PhD in Philosophy

UB’s Department of Philosophy combines deep theoretical training with distinctive strengths in cross-disciplinary research.

As a doctoral student, you will benefit from:

• Close mentorship from faculty who are active scholars and leaders in their fields
• A vibrant intellectual community with multiple working groups, labs, workshops, speaker series and collaborative research opportunities
• Internationally recognized strengths in Applied Ontology and Philosophy, Politics and Economics
• Excellence in philosophy of science, bioethics and early modern philosophy
• Strong placement of graduates in academic and research-oriented careers

Applied ontology at UB connects philosophical analysis to data science, medical research and information systems. Philosophy, politics, and economics explores how institutions, incentives, and theories of justice interact. Together, these areas support PhD work at the intersection of philosophy, science and public life.

Degree type: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Field: Philosophy
Program length: Approximately 5 years

The program is structured to move you from advanced coursework into independent research and dissertation writing. Most students complete approximately 2.5 years of coursework before transitioning fully into dissertation research.

Your doctoral training includes:

• Advanced seminars across core areas of philosophy
• Breadth experience in formal methods, history of philosophy, metaphysics and epistemology and value theory
• A logic competency requirement
• A qualifying paper demonstrating readiness for dissertation-level work
• A topical paper and defense outlining your dissertation project
• A dissertation completed under faculty supervision

Dissertations are typically written as four thematically related chapters suitable for publication as stand-alone articles. With approval, students may also pursue a book-style dissertation.

Students complete a course in teaching philosophy unless pursuing the applied ontology track.

Through seminars, examinations and dissertation research, doctoral students will:

• Demonstrate working knowledge of the history of philosophy, contemporary value theory and contemporary metaphysics and epistemology
• Employ tools of critical reasoning in evaluating their own work and the work of others
• Read carefully, critically and charitably
• Write clear, rigorous and well-argued scholarly papers
• Demonstrate competency in logic, including symbolizing sentences, analyzing arguments and carrying out formal proofs
• Present research to professional philosophical audiences within and beyond their specialization
• Produce original research in a specialized area of philosophy
• Develop the skills necessary to teach college-level philosophy

These outcomes prepare graduates for academic research, university teaching and roles that demand advanced analytical and communication expertise.

The PhD is designed to support your growth as an independent scholar.

Qualifying paper: During the second year, you submit a qualifying paper that demonstrates your readiness to undertake sustained original research.

Topical paper and defense: Before formally beginning the dissertation, you submit and defend a topical paper outlining your proposed research project and dissertation plan.

Dissertation: Under close faculty supervision, you complete a substantial original research project that contributes to ongoing scholarly conversations in your chosen area.

Throughout this process, you will receive structured feedback, present your work to peers and faculty and refine your arguments for publication and conference presentation.

Graduates of the PhD in Philosophy pursue a range of research-intensive paths.

Many secure academic positions in philosophy and related disciplines. Others move into roles in:

• Public policy and government
• Bioethics and health care ethics
• Data science and information management
• Interdisciplinary research centers
• Nonprofit and private sector organizations

The combination of original research, teaching experience and advanced analytical training provides long-term professional flexibility and intellectual independence.

If you are ready to build expertise at the intersection of philosophy, data and artificial intelligence, the MS in Applied Ontology at UB offers a rigorous and flexible path forward.

For more information about the PhD in Philosophy, please reach out: