Graduate Course Work in Philosophy

Course Distribution Requirement

  1. Students must take at least one course in at least three of the following areas
    • Feminist theory
    • Continental philosophy
    • American philosophy
    • Analytic philosophy
  2. Students must also take at least one course in each of the following historical periods:
    • Ancient
    • Medieval
    • Modern
    • Nineteenth century
    • Twentieth century

Courses may double-count across category 1 and category 2.  They may not triple-count.  The faculty member teaching a course determines which area(s) and/or historical period(s) toward which the course may count.  The required 400 level Logic course may not count as a student’s required course in analytic philosophy.

The Department of Philosophy is authorized to award two advanced degrees: the M.A. and the Ph.D.

M.A. CREDIT REQUIREMENTS

Students receive an M.A. degree as a part of their work for the Ph.D.   The M.A. is awarded after successful completion of the comprehensive exam, part of which serves as the student’s master’s paper.  Students awarded an M.A. will have met the following requirements:

A minimum of 30 credits including 18 credits in 500 and/or 600 courses.

  • 18 credits must be in philosophy.  (At least 12 of these credits must be in 400 and 500 level courses.)
  • 6 credits may be in a minor

Ph.D. CREDIT REQUIREMENTS

Formal admission to candidacy for the Ph.D. requires passing the candidacy examination.  The following are normal requirements for the Ph.D. in Philosophy:

A minimum of 30 credits in residence at Penn State.  Usually candidates take 86 credits (inclusive of dissertation) as follows:

  • 62 credits including minimally 50 credits in philosophy (up to 12 credits in a minor).  18 of these course credits must be at the 500 level.  In addition, at least nine credits will be taken at the 600 level.
  • Continuing registration until completion of degree.
  • At the option of the department, candidates may take up to 15 credits in a minor.

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