About PhD Program,
The PhD program in the Department of Philosop provides students with intense philosophical training, and can help them transition to careers in philosophical research and teaching.
Those admitted will work with award-winning faculty members who engage in research in the philosophy of science, philosophy of mind, metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of language, aesthetics, ethics, social/political philosophy, logic, Asian philosophy and the history of philosophy, just to name a few.
PhD students will take courses in the first years to provide them with expertise in a broad range of philosophical topics, including value theory, the history of philosophy, the core areas of metaphysics and epistemology as well as their own personal research interests. After the coursework comes the comprehensive exam, followed by prospectus and dissertation.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
Admission to the doctoral program in philosophy is based on one of the following:
- A bachelor’s degree in philosophy with a minimum average of 76% (or 3.3 GPA) in third and fourth-year level coursework and an average of A- (or 3.7 GPA) in third and fourth-year level philosophy courses. Undergraduate work prerequisite to the Ph.D. program typically includes:
- 3 credits in formal logic,
- 6 credits at the upper level in the history of philosophy,
- 3 credits at the upper level in ethics or value theory,
- 6 credits at the upper level in metaphysics, epistemology, or philosophy of science, and
- at least 6 additional credits at the upper level in any of the above or related areas;
- OR
- B)A master’s degree (or equivalent) in philosophy with clear evidence of research ability;
- OR
- C)A successful first year in a philosophy master’s program, consisting of 18 credits, including 10 credits at the 500-level or above and 10 credits with an A- (or 3.7 GPA), and with clear evidence of research ability.
Please note that these requirements must be met by the time you commence your program in September. You are welcome to apply if you expect to meet the requirements by September.
Priority will be given to Canadian PhD applicants who have applied for a SSHRC doctoral fellowship.
PhD Funding Coverage,
A typical PhD student will have four years of fellowship funding (~$22,000 per year) and teaching assistantship work (~$21,600 per year). For the first four years of study, a PhD student can expect approximately $43,600 per year.
Canadian PhD students are also eligible to apply to SSHRC for doctoral fellowships which, if awarded, provide $40,000 per year in place of the $22,000 fellowship.
Students in good standing are also guaranteed a fifth year of funding of at least $25,600, including a combination of fellowship funding, teaching assistantships, and a Graduate Instructorship (where students teach their own course). They will also have the opportunity to apply for additional fifth-year fellowship support, subject to available funds.
Application Requirement,
All those interested in either the Philosophy MA or the PhD program must submit an online application with the appropriate supporting documents to the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Each application must include all of the following:
- Online application form
- All post-secondary transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- Writing sample
- Evidence of English language proficiency:Evidence of English language proficiency is required for applicants from a university outside of Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction. Tests must have been taken within the last two years at the time of your application submission.
Application Deadline,\
Jan 03, 2025
Application Fee,
Domestic applicants: $116.25 CAD; International students: $168.25 CAD.
