How to Get a Doctorate in Philosophy

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Attend a four year university and major in philosophy.

   This advanced knowledge should help form the background of your thesis research. ,, Your thesis should demonstrate your ability to conduct in-depth, long-term research, as well as showcasing your writing ability. , Ask them for recommendations. , Take special care to indicate in your statement of interest what you intend to study and why each graduate school matches your interests. ,,,, Your topic should be in a field of which you have comprehensive knowledge, and should specific enough that your dissertation will represent a contribution to that field of study. , Teach in your area of expertise where possible. ,,,
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   Step 2: Gain a broad background in philosophy

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   Step 3: taking courses in all the major subfields: metaphysics

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   Step 4: epistemology

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   Step 5: ethics

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   Step 6: and social or political philosophy.

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   Step 7: Begin to specialize in an area of philosophy during your final two years of university

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   Step 8: taking several upper-level courses in one area.

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   Step 9: Make contacts within the philosophy department and become close with a few members of the faculty.

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    Step 10: Write a thesis in your area of expertise.

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    Step 11: Speak to faculty in the philosophy department about your desire to go to graduate school and listen to their advice about which PhD programs are best suited for your skills and interests.

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    Step 12: Apply to PhD programs.

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    Step 13: Accept an offer from a philosophy department that offers the best combination of research potential and funding.

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    Step 14: Continue to expand your basic knowledge of philosophy during your first two years of graduate school

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    Step 15: taking a variety of classes to expand upon what you learned as an undergraduate.

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    Step 16: Choose a faculty advisor during your first two years with whom you share interests and with whom you think you could work well for the next several years.

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    Step 17: Start to formulate a dissertation topic during the third and fourth years of graduate school.

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    Step 18: Gain experience as a teaching assistant.

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    Step 19: Complete your dissertation during the final years of graduate school after you have satisfied all teaching and course requirements.

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    Step 20: Pass all written or oral examinations as required.

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    Step 21: Apply for and receive your doctorate.

Detailed Guide

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