The Ph.D. program prepares students to enter the academic profession as scholars and teachers. Graduate students ordinarily take 9 course credits (3 courses) each semester. Course work for the Ph.D. is normally completed in three years. The fourth year and those following are dedicated to the dissertation. The M.A. degree is not a prerequisite for the Ph.D. As described below, it is available for those who do not continue for the Ph.D.

Requirements for Admission to the Ph.D.:

• Bachelor's degree in philosophy, or the equivalent, from an accredited college or university. Students must submit 2 official transcripts of academic work from each institution attended.
• GRE scores.
• At least three letters of recommendation.
• A statement of intent.
• It is helpful if entering students have reading knowledge of at least one of the following languages: French, German, Greek or Latin.
• Two copies of the application
• A writing sample.
• Complete applications must be received by February 1 for students entering the following fall semester.
• Please see Graduate School Policies and Programs for additional information; this is particularly important for international students.

Requirements for completion of the Ph.D.:

• A minimum of 48 graduate credit hours, i.e., 16 courses of 3 credits each. Students must take at least one three-credit course in each of the four historical periods: ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary.
• Language Requirement. Demonstrated reading knowledge of two of the following languages: Greek, Latin, German, or French. This requirement should be met during the first two years of coursework.
• Comprehensive Exams. For a brief description see link:
  PhD Student Portfolio Sheet
• 2 courses of supervised teaching. Normally this occurs in the third or fourth year.
• An approved dissertation proposal must be submitted to the Graduate School Office no later than two years after completion of the comprehensive exams. All remaining work leading to the Ph.D. degree, including defense and electronic submission of the dissertation, must be completed within four years of the comprehensive exam.
• In order to graduate at the end of a particular session, a candidate must submit the final copy of the dissertation for approval to their director and readers at least one month before the final oral may be scheduled.
• After the final oral defense of the dissertation, the signed copy of the dissertation signature page along with the approved checklist and supporting documents must be delivered to the Chair and to the Graduate School. All above items must then be submitted to the library by the date listed in the University Calendar.
• Candidates must have made formal application for the degree at the office of the Registrar prior to the date listed in the University Calendar, and should be present at graduation.
• Candidates must make complete settlement of their financial accounts with the university.
• Transferred Graduate Credit: With the approval of the Chair of the Department, graduate work done at other accredited institutions may be offered in partial fulfillment of course requirements, provided the grade is no lower than a B. After a reasonable time has elapsed to observe the student's work at Duquesne, a transfer of up to 24 credits is possible.