Welcome to the Department of Philosophy!
Our research and teaching interests cover all of the major areas of analytic philosophy with particular strengths in epistemology and ethics. The size of our graduate program allows for close interaction between students and faculty and among the graduate students, in academic and informal settings.
We present frequent colloquia featuring either distinguished visiting speakers or our faculty and graduate students. In particular, the weekly Graduate Student Research Colloquia provide masters and doctoral students the opportunity to present their academic research.
Requirements for both the Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees include taking core courses in the main areas of philosophy (such as ethics, epistemology, metaphysics, history of philosophy, and logic) and writing research papers.
Please see Graduate Placement as well as the Graduate Student Handbook for more information.
How to Apply
Application deadline For admission in the fall semester, the application deadline is January 15 of the same calendar year if you wish to receive full consideration for funding. The deadline is July 15 if you are applying for admission only, without funding.
Degree pathways The Philosophy Department offers the following degree pathways. · Philosophy MA · Philosophy MA/PhD · Philosophy PhD · Philosophy MA, with a specialization in Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs · Philosophy MA/PhD, with a specialization in Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs · Philosophy PhD, with a specialization in Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs
You should apply for the PhD (either with or without the specialization in Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs) if you already have an MA in philosophy, or expect to have one by the time you enroll at UNL. Students in the PhD program typically spend three years on coursework (less if they transfer in credits earned elsewhere) and two years on their doctoral dissertation. You should apply for the MA/PhD if you don’t already have an MA in philosophy and are interested in continuing onto a PhD. Students admitted to this degree pathway will spend two years on their MA coursework, a third year on additional PhD coursework, and two years on their doctoral dissertation. You can leave the program at any time (e.g., before the PhD) if your plans change. If you are interested in the specialization in Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs and do not have an MA in philosophy, we recommend applying for the MA/PhD in philosophy and adding the specialization after enrolling here. You should apply for the MA (either with or without the specialization in Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs) if you don’t already have an MA in philosophy and are sure that you do not want to continue onto a PhD. Note that those applying for the standalone MA will not be considered for funding.
For more information about our degree programs or the application process, including guidance on which program to apply to, email philgradapp@unl.edu.
Required application materials:
MA program MA/PhD program PhD Program
· "Graduate Admission Requirements" are those required by the university.
· "Major Admission Requirements" are those required by the department: three recommendation letters, a list of philosophy courses taken and grades received, a statement of purpose, and a writing sample. (The GRE is not required.)
All application materials are weighed carefully, but usually the most important criteria are the writing sample, the depth and breadth of previous training in philosophy (including GPA in philosophy courses), and letters of recommendation.
Among admitted students in 2021-2025:
· 74% had an M.A. in philosophy or a closely related field.
· The average GPA in their immediately previous degree (either B.A. or M.A.), if from a U.S. institution, was 3.78.
Courses
The department offers graduate courses at two levels.
- 800-level courses are comprehensive core courses in logic; philosophy of language, epistemology, philosophy of mind, metaphysics, philosophy of science; ethics; and ancient and modern philosophy.
- 900-level courses are advanced research seminars in a wide range of more specialized areas.
The department offers eight to ten graduate courses a year, divided evenly between core courses and research seminars. Most core courses are offered on a regular, rotating schedule. Topics for research seminars change every semester.
Instructors
The department currently has nine regular faculty members and approximately twenty graduate students in residence.
· The research and teaching interests of the faculty span all the major subject areas of philosophy: ethics, epistemology, metaphysics, history of philosophy, and logic.
· Many key specialties including philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, philosophy of physics, philosophy of law, political philosophy, and philosophy of race and gender.
Support
Teaching assistantships and fellowships are available on a competitive basis. For full consideration for funding, applications should be complete by January 15.
Computers and printers are available, and office space is provided for students holding teaching assistantships or fellowships.
The department has two graduate advisors whom graduate students can consult about any aspect of their academic careers.
Graduate Student Travel Support
UNL's Department of Philosophy awards up to $500 (as of 10/2023) per year per graduate student to support travel to present at conferences.
Also available are the GSA Travel Awards Program (GTAP) and the Graduate Student Travel Award (GSTA).
Process:
- Email the department chair with conference information to request travel support, at least a month prior to the conference date.
- If approved, contact the PBC Finance Coordinator, Tammy Carlson as soon as possible.
Graduate Minors
A minor for the master's degree in philosophy requires at least 9 credit hours in Philosophy Courses (800 or 900 level).
A minor for the doctoral degree in philosophy requires at least 15 credit hours with 6 hours in courses open exclusively to graduate students (900 level).
Contact
Admissions Chair Reina Hayaki
Graduate Chair John Brunero
Graduate Advisor Joe Mendola
Placement Director Wade Munroe