phd philosophy texas

Texas A&M University Catalogs

Philosophy - phd.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in Philosophy provides students with the training and preparation needed to become excellent scholars, effective pedagogues, and good citizens of the profession of academic philosophy, or related disciplines. Philosophy deals with the central questions of what there is, how we know about it, and why it matters, so this training and preparation can also enable students to serve society in a number of high-level capacities outside of academia, involving planning, understanding, or other skills of abstract reasoning.

The unique features of the PhD in Philosophy at Texas A&M are its pluralism within the discipline of philosophy and its commitment to cross-disciplinary research. Students are required to complete coursework in several different methodological traditions within philosophy, and are also required to engage in truly interdisciplinary academic research. Students finally write a dissertation synthesizing this work and developing novel research of their own. Our students graduate well-prepared to make a contribution to ongoing dialogues in important philosophical topics and across multiple philosophical traditions.

The interdisciplinary research requirement is completed either by earning, in addition to the PhD, a master’s or higher-level supporting degree in a field other than philosophy, or by completing an interdisciplinary track developed by the Philosophy department in conjunction with several other departments. Approved interdisciplinary tracks are described in the Philosophy department's Graduate Handbook. Supporting degrees may come from any academic field in any college, provided that it supports the student's philosophical research interests. Supporting degrees must be approved by the Department's Graduate Program Advisory Committee. Applicants who already hold a master’s or higher-level degree may petition to have it counted as the supporting degree. Such petitions are approved only if the department judges the prior work to fit the overall needs of the student’s course of study. Other applicants are expected to choose a track or secure admission to an approved master’s program in another department during their second year of study.

Steps to Fulfill a Doctoral Program  

Program Requirements

• Student's Advisory Committee

Degree Plan

Transfer of credit, research proposal, preliminary examination, preliminary examination format, preliminary examination scheduling, preliminary examination grading, failure of the preliminary examination, retake of failed preliminary examination, final examination, final examination grading, dissertation, student’s advisory committee.

After receiving admission to graduate studies and enrolling, the student will consult with the head of their major or administrative department (or chair of the intercollegiate faculty) concerning appointment of the chair of the advisory committee. The student’s advisory committee will consist of  no fewer than four members of the graduate faculty  representative of the student’s several fields of study and research, where the chair or co-chair must be from the student’s department (or intercollegiate faculty, if applicable), and  at least one or more of the members must have an appointment to a department other than the student’s major department . The outside member for a student in an interdisciplinary degree program must be from a department different from the chair of the student’s committee.

The chair, in consultation with the student, will select the remainder of the advisory committee. Only graduate faculty members located on Texas A&M University campuses may serve as chair of a student’s advisory committee. Other Texas A&M University graduate faculty members located off-campus may serve as a member or co-chair (but not chair), with a member as the chair.

If the chair of a student’s advisory committee voluntarily leaves the University and the student is near completion of the degree and wants the chair to continue to serve in this role, the student is responsible for securing a current member of the University Graduate Faculty, from the student’s academic program and located near the Texas A&M University campus site, to serve as the co-chair of the committee. The Department Head or Chair of Intercollegiate faculty may request in writing to the Associate Provost and the Dean of the Graduate and Professional School that a faculty member who is on an approved leave of absence or has voluntarily separated from the university, be allowed to continue to serve in the role of chair of a student’s advisory committee without a co-chair for up to one year. The students should be near completion of the degree. Extensions beyond the one year period can be granted with additional approval of the Dean.

The committee members’ signatures on the degree plan indicate their willingness to accept the responsibility for guiding and directing the entire academic program of the student and for initiating all academic actions concerning the student. Although individual committee members may be replaced by petition for valid reasons, a committee cannot resign  en masse . The chair of the committee, who usually has immediate supervision of the student’s research and dissertation or record of study, has the responsibility for calling all meetings of the committee. The duties of the committee include responsibility for the proposed degree plan, the research proposal, the preliminary examination, the dissertation or record of study and the final examination. In addition, the committee, as a group and as individual members, is responsible for counseling the student on academic matters, and, in the case of academic deficiency, initiating recommendations to the Graduate and Professional School.

The student’s advisory committee will evaluate the student’s previous education and degree objectives. The committee, in consultation with the student, will develop a proposed degree plan and outline a research problem which, when completed, as indicated by the dissertation (or its equivalent for the degree of Doctor of Education or the degree of Doctor of Engineering), will constitute the basic requirements for the degree. The degree plan must be filed with the Graduate and Professional School prior to the deadline imposed by the student’s college and no later than 90 days prior to the preliminary examination.

This proposed degree plan should be submitted through the online Document Processing Submission System located on the website  http://ogsdpss.tamu.edu . A minimum of 64 hours is required on the degree plan for the Doctor of Philosophy for a student who has completed a master’s degree. A student who has completed a DDS/DMD, DVM or a MD at a U.S. institution is also required to complete a minimum of 64 hours. A student who has completed a baccalaureate degree but not a master’s degree will be required to complete a 96-hour degree plan. Completion of a DDS/DMD, DVM or MD degree at a foreign institution requires completion of a minimum of 96 hours for the Doctor of Philosophy. A field of study may be primarily in one department or in a combination of departments. A degree plan must carry a reasonable amount of 691 (research). A maximum of 9 hours of 400-level undergraduate courses may be used toward meeting credit-hour requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy.

Additional coursework may be added by petition to the approved degree plan by the student’s advisory committee if it is deemed necessary to correct deficiencies in the student’s academic preparation. No changes can be made to the degree plan once the student’s Request for Final Examination is approved by the Graduate and Professional School.

Approval to enroll in any professional course (900-level) should be obtained from the head of the department (or Chair of the intercollegiate faculty, if applicable) in which the course will be offered before including such a course on a degree plan.

No credit may be obtained by correspondence study, by extension or for any course of fewer than three weeks duration.

For non-distance degree programs, no more than 50 percent of the non-research credit hours required for the program may be completed through distance education courses.

To receive a graduate degree from Texas A&M University, students must earn one-third or more of the credits through the institution’s own direct instruction. This limitation also applies to joint degree programs. 

Courses for which transfer credits are sought must have been completed with a grade of B or greater and must be approved by the student’s advisory committee and the Graduate and Professional School. These courses must not have been used previously for another degree. Except for officially approved cooperative doctoral programs, credit for thesis or dissertation research or the equivalent is not transferable. Credit for “internship” coursework in any form is not transferable. Courses taken in residence at an accredited U.S. institution or approved international institution with a final grade of B or greater will be considered for transfer credit if, at the time the courses were completed, the courses would be accepted for credit toward a similar degree for a student in degree-seeking status at the host institution. Credit for coursework taken by extension is not transferable. Coursework  in which no formal grades are given or in which grades other than letter grades (A or B) are earned (for example, CR, P, S, U, H, etc.) is not accepted for transfer credit . Credit for coursework submitted for transfer from any college or university must be shown in semester credit hours, or equated to semester credit hours.

Courses used toward a degree at another institution may not be applied for graduate credit. If the course to be transferred was taken prior to the conferral of a degree at the transfer institution, a letter from the registrar at that institution stating that the course was not applied for credit toward the degree must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School.

Grades for courses completed at other institutions are not included in computing the GPA. An official transcript from the university at which transfer courses are taken must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions.

The general field of research to be used for the dissertation should be agreed on by the student and the advisory committee at their first meeting, as a basis for selecting the proper courses to support the proposed research.

As soon thereafter as the research project can be outlined in reasonable detail, the dissertation research proposal should be completed. The research proposal should be approved at a meeting of the student’s advisory committee, at which time the feasibility of the proposed research and the adequacy of available facilities should be reviewed. The approved proposal, signed by all members of the student’s advisory committee, the head of the student’s major department (or chair of the intercollegiate faculty, if applicable), must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School at least 20 working days prior to the submission of the Request for the Final Examination.

