departments other than Philosophy must be approved by the Department (by a majority vote of the entire faculty) in order to receive a Master's degree.