Program Study and Academic Degrees

105.     The degree programs in the School of Philosophy lead to the baccalaureate (Ph.B.), licentiate (Ph.L.), and doctorate (Ph.D.). The baccalaureate may be conferred as a bachelor of arts degree (B.A.) and the licentiate as a master of arts degree (M.A.).

106.     The Baccalaureate Program: The baccalaureate is given after eight semesters of study, four of which must be completed in the School. Two programs are available to students who have completed sixty hours of college work:

a.         The Honors Program consists of twelve lecture courses and four seminars in philosophy plus four electives in approved related disciplines for a total of twenty courses of sixty credit‑hours.

          b.         The Program of Concentration consists of ten specified courses in philosophy plus two  
                   electives in philosophy and six additional electives in approved areas.

107.     The Licentiate Program: A minimum of eight undergraduate courses in select philosophical disciplines, including one course in symbolic logic, is required before regular standing as a licentiate degree candidate is achieved. In addition, candidates must complete a minimum of eight three‑hour graduate courses. Candidates must present a dissertation to be approved by the Faculty and must pass the following examinations:

a.         all regular examinations in each course;

b.         in addition to fulfilling the University's language requirement, written examination administered by the School of Philosophy in which they demonstrate their ability read either French or German;

         c.         an oral examination, of one hour, before four members of the Faculty.

Candidates for the licentiate degree must take their oral examination before the end of the second semester after the semester in which they complete their required course work.

Requirements for the Ph.L. are normally completed after four semesters of work, but must be completed within a three‑year period.

108.     The Doctorate Program: Candidates must spend at least six semesters in residence including those spent in acquiring the M.A. or Ph.L. degree, following special courses approved by the Dean and the Faculty. A minimum of twenty courses or sixty credit‑hours of course work is required for the Ph.D.This includes work completed for the M.A. or Ph.L. degree, but not credits awarded for the completion of the M.A. or Ph.L. thesis. A maximum of two semesters of graduate work in philosophy may be transferred from another institution. Candidates must present a dissertation which gives evidence of power of research, of ability to do independent scientific work, of mastery on the candidate's part of the chosen field, and of sufficient merit to warrant publication before the degree is granted.

One year or one semester and a summer session before the degree is granted, the candidate must pass an examination in the second language, that is, either French or German. Both languages are prerequisite for this degree.

Candidates must pass:

a.         regular examinations in all courses;

b.         written examinations on all three sections of the Graduate Reading Program;

c.         after the dissertation has been approved, a public oral examination on the dissertation, conducted by five members of the University Faculty.