Compliance issues must be addressed if a graduate student is performing research involving human subjects, animals, infectious biohazards and recombinant DNA. A student involved in these types of research should check with the Office of Research Compliance and Biosafety at (979) 458-1467 to address questions about all research compliance responsibilities. Additional information can also be obtained on the website  http:// rcb.tamu.edu .

Examinations

The student’s major department (or chair of the interdisciplinary degree program faculty, if applicable) and their advisory committee may require qualifying, cumulative or other types of examinations at any time deemed desirable. These examinations are entirely at the discretion of the department and the student’s advisory committee.

The preliminary examination is required. The preliminary examination for a doctoral student shall be given no earlier than a date at which the student is within 6 credit hours of completion of the formal coursework on the degree plan (i.e., all coursework on the degree plan except 681, 684, 690, 691, 692, 693, 695, 697, 791, or other graduate courses specifically designated as S/U in the course catalog). The student should complete the Preliminary Examination no later than the end of the semester following the completion of the formal coursework on the degree plan.

The objective of preliminary examination is to evaluate whether the student has demonstrated the following qualifications:

a.     a mastery of the subject matter of all fields in the program;

b.     an adequate knowledge of the literature in these fields and an ability to carry out bibliographical research;

c.     an understanding of the research problem and the appropriate methodological approaches.

The format of the preliminary examination shall be determined by the student’s department (or interdisciplinary degree program, if applicable) and advisory committee, and communicated to the student in advance of the examination. The exam may consist of a written component, oral component, or combination of written and oral components.

The preliminary exam may be administered by the advisory committee or a departmental committee; herein referred to as the examination committee.

Regardless of exam format, a student will receive an overall preliminary exam result of pass or fail. The department (or interdisciplinary degree program, if applicable) will determine how the overall pass or fail result is determined based on the exam structure and internal department procedures. If the exam is administered by the advisory committee, each advisory committee member will provide a pass or fail evaluation decision.

Only one advisory committee substitution is allowed to provide an evaluation decision for a student’s preliminary exam, and it cannot be the committee chair.

If a student is required to take, as a part of the preliminary examination, a written component administered by a department or interdisciplinary degree program, the department or interdisciplinary degree program faculty must:

a.     offer the examination at least once every six months. The departmental or interdisciplinary degree program examination should be announced at least 30 days prior to the scheduled examination date.

b.     assume the responsibility for marking the examination satisfactory or unsatisfactory, or otherwise graded, and in the case of unsatisfactory, stating specifically the reasons for such a mark.

c.     forward the marked examination to the chair of the student’s advisory committee within one week after the examination.

Students are eligible for to schedule the preliminary examination in the Academic Requirements Completion System (ARCS) if they meet the following list of eligibility requirements:

Student is registered at Texas A&M University for a minimum of one semester credit hour in the long semester or summer term during which any component of the preliminary examination is held. If the entire examination is held between semesters, then the student must be registered for the term immediately preceding the examination.

An approved degree plan is on file with the Graduate and Professional School prior to commencing the first component of the examination.

Student’s cumulative GPA is at least 3.000.

Student’s degree plan GPA is at least 3.000.

At the end of the semester in which at least the first component of the exam is given, there are no more than 6 hours of coursework remaining on the degree plan (except 681, 684, 690, 691, 692, 693, 695, 697, 791, or other graduate courses specifically designated as S/U in the course catalog). The head of the student’s department (or Chair of the Interdisciplinary Degree Program, if applicable) has the authority to approve a waiver of this criterion.

Credit for the preliminary examination is not transferable in cases where a student changes degree programs after passing a preliminary exam.

If a written component precedes an oral component of the preliminary exam, the chair of the student’s examination committee is responsible for making all written examinations available to all members of the committee. A positive evaluation of the preliminary exam by all members of a student’s examination committee with at most one dissension is required to pass a student on their preliminary exam.

The student’s department will promptly report the results of the Preliminary Examination to the Graduate and Professional School via the Academic Requirements Completion System (ARCS) within 10 working days of completion of the preliminary examination.

If an approved examination committee member substitution (one only) has been made, their approval must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School via ARCS. The approval of the designated department approver is also required on the request.

After passing the required preliminary oral and written examinations for a doctoral degree, the student must complete the final examination within four years of the semester in which the preliminary exam is taken. Exams taken in between terms will expire at the end of the term that ended prior to the exam. For example, a preliminary exam taken and passed during the Fall 2023 semester will expire at the end of the Fall 2027 semester. A preliminary exam taken in the time between the Summer and Fall 2023 semesters will expire at the end of the Summer 2027 semester.

First Failure

Upon approval of a student’s examination committee (with no more than one member dissenting), and approval of the Department and Graduate and Professional School, a student who has failed a preliminary examination may be given one re-examination. In accordance with Student Rule 12.5, the student’s department head or designee, intercollegiate faculty, or graduate advisory committee should make a recommendation to the student regarding their scholastic deficiency.

Second Failure

Upon failing the preliminary exam twice in a doctoral program, a student is no longer eligible to continue to pursue the PhD in that program/major. In accordance with Student Rule 12.5.3 and/or 12.5.4, the student will be notified of the action being taken by the department as a result of the second failure of the preliminary examination.

Adequate time must be given to permit a student to address inadequacies emerging from the first preliminary examination. The examination committee must agree upon and communicate to the student, in writing, an adequate time-frame from the first examination (normally six months) to retest, as well as a detailed explanation of the inadequacies emerging from the examination. The student and committee should jointly negotiate a mutually acceptable date for this retest.  When providing feedback on inadequacies, the committee should clearly document expected improvements that the student must be able to exhibit in order to retake the exam.  The examination committee will document and communicate the time-frame and feedback within 10 working days of the exam that was not passed.

Candidates for the doctoral degrees must pass a final examination by deadline dates announced in the  Graduate and Professional School Calendar  each semester. A doctoral student is allowed only one opportunity to take the final examination.

No unabsolved grades of D, F, or U for any course can be listed on the degree plan. The student must be registered for any remaining hours of 681, 684, 690, 691, 692, 791 or other graduate courses specifically designated as S/U in the course catalog during the semester of the final exam. No student may be given a final examination until they have been admitted to candidacy and their current official cumulative and degree plan GPAs are 3.00 or better.

Refer to the  Admission to Candidacy  section of the graduate catalog for candidacy requirements.

A request to schedule the final examination must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School via ARCS a minimum of 10 working days in advance of the scheduled date. Any changes to the degree plan must be approved by the Graduate and Professional School prior to the submission of the request for final examination.

The student’s advisory committee will conduct this examination. Only one committee member substitution is allowed with the approval of the Graduate and Professional School. If the substitution is for the sole external member of the advisory committee - with an appointment to a department other than the student's major department - then the substitute must also be external to the student's major department. In extenuating circumstances, with the approval of the Graduate and Professional School, an exception to this requirement may be granted.

The final examination is not to be administered until the dissertation or record of study is available in substantially final form to the student’s advisory committee, and all concerned have had adequate time to review the document.  Whereas the final examination may cover the broad field of the candidate’s training, it is presumed that the major portion of the time will be devoted to the dissertation and closely allied topics. Persons other than members of the graduate faculty may, with mutual consent of the candidate and the chair of the advisory committee, be invited to attend a final examination for an advanced degree. A positive vote by all members of the graduate committee with at most one dissension is required to pass a student on their exam. A department can have a stricter requirement provided there is consistency within all degree programs within a department. Upon completion of the questioning of the candidate, all visitors must excuse themselves from the proceedings.

The student’s department will promptly report the results of the Final Examination to the Graduate and Professional School via the Academic Requirements Completion System (ARCS) within 10 working days of completion of the final examination. The Graduate and Professional School will be automatically notified via ARCS of any cancellations.

A positive evaluation of the final exam by all members of a student’s advisory committee with at most one dissension is required to pass a student on their final exam. If an approved committee member substitution (1 only) has been made, their approval must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School via ARCS.

The dissertation,  which must be a candidate's original work demonstrates the ability to perform independent research . Whereas acceptance of the dissertation is based primarily on its scholarly merit, it must also exhibit creditable literary workmanship. Dissertation formatting must be acceptable to the Graduate and Professional School as outlined in the Guidelines for Theses, Dissertations, and Records of Study.

After successful defense and approval by the student’s advisory committee and the head of the student’s major department (or chair of intercollegiate faculty, if applicable), a student must submit the dissertation in electronic format as a single PDF file to https://etd.tamu.edu/ . Additionally, a dissertation approval form with original signatures must be received by the Graduate and Professional School through the Academic Requirements Completion System (ARCS). Both the PDF file and the completed ARCS approval form must be received by the deadline.

Deadline dates for submitting are announced each semester or summer term in the Graduate and Professional School Calendar (see Time Limit statement). These dates also can be accessed via the  Graduate and Professional School website .

Each student who submits a document for review is assessed a one-time thesis/dissertation processing fee through Student Business Services. This processing fee is for the thesis/dissertation services provided. After commencement, dissertations are digitally stored and made available through the Texas A&M Libraries.

A dissertation that is deemed unacceptable by the Graduate and Professional School because of excessive corrections will be returned to the student’s department head or chair of the intercollegiate faculty . The manuscript must be resubmitted as a new document, and the entire review process must begin anew. All original submittal deadlines must be met during the resubmittal process to graduate.

Additional Requirements

Continuous registration, admission to candidacy.

• 99-Hour Cap on Doctoral Degree

Application for Degree

A student who enters the doctoral degree program with a baccalaureate degree must spend one academic year plus one semester in resident study at Texas A&M University. A student who holds master’s degree when they enter a doctoral degree program must spend one academic year in resident study. One academic year may include two adjacent regular semesters or one regular semester and one adjacent 10-week summer semester. The third semester is not required to be adjacent to the one year. Enrollment for each semester must be a minimum of 9 credit hours each to satisfy the residence requirement. A minimum of 1 credit hour must be in a non-distance education delivery mode. Semesters in which the student is enrolled in all distance education coursework will not count toward fulfillment of the residence requirement.

To satisfy the residence requirement, the student must complete a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester or 10-week summer semester in resident study at Texas A&M University for the required period. A student who enters a doctoral degree program with a baccalaureate degree may fulfill residence requirements in excess of one academic year (18 credit hours) by registration during summer sessions or by completion of a less-than-full course load (in this context a full course load is considered 9 credit hours per semester).

Students who are employed full-time while completing their degree may fulfill total residence requirements by completion of less-than-full time course loads each semester. In order to be considered for this, the student is required to submit a Petition for Waivers and Exceptions along with verification of employment to the Graduate and Professional School. An employee should submit verification of employment at the time they submit the degree plan. See  Registration .

See  Residence Requirements .

All requirements for doctoral degrees must be completed within a period of ten consecutive calendar years for the degree to be granted. A course will be considered valid until 10 years after the end of the semester in which it is taken. Graduate credit for coursework more than ten calendar years old at the time of the final oral examination may not be used to satisfy degree requirements.

After passing the required preliminary oral and written examinations for a doctoral degree, the student must complete the final examination within four years of the semester in which the preliminary exam is taken. Exams taken in between terms will expire at the end of the term that ended prior to the exam. For example, a preliminary exam taken and passed during the fall 2019 semester will expire at the end of the fall 2023 semester. A preliminary exam taken in the time between the summer and fall 2019 semesters will expire at the end of the summer 2023 semester.

A final corrected version of the dissertation or record of study in electronic format as a single PDF file must be cleared by the Graduate and Professional School within one year of the semester in which the final exam is taken. Exams taken in between terms will expire at the end of the term that ended prior to the exam. For example, a final exam taken and passed during the fall 2022 semester will expire at the end of the fall 2023 semester. A final exam taken in the time between the summer and fall 2022 semesters will expire at the end of the summer 2023 semester. Failure to do so will result in the degree not being awarded.

A student in a program leading to a Doctor of Philosophy who has completed all coursework on their degree plan other than 691 (research) are required to be in continuous registration until all requirements for the degree have been completed. See  Continuous Registration Requirements .

To be admitted to candidacy for a doctoral degree, a student must have:

• completed all formal coursework on the degree plan with the exception of any remaining 681, 684, 690 and 691, or 791.
• a 3.0 Graduate GPA and a Degree Plan GPA of at least 3.0 with no grade lower than C in any course on the degree plan,
• passed the preliminary examination (written and oral portions),
• submitted an approved dissertation proposal,
• met the residence requirements. The final examination will not be authorized for any doctoral student who has not been admitted to candidacy.

A student is required to possess a competent command of English. For English language proficiency requirements, see the Admissions section of this catalog. The doctoral (PhD) foreign language requirement at Texas A&M University is a departmental option, to be administered and monitored by the individual departments of academic instruction.

99-Hour Cap on Doctoral Degrees

In Texas, public colleges and universities are funded by the state according to the number of students enrolled. In accordance with legislation passed by the Texas Legislature, the number of hours for which state universities may receive subvention funding at the doctoral rate for any individual is limited to 99 hours. Texas A&M and other universities will not receive subvention for hours in excess of the limit.

Institutions of higher education are allowed to charge the equivalent of non-resident tuition to a resident doctoral student who has enrolled in 100 or more semester credit hours of doctoral coursework.

Doctoral students at Texas A&M have seven years to complete their degree before being charged out-of-state tuition. A doctoral student who, after seven years of study, has accumulated 100 or more doctoral hours will be charged tuition at a rate equivalent to out-of-state tuition. Please note that the tuition increases will apply to Texas residents as well as students from other states and countries who are currently charged tuition at the resident rate. This includes those doctoral students who hold GAT, GANT, and GAR appointments or recipients of competitive fellowships who receive more than $1,000 per semester. Doctoral students who have not accumulated 100 hours after seven years of study are eligible to pay in-state tuition if otherwise eligible.

Doctoral students who exceed the credit limit will receive notification from the Graduate and Professional School during the semester in which they are enrolled and exceeding the limit in their current degree program. The notification will explain that the State of Texas does not provide funding for any additional hours in which a student is enrolled in excess of 99 hours. Texas A&M University will recover the lost funds by requiring students in excess of 99 hours to pay tuition at the non-funded, non-resident rate. This non-funded, non-resident tuition rate status will be updated for the following semester and in all subsequent semesters until receipt of a doctoral degree. Please see the  Tuition Calculator  at the non-resident rate for an example of potential charges.

The following majors are exempt from the 99-Hour Cap on Doctoral Degrees and have a limit of 130 doctoral hours:

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics
• Biomedical Sciences
• Clinical Psychology
• Counseling Psychology
• Genetics and Genomics
• Health Services Research
• Medical Sciences
• Microbiology
• Neurosciences (College of Medicine)
• Oral and Craniofacial Biomedical Sciences
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Public Health Sciences
• School Psychology

For information on applying for your degree, please visit the  Graduation  section.

Department of Philosophy

Characteristic of philosophy are commitments to the construction and evaluation of arguments, to expressing thoughts clearly and precisely, and to defending one’s ideas and evaluating the ideas of others. The study of philosophy thus provides resources for critical participation in all realms of human endeavor.

