Department of Philosophy

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Home About Graduate Study
Graduate Study

bridge Center for Korean StudiesThe Department offers graduate training leading to the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees. Students are accepted into the Ph.D. program only if they have already received an M.A. in Philosophy or the equivalent from an accredited institution and have met any other departmental requirements.

Although the Western philosophical tradition remains the fundamental frame of reference for the Department, the opportunity provided for specialization in the area of Asian philosophy is unique in that the University of Hawaii is the only institution of higher learning in the U.S. with a regular program leading to the Ph.D. degree with areas of specialization in Islamic, Indian, Buddhist, Chinese, Japanese, and comparative philosophy. Whatever their field of specialization, graduate students intending to complete a Ph.D. in Philosophy at the University of Hawaii at Manoa must acquire a thorough knowledge of the history and problems of Western philosophy. On the basis of this foundation, students may further specialize in one of three areas of study: Western philosophy, Asian philosophy, or comparative philosophy. The area of comparative philosophy is the most demanding; at the Ph.D. level its requirements include proficiency in both the Western and Asian fields. The candidate is expected to gain a mastery of some specific topic that can be approached through the resources of two or more philosophic traditions.

All graduate students shall develop their course of study in consultation with the chair of the graduate program.
  • Masters Degree   ( 5 Articles )

    The M.A. program is designed to serve both those who intend to go on to work in philosophy at the doctoral level at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and those who wish to pursue philosophical studies beyond the baccalaureate level for other reasons. It can provide philosophical training of interdisciplinary relevance for students intending to work in other scholarly areas, in business, or in the professions, as well as for those wishing to teach in schools or community colleges.

    While a thesis option is available, the M.A. program primarily emphasizes course work.

  • Doctoral Degree   ( 7 Articles )

    The doctoral program consists of two stages. The first stage is that leading to admission to candidacy;the second, to the awarding of the degree. Normally, the first involves at least two years of course work beyond the M.A. in preparation for departmental and language examinations. The second stage involves writing a dissertation and passing an oral examination in its defense. Students must attain certification for Ph.D. candidacy -- that is, fulfill all the requirements for the Ph.D. except for the writing and oral defense of the dissertation -- within four years of admission to the Ph.D. program.

  • How to Apply   ( 1 Article )

    Preliminary application materials (Graduate Admissions Application Form, Statement of Objectives, GRE/TOEFL scores, and transcripts) are sent to the Graduate Division. Letters of recommendation and writing samples can be sent directly to the Philosophy Department.

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