Program Overview
The PhD in Philosophy program at Arizona State University offers an interdisciplinary doctorate in various fields, empowering students to make a positive impact on the world. The program emphasizes both practical and applied philosophy, allowing students to specialize in a chosen area of research while gaining valuable skills in applying philosophical theories to real-world problems. The program features a distinguished faculty with expertise in diverse areas of philosophy and prepares students for a wide range of careers, including academic positions, research positions, and public policy roles.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Description:
The PhD in Philosophy program at Arizona State University (ASU) offers an interdisciplinary doctorate in various fields such as law, medicine, religion, and politics. This program empowers students to make a positive impact on the world. The program emphasizes both practical and applied philosophy, allowing students to specialize in a chosen area of research while gaining valuable skills in applying philosophical theories to real-world problems.
Objectives:
- Equip students with the skills necessary to conduct rigorous and insightful philosophical research.
- Foster students' critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
- Prepare students for a wide range of careers in academia, government, law, and other fields.
Key Features:
- Interdisciplinary focus: Students can pursue research in various fields beyond traditional philosophical subfields.
- Practical and applied philosophy: The program emphasizes the application of philosophical theories to real-world problems.
- Dissertation project: Students design a dissertation project in any major subfield of philosophy.
- Support for interdisciplinary coursework: Students can pursue certificates or coursework that complements their research interests.
- Strong faculty: The program boasts an active faculty involved in interdisciplinary work and close collaborations with various research centers at ASU.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Seminars: Small, discussion-based classes that allow for in-depth engagement with philosophical texts and concepts.
- Lectures: Provide students with an overview of key philosophical ideas and theories.
- Independent research: Students are expected to conduct independent research under the guidance of a faculty advisor.
- Writing assignments: Students will complete various writing assignments, including essays, research papers, and a dissertation.
Faculty:
The program features a distinguished faculty with expertise in diverse areas of philosophy. The faculty members are actively involved in research and publishing in their respective fields. They are committed to providing students with individualized attention and guidance.
Unique Approaches:
- Interdisciplinary focus: The program encourages students to explore philosophical questions from a variety of perspectives and engage with scholars from other disciplines.
- Practical and applied philosophy: The program emphasizes the application of philosophical theories to real-world problems, providing students with valuable skills that are highly sought-after by employers.
Careers:
Career Opportunities:
The program prepares students for a wide range of careers, including:
- Academic positions in philosophy and other disciplines
- Research positions in government, law, and industry
- Public policy roles
- Ethics consultants
- Writers
- Educators
Career Examples:
- Businessperson
- Computer programmer
- Counselor
- Educator
- Journalist
- Lawyer
- Politician
- Public policy analyst
- Publisher
- Writer
Other:
Program Requirements:
- 84 credit hours, including coursework, comprehensive exams, a prospectus, and a dissertation.
- Required Core Areas: Applied philosophy, epistemology, formal methods, metaphysics, and value theory.
- Electives: Students must complete at least 9 credit hours and no more than 18 credit hours of electives in other disciplines related to their dissertation topic.
- Research: 18 credit hours dedicated to research.
- Culminating Experience: 12 credit hours for the dissertation.
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.
- Minimum GPA of 3.00 in the last 60 hours of the bachelor's program or a minimum GPA of 3.00 in a relevant master's program.
- GRE scores are optional.
- Statement of purpose outlining academic background, career goals, and proposed research specialization.
- Writing sample demonstrating philosophical writing skills.
- Three letters of recommendation.
Application Deadlines:
The application deadline for the fall semester is January 15th.
Contact Information:
Historical, Philosophical & Religious Studies, Sch | COOR 4595 | SHPRSGradInfo@asu.edu | 480-965-5778
Arizona State University: A Comprehensive Overview
Overview:
Arizona State University (ASU) is a top-ranked research university located in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. It is known for its innovative approach to education, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. ASU is recognized for its commitment to inclusivity, serving learners at all stages of life and fostering a diverse and welcoming community.
Services Offered:
ASU provides a comprehensive range of services to support student success, including:
Academic Support:
Tutoring, advising, and academic success resources.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, financial aid programs, and tuition assistance.Student Life:
Housing and dining, clubs and activities, health and wellness services, and transportation.Career Services:
Job and career resources, internship opportunities, and career counseling.Student Life and Campus Experience:
ASU offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide array of clubs, organizations, and events, fostering personal growth and development. The university's diverse student body creates a rich cultural environment, promoting global perspectives and intercultural understanding.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Top-Ranked Programs:
ASU boasts numerous top-ranked programs, including 82 programs ranked in the top 25 nationally, with 37 in the top 10.Innovative Learning Environment:
ASU embraces a flexible and personalized approach to learning, allowing students to customize their academic journey.World-Class Faculty:
Students benefit from instruction led by renowned professors and researchers, many of whom are leaders in their fields.Global Impact:
ASU is consistently ranked among the top universities for global impact, demonstrating its commitment to addressing global challenges.Diverse and Inclusive Community:
ASU fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment, embracing students from all backgrounds and promoting a sense of belonging.Academic Programs:
ASU offers over 800 degree programs across a wide range of disciplines, including:
Undergraduate:
More than 400 undergraduate degrees in fields such as engineering, journalism, business, sustainability, nursing, education, and more.Graduate:
Over 450 graduate degrees, including master's and doctoral programs.Other:
ASU is known for its commitment to research and innovation, with a strong focus on addressing real-world challenges. The university is also a leader in sustainability, promoting environmental responsibility and social justice.
Entry Requirements:
For all applicants:
- Minimum GPA: 3.00 on a 4.00 scale in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
- Official transcripts: From all previously attended institutions.
- Statement of purpose: Explaining the applicant's scholarly background and training, career goals, the primary field the applicant wishes to pursue, and the proposed research specialization (no more than 600 words in length).
- Curriculum vitae: Detailing the applicant's academic and professional experience.
- Writing sample: A piece of philosophical writing, preferably a seminar paper or published article of no more than 20 pages.
- Three letters of recommendation: From individuals who can speak to the applicant's academic abilities and potential.
- Proof of English proficiency: A TOEFL iBT score of at least 100, or a score of 7.0 on the IELTS.
- A copy of an article or research paper in their native or principal research language: This demonstrates the applicant's ability to communicate effectively in their native language.
Additional Notes:
- The philosophy program requires a strong foundation in philosophy, including coursework in metaphysics, epistemology, and value theory.
- Applicants with a strong academic record and a clear research interest are encouraged to apply.
- The program is designed to prepare students for careers as philosophers, as teachers of philosophy, and in areas in which they may benefit from advanced training in philosophy, such as law, civil service, and publishing.