The PhD in Philosophy

Rice offers a consistently highly-ranked PhD program in Philosophy. The faculty and staff take proactive roles in supporting our graduate students in their pursuit of academic positions and other opportunities. We conduct regular workshops and additional activities to help graduate students at all stages of the PhD program to develop their professional skills. We also work closely with graduating students to ensure they are in the best position possible when they enter the job market. A smaller but highly-ranked PhD program allows for consistent individual attention to the needs of our graduate students that is often impossible in larger programs. The Department of Philosophy strongly encourages applications from women and members of other groups underrepresented in philosophy.

Please note: we do not offer a terminal MA program in Philosophy.

Rice’s PhD in Philosophy is focused on two broad areas that reflect the internationally recognized research strengths of our faculty and that also include the history of these areas:

1. Moral Philosophy & Social and Political Philosophy

• Neuroethics and Ethics of Technology ( Robert Howell )
• Ethics, Applied Ethics, Political Philosophy, Feminist Philosophy, Philosophy of Sex and Love, LGBTQ Philosophy ( Elizabeth Brake )
• Medical Ethics, Moral Psychology, Bioethics, Normative Ethics ( Samuel Reis-Dennis )
• Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy, Moral Psychology ( George Sher )
• Moral Psychology, Action Theory ( Timothy Schroeder )
• History of Political Philosophy, 19th and 20th century German Philosophy ( Thimo Heisenberg )

2. Philosophy of Mind & Phenomenology

• Philosophy of Mind, Philosophy of Psychology, Philosophy of Neuroscience ( Timothy Schroeder )
• Philosophy of Mind, Phenomenology, Ancient Philosophy ( Charles Siewert )
• Philosophy of Mind, Metaphysics, Consciousness, Subjectivity, and Epistemology ( Robert Howell ) 
• 19th and 20th century German Philosophy ( Thimo Heisenberg )

General Degree Requirements for the PhD in Philosophy

• Complete 36 hours of course work. Students with an MA in Philosophy must complete 33 hours of course work.
• Demonstrate competence in logic.
• Pass a qualifying examination.
• Perform satisfactorily on an oral defense of a thesis proposal.
• Complete a written thesis on a subject approved by the department.
• Perform satisfactorily on a final oral defense of the written thesis.

Official Graduate Handbook

Please click below to read the most recent official student handbook:

• 2023-2024 Graduate Student Handbook

Additional Research Funding and Travel Fellowships

Rice’s Fondren Library maintains a database of internal and external fellowships. The database can be accessed  here .

Graduate students can apply for additional funding to the School of Humanities   Dean’s Conference, Research, and Professional Advancement Fund . The fund allows each eligible graduate student to apply for up to $1,500 per academic year in support of their research, conference travel, or professional development.

The Lodieska Stockbridge Vaughn Fellowship provides funding for graduate students whose record at Rice show evidence of outstanding achievement and promise. Each spring, department chairs are invited to nominate continuing graduate students for this endowed fellowship. The final recipients are chosen by the Graduate Council. The amount of the fellowship and the number of recipients vary from year to year, but individual fellowships can be in the range of $16,000.

The Humanities Research Center offers the competitive Marilyn Marks Gillet International Travel Fellowship for graduate students in the School of Humanities who need to conduct research abroad over the summer. Travel awards range between $2,500 and $5,000. The funds may be used for, but are not limited to, travel to present papers at conferences, consult archives, interview scholars and authors, take courses, and to participate in workshops.

Graduate students can also apply to Rice’s Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, which offers the   Wagoner Foreign Study Scholarship Program . Awards range between $2,000 and $15,000.

Graduate Program Contacts

Department of Philosophy Rice University MS 14 P.O. Box 1892 Houston, Texas 77251-1892 Phone: 713 348-4994 Fax: 713 348-5847 Email: [email protected]

Department Chair Robert Howell [email protected]

Department Administrator Nicole Switzer [email protected]  

Director of Graduate Studies Samuel Reis-Dennis [email protected]

Graduate Program Administrator Lydia Westbrook Phone: 713-348-2092 [email protected]

Information for Current Graduate Students

The requirements for the Ph.D. are:

In the first year, complete:

• PHL 384F (First-year Seminar), an intensive introduction to a central area of philosophy
• PHL 389, Logic

Within the first two years, a graduate course in each of these areas:

• metaphysics and epistemology
• history of philosophy
• Five additional graduate courses in philosophy

Within the first three years:

• Completion and defense of a dissertation prospectus
• Completion of PHL 398T, a one-semester teaching course

Foreign Language Proficiency -- four semesters study or equivalent -- in a language other than English (can be satisfied with coursework completed before enrolling in the program) or two additional graduate philosophy seminars or upper-division or graduate courses in a related area (approved by the GSEC)

• Completion and defense of a dissertation

An M.A. is not required for the doctoral degree.

Exceptions to the timetable above are students in special programs, such as the Ancient Philosophy Program, who may need to do supporting coursework and language study at an early stage.

Student Responsibility

While University faculty and staff members give students academic advice and assistance, each student is expected to take responsibility for his or her education and personal development. The student must know and abide by the academic and disciplinary policies given in this catalog and in General Information, including rules governing quantity of work, the standard of work required to continue in the University, warning status and scholastic dismissal, and enforced withdrawal. The student must also know and meet the requirements of his or her degree program; must enroll in courses appropriate to the program; must meet prerequisites and take courses in the proper sequence to ensure orderly and timely progress; and must seek advice about degree requirements and other University policies when necessary.

UT General Campus Services

Philosophy program requirements, area description.

In the Spring the second year, students will create a brief (one or two page maximum) draft description of their intended area(s) of specialization, to be placed on file in the reading room and circulated to all faculty; it will form part of the student’s file annually reviewed by the GSEC. The description may include ideas toward a dissertation proposal, a discussion of problems of special interest in one or more areas, or both. It will also feature a draft reading list of texts central to the candidate’s chosen area of study. Interested faculty will respond with additional ideas, suggestions for refinement, courses of study, and will evaluate the project’s novelty and interest; and in particular they will be encouraged to make suggestions for amendments to the reading list. The Graduate Adviser, in concert with any faculty member with whom the student has already been working closely, will use this description, together with any feedback from faculty, to assist the student with planning for the forthcoming term. The description and list of texts will be updated and submitted for circulation to the Department by the end of the Fall term of the candidate’s third year.

Prospectus Defense

No later than your third year you should start thinking about the structure of your dissertation, and schedule meetings with one or more faculty members to advise you. Possibilities for a dissertation range from a traditional monograph style work of say four or five chapters, to a small number of self-standing papers. You should discuss with your adviser approximately where in this spectrum your dissertation will belong. In the Spring of your third year you should submit and defend your Prospectus. Your advisor will help you decide what’s needed. Normally at least one substantive essay is required, of say 9,000 words, along with some indication of what the remainder of the dissertation will consist in. The essay may take any of a number of forms: it may be a critical review of the current major literature in the field; it may identify in detail and present a rationale for a prospective course of research; it may in itself represent a significant and original contribution to the field in question; or it may take any other form acceptable to the candidate’s committee and to the Graduate Adviser. The prospectus committe is typically five faculty members approved by the Graduate Advisor.

• Advancing to Candidacy

When you’ve completed all course requirements, including  398T, and have successfully defended your prospectus, you will next identify the four to six people who have agreed in advance to serve on your dissertation committee, selection of a supervisor or co-supervisors (note: your supervisor and at least two other committee members must be from your department and Graduate Studies Committee members), and selection of at least one “outside member” on your committee. That is, someone from outside your department. For suggestions, speak with your supervisor.

