Philosophy Department

Graduate Programs

Program Overview

The University of Rochester offers programs leading to PhD and MA degrees in philosophy. The course of study includes epistemology, metaphysics, philosophy of science, history of philosophy, logic, ethics, social and political philosophy, and philosophy of religion. Oriental philosophy, phenomenology, deconstructionism and existentialism are not offered in the department.

The MA program consists of approximately one year of graduate courses, followed by an exam or a thesis.

The PhD program is scheduled to take five years. It consists of three phases: foundations, advanced courses and focused research, and the dissertation.

There are approximately 20 graduate students in residence. Graduate seminars are small. Individual tutorials are frequently arranged. The size and nature of the program facilitate close interaction among faculty and students.

The philosophy department maintains an active colloquium series with frequent visiting lecturers and presentations by Rochester faculty and students.

Philosophy students with interdisciplinary interests in psychology, computer science, economics, and decision theory will find opportunity and encouragement to develop those interests during their graduate studies at the University.

Cognitive Science

Work toward the PhD in cognitive science is offered in the departments of philosophy, psychology, computer science and linguistics. A typical student admitted to the philosophy PhD program who also receives a cognitive science degree does approximately a third the work toward the PhD outside of the philosophy department.

More Information

Graduate Program Contacts

Graduate Admission Materials:

For graduate admissions forms, see the Graduate Application page.

Graduate Program Director:
Earl Conee
528 Lattimore Hall
Phone: (585) 275-8115
Graduate Admissions Committee Chair:
Brad Weslake
520 Lattimore Hall
Phone: (585) 276-3821
Graduate Placement Officer:
Earl Conee
528 Lattimore Hall
Phone: (585) 275-8115