Philosophy

The Vanderbilt University Philosophy program offers students an opportunity to explore fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and human nature through a comprehensive curriculum designed to foster critical thinking and analytical skills. Our program encourages students to engage deeply with classic philosophical texts as well as contemporary debates, promoting both historical awareness and active participation in current philosophical discourse. Students have the flexibility to customize their studies by selecting from a wide range of courses that cover diverse areas such as metaphysics, epistemology, logic, philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, ethics, and political philosophy. The program emphasizes developing rigorous analytical abilities, clear writing skills, and a nuanced understanding of complex ideas, preparing graduates for careers in academia, law, public policy, journalism, and other fields requiring strong reasoning and communication skills. In addition to coursework, students are encouraged to participate in research projects, seminars, and conferences, fostering a vibrant intellectual community. The faculty members are distinguished scholars engaged in cutting-edge research, providing mentorship and personalized attention to help students excel academically and professionally. Vanderbilt’s Philosophy program also supports interdisciplinary studies, allowing students to combine philosophy with fields such as cognitive science, history, and theology, broadening their perspective and enhancing their academic experience. Graduates of the program have gone on to succeed in various professional paths, including graduate studies, law school, and careers in public service, reflecting the program’s commitment to developing thoughtful, well-informed citizens. Whether you are passionate about exploring abstract questions or applying philosophical concepts to real-world issues, Vanderbilt’s Philosophy program offers a rigorous and supportive environment to cultivate your intellectual growth and prepare for a dynamic future.

The following five requirements compose the PhD Program in Philosophy at Vanderbilt.

1. Coursework Requirement 1
2. Logic Requirement
3. Foreign Language Requirement
4. Field Exam and Project Abstract Requirement
5. Prospectus and Dissertation Requirement

Semester 1: At the end of the first semester, students must have completed at least 11 credits, including three three-credit courses and the two-credit Proseminar. Students are advised to sit for the Logic exam (and to audit Phil 3003, “Formal Logic & Its Applications,” if necessary).

Semester 2: At the end of the second semester, students must have completed at least three additional three-credit courses, thereby bringing the student’s total number of coursework credits to at least 20, and they must have attempted to satisfy the Logic Requirement.

Semester 3: Students must take the Language Exam by September 1st of the third semester. At the end of the third semester students must have completed at least three additional three-credit courses, thereby bringing the student’s total number of coursework credits to at least 29, and they must have satisfied the Logic Requirement.

Semester 4: At the end of the fourth semester, students must have completed at least three additional three-credit courses, thereby bringing the student’s total number of coursework credits to at least 38. They must have passed the Foreign Language Exam by April 15th.

Semester 5: At the end of the fifth semester, students must have completed at least three additional three-credit courses, thereby bringing the student’s total number of coursework credits to at least 47, and satisfied all aspects of the Coursework Requirement. They must also have assembled the Field Exam Committee, started a bibliography, and submitted the committee names and bibliography to the DGS by December 1st.

Semester 6: In the sixth semester, students must register for at least nine research hours, thereby bringing their total number of graduate credits to at least 56, and they must meet all specified deadlines for the Field Exam (which must be passed by April 1st) and Project Abstract (which must be submitted by April 15th).

Semester 7: In the seventh semester, students should register for nine research credits, thereby bringing their total number of credits to 65. By September 30th, students must have passed the Qualifying Exam (Prospectus Oral Defense) and satisfied all preceding requirements, thereby achieving ABD status.

Semesters 7-10: During this time, students must register for a sufficient number of research credits to ensure the completion of the required 72 credit-hours by the time they are ready to defend the Dissertation. Once students have reached 72 credit hours, they should continue in subsequent semesters to register for research hours at zero credits in order to maintain active student status.

Semester 10: By the end of the tenth semester, students should have passed the Final Defense (Dissertation Oral Defense), thereby completing all requirements for the PhD.

 1. Course Distribution Requirement

Students will take at least 5 seminars in the History of Philosophy and at least 5 seminars in Topical Areas of Philosophy, with the additional stipulation that students must take seminars from at least 3 different categories in each. The Topic and History categories are as follows, and the categorization of each graduate seminar in any given semester will be designated on the departmental course schedule.

Topical Area Categories 

• T1. Mind and Language 
• T2. Ethics, Politics, and Aesthetics 
• T3. Metaphysics and Epistemology
• T4. Race, Gender, Identity
• T5. Contemporary Philosophical Movements

Historical Categories 

• H1. Ancient Philosophy 
• H2. Medieval Philosophy 
• H3. Modern Philosophy 
• H4. 19th Century Philosophy 
• H5. 20th Century Philosophy 
• H6. Trans-era History of Philosophy

1. Completion of the online application to the Vanderbilt Graduate School
2. Submission of official GRE scores
3. Submission of unofficial transcripts
4. Submission of at least three, but at most five, letters of recommendation
5. Submission of a philosophically substantive writing sample of manageable length (ordinarily no more than 7,000 words)

Scholarships

University Tuition Scholarships are service-free awards that pay all or part of tuition costs. The following graduate awards are normally supplemented by a full University Tuition Scholarship, which usually includes student health insurance coverage: University Fellowships, Graduate Teaching Assistantships, Graduate Research Assistantships, Traineeships, and Teacher Training Awards.

The Philosophy program at Vanderbilt University offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to deepen students' understanding of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and reasoning. The program emphasizes critical thinking, rigorous analysis, and clear articulation of complex ideas, preparing students for a variety of careers that require analytical skills and philosophical literacy. Students have the opportunity to engage with a diverse array of philosophical topics, including metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, philosophy of mind, political philosophy, and logic. Vanderbilt’s faculty members are distinguished scholars known for their research and teaching excellence, providing personalized mentorship and fostering an intellectually stimulating environment.

Undergraduates can pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, which involves completing coursework that introduces core philosophical areas and encourages original thinking. The program promotes experiential learning through seminars, colloquia, and independent research projects. Students are also encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities such as philosophy clubs, essay contests, and conference presentations, enhancing their understanding and engagement with philosophical debates.

The department supports students interested in interdisciplinary approaches, linking philosophy with fields such as cognitive science, law, and the social sciences. Graduate students may have access to teaching assistantships and research opportunities, contributing to the university’s vibrant academic community. Vanderbilt’s location in Nashville provides additional cultural and intellectual resources, enabling students to attend public lectures, workshops, and symposia related to philosophy.

The program aims not only to develop students' analytical skills but also to equip them with ethical reasoning abilities essential for leadership roles and societal contributions. Graduates have pursued careers in law, education, public policy, business, and academia, demonstrating the versatility and practical relevance of a philosophy degree from Vanderbilt. The department fosters a supportive community dedicated to academic excellence and personal growth, encouraging students to think deeply about the fundamental questions that influence human life.