• Application for Doctoral Cadidacy

After you’ve done this online app, the document will route for approval, to your supervisor, the Grad Advisor, GSEC Chair, and finally the OGS evaluator and Dean.

Once the Dean approves your application, you’re officially a doctoral candidate, which also means that you are required to remain continuously registered for dissertation. This means no leaves of absence, registering in ISR status while in candidacy is still a possibility. Once you’ve advanced to candidacy you will enroll in one of the _99W Dissertation hours.

It is no longer a UT Graduate School rule that graduate students be enrolled in a minimum of two semesters of candidacy. Doctoral candidates must maintain continuous enrollment in the dissertation course until they graduate. If a student advances to candidacy and graduates within a single semester, they will simply register for 699W (six hours minimum will be required).

Graduate Student Employment

The role of the teaching assistant (ta) and assistant instructor (ai).

There are many reasons why you have become a TA or AI, not the least of which is financial support for your graduate studies. But, because your work directly impacts the lives of undergraduates and their learning, doing your job well is essential to fulfilling the university's mission. Through teaching and advising undergraduates effectively, we can impact student retention, build a sense of community and promote institutional loyalty.

TAs and AIs at UT have a wide range of responsibilities depending on their department and their assignment. TA and AI duties range from the traditional ones of grading, leading review sessions and holding office hours, to leading field trips, writing exams and generating course web sites.

More additional information on the responsibilites involved, please refer to:

• The Graduate School's website
• Training for Student Employees (required and elective)
• The UT Austin  Handbook of Operating Procedures
• The Center for Teaching and Learning Services  
• Conditions for Student Employment *

*Note that The Deparment's policy is that graduate students may not be appointed if they have more than one grade of X (temporary incomplete) or I (permanent incomplete)

Student Employee Excellence Development (SEED Program)

Department Policy on Incomplete Grades

Starting Spring semester 2015, a student who is allowed to take an incomplete (X) must deliver the missing work not later than 30 days after the last day of classes.  An incomplete grade beyond this period will prevent the student from being eligible for a TA or AI appointment.  Students are held to the department's policy. 

Foreign Language Requirement

Foreign Language Proficiency -- four semesters study or equivalent -- in a language other than English (can be satisfied with coursework completed before enrolling in the program) or two additional graduate philosophy seminars or upper-division or graduate courses in a related area (approved by the GSEC).

Services for Students with Disabilities

SSD determines eligibility and approves reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities at the University of Texas at Austin. We also engage in outreach across campus in order to make campus a more inclusive, accessible and welcoming environment for people with disabilities.

SSD is part of the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement and our office is located on the fourth floor of the  Student Services Building .

Learning Disabilities

The Graduate School – Scholarships, Fellowships, Professional Development

Graduate students at The University of Texas at Austin generally support themselves in one of the following ways: departmental aid in the form of scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships; fellowships administered by the Office of Graduate Studies; need-based financial aid administered by the Office of Student Financial Services (OSFS), and outside funding or employment.

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Master of Arts Doctor of Philosophy

Campus address: Waggener Hall (WAG) 329, phone (512) 471-6093, fax (512) 471-4806; campus mail code: C3500

Mailing address: The University of Texas at Austin, Graduate Program, Department of Philosophy, 2210 Speedway Stop C3500, Austin TX 78712

E-mail: [email protected]

URL:  http://liberalarts.utexas.edu/philosophy/

The Department of Philosophy offers areas of concentration across the discipline and offers special programs in cooperation with other departments: (1) ancient philosophy, with the Department of Classics; (2) history and philosophy of science, with the Department of History; and (3) philosophy and cognitive science, with the Departments of Linguistics, Psychology, and Computer Science. For descriptions of these programs, students should consult the graduate advisor.

The following faculty members served on the Graduate Studies Committee (GSC) in the spring 2023 semester.

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Philosophy Ph.D.

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We're so glad you're interested in UNT! Let us know if you'd like more information and we'll get you everything you need.

Why Earn a Philosophy Ph.D.?

UNT's Philosophy Ph.D. Program offers a world-class educational experience and foundational training in environmental philosophy, the history of Western philosophy, philosophy of science and technology and related fields. The program is designed to prepare students for careers both within academia and in non-academic sectors.

The Department of Philosophy and Religion is a diverse community of international faculty, students, and staff whose commitment to philosophizing the most pressing scientific, political and social issues of our day takes us to the edge of current research practices while keeping us firmly in touch with the perennial processes of philosophy.

You'll study with nationally and internationally recognized professors and researchers. Our program was founded by emeritus professors Eugene C. Hargrove and Pete A.Y. Gunter. Our faculty members work in the field as well as the classroom, teaching courses in:

• Eco-feminism
• Eco-phenomenology
• Environmental aesthetics
• Environmental justice
• Environmental policy
• Hinduism and Jainism
• Land ethics
• Philosophy of animals
• Philosophy of biocultural conservation
• Philosophy of ecology
• Philosophy of food
• Philosophy of science and technology
• Philosophy of water
• Religion and ecology
• Formal deductive and inductive methods
• Ability to write a book-length manuscript
• Pedagogical practices
• Knowledge of ethical theory
• Ability to translate theory to practice

Philosophy Ph.D. Highlights

Philosophy ph.d. courses you could take.

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Philosophy Master's

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The Core is an opportunity to inquire into the fundamental aspects of being and our relationship with God, nature and our fellow human beings.

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• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 972-721-5161

Philosophy, PhD

“Few wish to undergo this labor for love of knowledge, yet God has placed a natural desire for it in the human mind.”

In accord with these words of Thomas Aquinas, graduate study in philosophy calls to those whom the love of wisdom impels beyond the ordinary. It is a labor of love, undertaken by those who are already well equipped for professional success, but who choose to dedicate themselves further to the pursuit of wisdom. For some this means a lifelong commitment to philosophy, with all the sacrifices this entails. For others it means postponing for one more year the comforts of a full-time income, or dedicating nights and weekends to the task of study. Yet it is also a matter of deep and abiding joy, and a task that prepares the mind for whatever life may hold.

At the University of Dallas, graduate study in philosophy is a joyful dialogue with the great works of the Western tradition and the most insightful voices of the present, in pursuit of a wisdom that does not change, but that reveals itself only gradually to the human mind. This dialogue embraces not only philosophy in the narrow sense, but also the closely related fields of literature, politics, and theology. It is charged with the weight of Christian revelation, and with the light this revelation sheds on our shared humanity.

The philosophic teacher

The doctoral program in philosophy serves students who aspire to make philosophy a lifelong pursuit through teaching. Our students’ unique, interdisciplinary training in the Institute of Philosophic Studies [link to page] makes them exceptionally well qualified [link to placement data] to teach in local and regional colleges, seminaries, and classical and preparatory schools where the ideals of liberal learning and formation of the whole person are valued.

The task of integration

The aim of philosophy at the University of Dallas is to recover the possibility of a wisdom dealing with those “first things” which ground and locate human experience within the whole of being. Philosophy explores the totality of human existence; it analyzes the commitments and assumptions on which other human endeavors depend, and recommends ways in which they might be situated so as to throw light on the character of the whole. It thus illuminates these other endeavors by giving them perspective.

Within the context of a Catholic university, the integrative role of philosophy takes on an even deeper significance. The Catholic intellectual tradition and the plight of contemporary culture both teach us that without a properly philosophic orientation, the light of Christian revelation is cut off from the world of human learning. The dialogue between faith and reason, between revelation and human culture, must be mediated in part by philosophy.

A shared dedication

Philosophy cannot flourish in its distinctive intellectual role apart from the transformative power of literature and the arts, keen attention to the flourishing of human communities, and the light shed on all of these by the Jewish and Christian scriptures. Within the IPS, literature, politics, and philosophy all figure as properly philosophic studies, inseparably connected to one another and jointly attentive to the scriptural roots of the Catholic intellectual tradition.

For this reason, doctoral students in philosophy at UD earn a doctorate in philosophic studies with concentration in philosophy. The seven core courses that they take with their colleagues in literature and politics shape a capacity for transformative teaching that philosophy in the narrow sense cannot achieve on its own.

A unique community

The shared sense of a common task across disciplines creates a unique intellectual community: a place where the decision to pursue graduate study is well and truly grounded in “the pursuit of wisdom, of truth, and of virtue as the proper and primary ends of education.” Our students’ shared purpose finds expression in the work of the Braniff Graduate Student Association.

For more information

For more information about our doctoral program, we encourage you to contact our graduate director, Dr. Angela Knobel . 

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Graduate Admissions

Fall entry:  january 1 5.

Complete applicants for Fall admission may also be considered for university-wide Graduate Merit and Diversity Fellowships. Details about these Fellowships can be found at  http://ogaps.tamu.edu/Buttons/Funding-Opportunities . If you think you might be eligible for a Graduate Diversity Fellowship, please include a brief statement (a paragraph or two) with the material you submit to the Philosophy Department explaining why you may qualify. The department does not have funding for the MA program, and will not consider applications for this program unless they indicate some external funding source, such as from a grant, fellowship, or the military.

Applicants who apply by the January 15th deadline will be contacted by late March

This link should take you directly to the programs within the College of Arts and Sciences, which should make it easier to find the Department of Philosophy (as opposed to every “Doctor of Philosophy” degree in the university).

All applicants seeking admission to graduate study at Texas A&M University are required to submit a formal application. Instructions about how to apply to the university can be found at  http://admissions.tamu.edu/graduate/apply , including further details on the Applicant Information System and how to send material to the University by mail.

Your application must include:

• For information about possible fee waiver for low-income applicants, see  http://admissions.tamu.edu/graduate/apply
• Some documents must be uploaded via the  Applicant Information System (AIS)  which you can access after you have submitted your application for admission and have received your Universal Identification Number (UIN).
• Official Transcripts and Records : Submit to AIS transcripts from all post-secondary colleges or universities attended.  NOTE: You do not need to submit a transcript from Texas A&M University.
• Permanent Resident Card/I-551/I-485 . Permanent residents must submit to AIS a copy of the front side of their Permanent Resident card or proof of issuance of an I-551. Applicants for permanent residency must submit a copy of their I-485 indicating that an application to adjust status to permanent resident is pending with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
• Test Scores .  TOEFL scores (international students only) should be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service to Texas A&M University and be from a test date within five years of the date the application form reached the Office of Admissions. Use code 6003 for reporting TOEFL scores (Department code not needed). Starting in 2020, GRE scores are no longer part of the application.
• Three letters of recommendation : These may be submitted into the AIS system. Letters must be submitted directly from the letter-writer.

Make Sure that you submit the following department-specific required documents:

• Curriculum Vitae  or resume
• Three letters of recommendation:  These should include the signature of the letter-writer and must be submitted to the Philosophy Department  directly from the letter-writer  (PDFs preferred). Recommendations should be from individuals who are familiar with your academic achievement and potential. If you have been out of school for a number of years and are unable to contact former professors, you may submit non-academic references (e.g., employers). Recommendations may also be submitted into the AIS system.
• Statement of Purpose:  This should explain why you want to study at A&M and what areas of Philosophy you are interested in. If you are a Ph.D. applicant, you should indicate which fields you are considering using as your supporting Master’s degree. If you’ve already completed a master’s degree, explain how it compliments your research and teaching interests in Philosophy.
• Writing Sample:  This should be the piece of writing that you think best illustrates your ability to undertake graduate study in Philosophy.

On rare occasions the department accepts  Non-Degree-Seeking (G6) students  interested in taking graduate courses in Philosophy without working toward a degree. More information about applying for G6 status, please visit the Office of Admission’s  website . In addition to the application, students must also submit the materials listed in section B above directly to the department.

For specific questions about your application, or if you have trouble uploading any of the required files , email  [email protected]  or call (979) 862-1107 .

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Doctor of Philosophy in Literature

Program description.

The graduate program in literature brings together scholars, creative writers and translators who share a commitment to transnational and interdisciplinary approaches to literary study and practice. The PhD in literature provides students with a flexible context in which to pursue research across a wide range of literary traditions, critical approaches and theoretical debates. In addition to coursework in literary studies, students have the opportunity to participate in creative writing and/or literary translation workshops as well as seminars in other disciplines, such as film studies, the history of ideas, philosophy and the visual and performing arts.

Students pursuing the PhD in literature may, if their coursework supports it, submit a translation or creative writing project as part of their dissertation.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program seek positions such as: teacher/educator, writer, editor, publisher, translator and critic. Career settings may include higher education, nonprofits, cultural and historical organizations, publishing houses, government agencies, international development organizations, museums and archives, business/corporate entities and independent consulting.

Marketable Skills

Review the marketable skills for this academic program.

Application Requirements

Visit the  Apply Now  webpage to begin the application process.  

Applicants to the Doctoral degree program should have:  

• A baccalaureate degree (BA or MA) or its equivalent from an accredited institution of higher education, normally in an arts and humanities field.  
• Letters of Recommendation: Applicants must submit 3 letters of recommendation from faculty, or other individuals, able to judge the candidate’s potential for success in the program.  
• Admissions Essay: Applicants must submit a 650-word narrative essay, which should be reflective rather than factual. The essay should address the applicant’s academic interests and goals and indicate how the program would enable such pursuits.  
• A writing sample: Submit an academic writing sample (e.g., a seminar paper or a critical essay). 
• International applicants must submit a TOEFL score of at least 80 on the internet-based test.  Scores must be less than two years old. See the  Graduate Catalog  for additional information regarding English proficiency requirements for international applicants.  
• Each application is considered holistically on its individual merits. You must submit all supporting documents before the Graduate Admissions Committee can review your application. 
• The Graduate Record Examination is not required. 

Deadline:  The application deadline is January 15. All applications completed by the deadline will be reviewed for admission. Applications submitted or completed after January 15 may be reviewed for admission only if spaces remain within the upcoming cohort and will be reviewed in order by the date the application file became complete.

Contact Information

Literature Graduate Programs Email: [email protected]

Dr. Charles Hatfield Associate Professor and Program Head Phone: 972-883-2780 Email: [email protected]

Graduate Advising Kelly Erb Phone: 972-883-6167 Email: [email protected]

Graduate Admissions Phone: 972-883-6176 Email: [email protected] Request Bass School Graduate Program Information

Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology The University of Texas at Dallas, JO31 800 W. Campbell Road Richardson, TX 75080-3021

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Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics

• Degree Programs

6.0. Doctor of Philosophy Degree Program

The doctoral program in Agricultural and Applied Economics is designed to develop a broad based competence in economic theory and in techniques of quantitative analysis. Dissertation research of students in our department usually addresses applied problems using contemporary economic theory and analytical methods. Students completing our program have demonstrated a high degree of success in academics, business, and government.

Two options are offered for the Doctor of Philosophy in the Agricultural and Applied Economics program. The first option does not require a minor. The second option includes a minor in Family Financial Planning—a joint Ph.D. program between the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics and the College of Human Sciences. Completion of the Doctoral program in Agricultural and Applied Economics with a minor in Family Financial Planning qualifies graduates to take an exam administered by the Certified Financial Planning Board of Standards to become Certified Financial Planners.

