The graduate program in Philosophy at the University of Connecticut enables students to earn a Master of Arts (M.A.) in the process of obtaining the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). We also enable students to earn an M.A. without being enrolled in the Ph.D. program, but such cases are not common and we generally admit only those students intending to obtain the Ph.D. Most students enter the Ph.D. program with at least a B.A. in Philosophy (or related field) and obtain the M.A. in the first two years of the Ph.D. program, proceeding from that point to the Ph.D. Students who are admitted to the Ph.D. program with an M.A. in Philosophy from another program have the option of accelerating their progress toward the Ph.D.
The Ph.D. program emphasizes development of the ability to generate novel results in statistical methods, statistical theory, or probability. Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in any major, with a background in mathematics and statistics are encouraged to apply. The course work typically consists of at least 16 graduate level courses that cover a wide range of topics, including mathematical statistics, linear models, statistical inference, applied statistics, real analysis, and probability. After completing the necessary course work and a sequence of examinations, a Ph.D. candidate must complete a dissertation that makes an original contribution to the field of statistics or probability. The dissertation may be predominantly development of novel statistical methodology for an area of application.
In addition to those imposed by the Graduate School, the graduate program in Philosophy has additional requirements listed under the Requirements Tab.
Master of Arts in Philosophy in the Process of Obtaining the Doctor of Philosophy
Requires a minimum of 30 credits of Philosophy coursework.
Required Courses
PHIL 5301 Seminar in Contemporary Philosophy and PHIL 5307 Logic.
Masters Exam
Students must submit two essays in any area(s) of Philosophy demonstrating mastery in one or more subjects in the field.
Research Proposal
Students must demonstrate ability to formulate an original and defensible line of philosophical research.
Doctor of Philosophy
For students entering the program after a Bachelor’s Degree, typically 16 to 18 courses are required. An individual plan of study is developed by the student and their Advisory Committee. Knowledge of a sequence of core courses is required for all Ph.D. students.
Required Core Courses
Elective Courses
Additional credits can be earned from elective courses.
In general, Ph.D. students are required to elect one to two courses from other departments. However, it is sufficient to take one graduate level course from the Department of Mathematics. Each elected course must be approved by the major advisor of a student. Under certain circumstances, the major advisor can exempt the student from the above requirement, if the student has had internships or Research Assistantships in interdisciplinary areas.
The Philosophy Department has no requirement on foreign languages. The first formal requirement for the Ph.D. degree is passing the Ph.D. Qualifying Examination which is a written test on certain basic courses. The second requirement is passing the General Examination that consists of an oral test on aspects of Applied Statistics, Linear Models, Probability Theory and Statistics and a presentation of a thesis research proposal. The preparation of a dissertation then follows which must present an original contribution to the general area of Statistics and/or Probability. The final requirement is a defense of the Ph.D. dissertation before an audience of interested members of the Department.
The Department expects every Ph.D. student to strive to finish their study within four years. For students arriving without a M.S. degree in Mathematics or Statistics, the Department may provide up to five years of financial support. For those arriving with such a degree, the Department may provide up to four years of financial support.
General Examination
Students must submit three essays, one of which demonstrates mastery in Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy; one of which demonstrates mastery in Metaphysics and Epistemology; and one of which demonstrates mastery in History of Philosophy.
Dissertation Proposal
Students must complete a dissertation proposal, which includes submitting a written proposal and passing a formal dissertation proposal evaluation.
Dissertation
The dissertation has both a written and oral component.
Master of Arts in Philosophy without Admission to the Ph.D. Program
Requires a minimum of 30 credits of Philosophy coursework.
Required Courses
PHIL 5301 Seminar in Contemporary Philosophy and PHIL 5307 Logic.
Masters Exam
Students must submit two essays in any area(s) of Philosophy demonstrating mastery in one or more subjects in the field.
