Graduate Programs
For Further information
Dr. Greg Scherkoske
Graduate Coordinator
(902) 494-3520
greg.scherkoske@dal.ca
APPLICATION DEADLINE
The absolute deadline for receipt of applications and supporting materials is January 1st.
PhD Program
The Doctoral (PhD) Program is for students who have an MA in Philosophy. Requirements may vary according to individual needs, but include several classes, comprehensive exams, and a thesis. We expect all graduate students to participate in undergraduate instruction through Assistantships and/or Instructorships.
All students who are admitted to this program:
- must show evidence of outstanding ability in Philosophy,
- should have applied for external funding such as a SSHRC or Killam fellowship,
- must have a record of achievement that makes it reasonably likely that they would receive such funding,
- must have satisfactorily completed their MA by the time they begin their doctoral program.
Our doctoral program is small, but extremely successful. The great majority (about 85%) of our PhD graduates have received tenure-track appointments or other jobs for which their qualifications were considered essential.
Working full-time, the PhD can be completed in four years. Average completion time for the full-time degree is about five and a half years. Working part-time, the PhD can be completed in eight years.
Funding
Full-time PhD students not receiving other funding normally receive a fellowship/teaching assistantship.
PhD Degree Options
A part-time PhD over a longer period (typically eight years) for fully qualified PhD students.
MA Program
The Master of Arts (MA) Program in Philosophy is for students enrolled in the four-year Canadian honours BA in Philosophy or the equivalent. Students will traditionally take three classes during each of the fall and winter terms, and write a thesis during the summer term following classes.
Many of our MA students have gone on to PhD programs in Canada and the United States, including: Alberta, Calgary, McGill, Toronto, Queen's, Western Ontario, UBC, York, Columbia, Connecticut, Cornell, DUNY, Johns Hopkins, Maryland, North Carolina, Rochester, Rutgers, and Syracuse.
Average completion time for the degree is approximately 13 months.
For detailed information about the Philosophy MA or PhD program, please refer to:
For further information, please contact:
Dr. Kirsten Borgerson
Graduate Coordinator
902-494-3338
Kirsten.Borgerson@dal.ca
Kenneth Harvie
Graduate Administrative Assistant
902-494-3810
philgrad@dal.ca