6.1. Prerequisites

Most students will have completed the requirements for an M.S. degree or its equivalent before admission to the doctoral program. If the Master's degree does not meet the prerequisite requirements for entering our Master of Science program (see Section 5.1) then those requirements must be met in order to enter the Ph.D. program. Some exceptional students will be offered the opportunity to pursue a Ph.D. directly from a Bachelor's program. In this case, see the Graduate Coordinator for course and program requirements.

Background in algebra, partial and total differentiation, integration and basic matrix or linear algebra operations are very useful to perform well in coursework and research work.

6.2. Credit Hour Requirements

The doctoral program requires a minimum of 60 credit hours of course work beyond the baccalaureate degree and at least 12 credit hours of dissertation research (AAEC 8000).

6.3. Transfer of Credit

Transfer of graduate credit from other academic institutions may be allowed. The request for transfer must be initiated by the student and supported by the student's committee chair. Transfer decisions are made by the department Graduate Coordinator and must be approved by the Graduate School . Information required in support of transfer requests includes academic transcripts and course catalogue descriptions of each course proposed for transfer. Course syllabi may also be requested to support transfer decisions.

6.4. Substitution for Core Courses

Substitutions for core courses are allowed only under unusual circumstances. Requests for substitutions for core courses must be initiated by the student and his or her committee chair, to the department Graduate Coordinator and must be approved by the Graduate School . Final decisions on substitutions for core courses taught outside our department are made by the department Graduate Coordinator . Decisions on core courses taught in the department are made by the current instructor of the core course being replaced.

6.5. Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination

The purpose of the Ph.D. comprehensive examination is to test the student's ability to integrate knowledge from various subject matter areas and apply appropriate concepts and tools to issues and problems relevant to the discipline. The comprehensive exam is administered by a departmental committee twice each year (usually in May and August) and is normally taken at the end of the first full year of coursework. The exam has two parts which are taken separately. Part 1 of the exam focuses econometric methods and Part 2 covers microeconomic theory. Students have two opportunities to pass both parts of the exam. If both parts of the exam are passed on the first attempt then the student has successfully completed this degree requirement. If one or both parts of the exam are failed on the first attempt (usually in May), the student must retake the failed part(s) at the next offering (in the following August). A second failure of either part of the comprehensive exam will result in dismissal from the student's Ph.D. program.

6.6. Qualifying Examination and Admission to Candidacy

Graduate school rules require that all doctoral students successfully complete a Qualifying Examination for admission to candidacy for the doctor's degree. In the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics the Dissertation Proposal Defense serves as the Qualifying Exam. Students are allowed two attempts to satisfactorily complete this examination. Failure to satisfactorily complete the examination on a second attempt will result in dismissal from the Ph.D. program. Further information on the Dissertation Proposal and Proposal Defense is provided in Section 9.0 of this Handbook.

6.7. Final Examination

All doctoral candidates are required to pass a public final oral examination which is usually over the general field of the dissertation. Candidates should consult the Graduate School for details regarding scheduling of the final examination. After the final examination, the professor conducting comprehensive exams will send a written notification of the results to the Graduate Secretary for the student's graduate file.

Doctoral candidates, with their major advisor, are required to find their own Dean's Representative for the Graduate School for their defense, preferably someone outside of the department.

Public announcement of exams will be done through the department Graduate Secretary. Exams must be announced at least four weeks prior to the exam date, without exception.

6.9. Degree Program Course Requirements

Listed below are the course requirements for the Ph.D. program options. Courses listed specifically by number are core courses. Note that the option II course requirements have been revised in consultation with the Department of Personal Financial Planning.

Ph.D in Agricultural and Applied Economics - No Minor Required (option1) 1

Course number / course title / credit hours.

• AAEC 5303 / Advanced Production Economics / 3
• AAEC 5307 / Applied Econometrics I / 3
• AAEC 6316 / Advanced International Trade and Policy / 3
• AAEC 5321 / Research Methodology in Economics/ 3
• AAEC 6302 / Food, Ag., and Nat. Resource Policy Analysis / 3
• AAEC 6305 / Economic Optimization / 3
• AAEC 6308 / Advanced Natural Resource Economics / 3
• AAEC 6310 / Demand and Price Analysis / 3
• AAEC 6311 / Applied Econometrics II / 3
• AAEC 6301 / Microeconomic Theory II / 3
• AAEC 6315 / Applied Microeconomics I / 3
• ECO 5311 / Macroeconomic Theory and Policy / 3
• Committee Approved Field Courses / / 24
• AAEC 8000 / Doctor's Dissertation / 12

Total Credit Hours 72

Ph.D. in Agricultural and Applied Economics - Minor in Family Financial Planning (option 2) 1,2

• AAEC 8000 / Doctor's Dissertation / 21
• PFP 5371 / Fundamentals of Personal Financial Planning / 3
• PFP 5372 / Asset Management II / 3
• PFP 5373 / Personal Financial Planning Cpstn. / 3
• PFP 5394 / Retirement Planning / 3
• PFP 5497 / Risk Management and Insurance Planning / 4
• PFP 5398 / Estate Planning / 3
• PFP 5362 / Asset Management I / 3
• PFP 5377 / Client Communication and Counseling / 3
• ACCT 5311 / Individual Study in Accounting / 3

total credit hours 85

1 Numbered courses are core courses. 2 Draft revisions pending review and approval of AAEC faculty.

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Doctor of Philosophy

A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree is a research degree obtained after you demonstrate a significant, valuable and recognized contribution in a specific area of petroleum engineering.

Normally our students enter the Ph.D. program after obtaining their Master of Science (M.S.) degree (thesis option). All students enrolled in our Ph.D. program must pass a Department Qualifying Exam and a Preliminary Examination (see Graduate Catalog ). The exam results let us know their suitability for conducting research and continuing their education in our program.

Requirements

• Complete at least one academic year (two 9-hour semesters back-to-back) on campus to establish residency if you hold an M.S. degree, or two academic years if you only have a B.S.
• The minimum course requirement for the Ph.D. degree is eight courses (24 credit hours) with at least four courses in petroleum engineering (PETE).
• Your graduate committee is in total charge of the courses on your degree plan. In general, you should take 1/3 course work and 2/3 research/seminar courses.
• Include a minimum of two, but not more than four, courses from outside the petroleum department.
• Two credits for PETE 684 and PETE 692 courses are used for internships.
• Undergraduate courses are taken only with the pre-approval of your graduate advisor.
• Agree on at least four committee members, with a minimum of one from outside the petroleum department and a minimum of two petroleum faculty, including your chair.
• File a degree plan before the beginning of your third semester and no later than 90 days before your final oral examination.
• Take your Ph.D. qualifying examination within one year of entering the program.
• Submit the results of your preliminary examination to the Graduate and Professional School at least 14 weeks before your final examination date.
• Your preliminary exam should be both oral and written, unless your committee member chooses to waive the written part of the examination.
• You must have an average GPR of 3.0 for all courses on your degree plan before you take the final exam.
• Complete your dissertation and final exam.
• Complete all your degree requirements within 10 years

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

PhD Program Overview

Application Deadline: November 1  Application Available: September 1  Program Start: Fall, once a year only  Length of Program: 4 years full-time  Degree Awarded: Doctor of Philosophy  Part-Time Study: YES  Distance Learning: Not at this time

Ranked #1 in Best Value PhD in Nursing Programs

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About the PhD

The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing Doctoral program prepares students to become researchers and to assume advanced leadership roles in nursing and health care delivery. A combination of conceptual approaches, challenging interactions in seminar discussions, and work with active researchers produces a stimulating environment for scholarly development.

Each student selects a focus area based on their nursing background, interests, and goals. The focus area provides a broad structure for the student's individualized course of study. Courses from nursing and from non-nursing disciplines offer options for tailoring the program of study to a student's particular focus area. The program is designed to help students identify a dissertation topic, apply for research funding, and begin a lifelong research career.

PhD Resources

Objectives for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD and AE PhD) Program

The graduate of the PhD program in nursing is expected to:

• Conduct research to advance knowledge and practice in nursing and healthcare.
• Develop, test, and refine theories for nursing and healthcare.
• Participate as a scholar in the advancement of theoretical, ethical, and practice aspects of nursing and healthcare.
• Participate as a scholar in transdisciplinary teams to advance the science of nursing and healthcare.
• Assume leadership roles in practice, education, and policy arenas to promote high quality and innovative health care, especially in underserved populations.
• Accept responsibility and accountability for disseminating knowledge.

Program requirements for the PhD in Nursing include core courses and other courses to ensure preparation in a focused area of study. The PhD program prepares nurse researchers to make significant contributions to nursing knowledge and nursing practice through ongoing scientific inquiry and the dissemination of research findings.

Degree Plans (All files are in PDF format.)

• BSN to PhD Program of Work
• BSN to PhD Sample Schedule
• PhD Program of Work
• PhD Sample Schedule

There are various avenues for support during the doctoral program. Every student who applies by the November 1 deadline and is accepted into the PhD program, will be considered for a one-year Fellowship. Those applying after the November 1 deadline may also be considered for financial support. Monetary amounts range from $7,000 - $25,000, based on admission scores and full time/part time status. Competitive continuing fellowships are available after year one, based on timely academic progression and scholarly activities. Other small scholarship opportunities (usually $1,000-$2,000) may be available yearly through the School of Nursing. Doctoral students may work as Research Assistants, Teaching Assistants, and Assistant Instructors. These appointments have tuition and benefits assistance based on appointment hours/week.

Additionally, US citizen and permanent resident doctoral students can apply to the Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) . The NFLP is a loan-cancellation program funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Bureau of Health Professions. This program allows nursing schools to provide financial loans to students enrolled in advanced degree nursing programs and who intend to teach in a nursing program after graduation. This is not a need-based loan program; however, students must complete a FAFSA. For more information, visit UT Financial and Administrative Services - Nursing Faculty Loan Services page.

• UT Austin offers unique opportunities for interdisciplinary study ( doctoral portfolio programs ) in fields such as gerontology, Mexican American studies, and women's studies.
• Internationally recognized nursing faculty with over $10 million in NIH research funding.
• Nursing faculty at UT Austin have diverse backgrounds in preparation and experience.
• Thirteen of the current 26 graduate nursing faculty are Fellows in the prestigious American Academy of Nursing.
• The doctoral program emphasizes development of a sound foundation in nursing science.
• Participation in faculty research projects is an integral part of the doctoral program.

All students interested in applying for graduate study in Nursing at the University of Texas at Austin must meet the admission requirements established by the University’s Graduate School and the School of Nursing. Applicants are expected to be graduates of accredited colleges or universities. Below are the minimum requirements for admission.

• Degree: A bachelor's or a master's degree in nursing from an acceptable accredited program or a comparable degree from a foreign academic institution.
• GPA : 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or comparable GPA in upper-division work (junior- and senior- level courses) and in any graduate work complete.
• Recommendations : 3 required
• Statement of Purpose
• Curriculum Vitae/resume
• Nursing License: Current RN licensure, if admitted.

All students applying for formal admission to the Master’s and PhD programs must complete the online application and submit the following application materials by the November 1 deadline .

Application for Admission

Complete online application for admissions and pay application fee at ApplyTexas.org . The application is only open between September 1st and November 1st. The online application is data entry only. All supporting application documents are uploaded on the My Status page after the application is paid and submitted.

* Recommendation : Complete online application, at minimum, 2 weeks prior to the November 1 deadline, ensuring all documents provided by the application deadline.

Supporting Documents

• Official transcripts dated one year or less, from all four-year institutions attended.
• See AE-PhD Application Checklist (PDF) for transcript upload procedures.
• Curriculum Vitae/resume.
• Personal Statement: Maximum two (2) pages. Readable font, 12-point, double spaced, 1-inch margins)
• Using our secure, personalized form, three (3) professional recommendations that attest to the applicant's academic ability, professional competency and personal character must be submitted electronically by each recommender.
• Written recommendations are not accepted.
• See the International Students webpage for English language requirements.

For additional details on how to prepare your graduate application materials and personal statement instructions, please view PhD Application Checklist (PDF).

Visit the Graduate Admissions webpage for additional information.

All materials must be submitted electronically to the My Status Check page that is available approximately 48 hours after the ApplyTexas.org application submission.

The School of Nursing Graduate Admissions and Progression Committee (GAPC) begin preliminary admission reviews after the November 1st deadline. All application materials are required to be submitted by the program’s application deadline; files that remain incomplete will not be reviewed or acted upon by GAPC.

If admitted, applicants will be notified of the admission decision by March. Decisions are communicated in the following ways:

• Offers of admission are sent via email by the School of Nursing.
• Official e-letters from the Graduate and International Admission Center notifying you of the admission decision of the Office of Graduate Studies are available on the application Status Check page.

NOTE: Email is the official means of communication for all university business.

If not admitted, applicants will be notified by the GIAC only.

Please feel free to email Graduate Student Services Office if you have questions about the admission process.

All files are in PDF format.

• Choosing a Quality PhD Program
• PhD Application Checklist

The Philosophy Department of the University of Texas at Austin is one of the nation's largest departments of philosophy. It is also one of its finest. Its faculty is at the forefront of philosophical research in a wide variety of areas. It has a large undergraduate program with almost 250 majors. Thousands of additional students gain exposure to philosophical thinking in the Department's undergraduate course offerings. The Department also supports study for the PhD in Philosophy.

The Department of Philosophy is home to the important journal Analytic Philosophy .

Or click here for the full campus map!

Department Chair David Sosa  [email protected]  

Office Manager and Executive Assistant Stephanie Hollub-Fletcher  [email protected]

Graduate Coordinator Sally Jackman  [email protected]

Undergraduate Academic Advisor Michelle D. Escalante  [email protected]

• Brogan Reading Room (Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00) The Brogan Reading Room, in WAG 312, holds the Department of Philosophy’s collection of philosophy books, journals and reference. The materials are non-circulating, but visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the reading room’s space for quiet study.  
• The UT Library website allows you to search the library catalog for books, articles, media, and more. You can also find research guides and reserve study rooms.
• PhilPapers is a repository of philosophy papers that is maintained by a community of philosophers. 
• The American Philosophical Association has lists of philosophy departments and philosophical resources.

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Department of Philosophy - Join the Conversation

The Department of Philosophy offers a Bachelor of Arts program in Religious Studies

Go Ahead, Major In Philosophy. You’ll Still Get A Job.

College students with ambitious career plans usually gravitate to business schools, law schools, maybe medicine. George Anders joins us to talk about taking a different approach – seeking a broad education that will be more dynamic in the long run. He writes about the idea in “You Can Do Anything: The Surprising Power of a ‘Useless’ Liberal Arts Education”

Registration Help

Having problems with registering for classes? Click here for answers to FAQ such as online courses, departmental approval, and lab requirements.

Philosophy and Sustainability

Philosophy Is a Core Program in the New Interdisciplinary Graduate Degree in Sustainability Studies

Masters of Arts Applied Philosophy & Ethics

The theoretical frameworks and analytic skills imparted in the Applied Philosophy and Ethics program are applicable to a wide range of practical affairs. Click here to learn more.

The critical and independent thinking skills acquired through the study of philosophy are necessary in life and in every professional field.

Philosophy...where critical thinking, ethics, and the big questions are important.