Purdue University College of Liberal Arts

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Courses and Requirements

A master's degree in either English, Philosophy or a foreign language is a prerequisite. Applicants should have taken the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE).

Doctoral students must complete not fewer than seven graduate courses in English and seven graduate courses in Philosophy. Students may choose from more than 100 graduate courses in the Department of English and the Department of Philosophy, and also arrange to take courses in other departments and programs. One course is required: English/FLL/Philsophy 576, Philosophy and Literary Theory. There is a requirement of competence in at least one foreign language, which can be satisfied by course work or exam. Students in the program must stand for three examinations, one in each department and one defense of the dissertation prospectus.

Cost and Financial Support

For information on tuition and fees, see The Graduate School Bulletin (http://www.gradschool.purdue.edu/faculty/resources/). Financial support is available in the following forms: University Fellowships - one- and two-year stipends (depending on fellowship) and remission of tuition and most fees. Graduate Assistantships - stipend, remission of tuition and most fees, renewable with merit raises (teaching assistantships are also available from the Departments of English, Foreign Languages & Literatures, and Philosophy). Interdisciplinary Lynn Fellowships may be available to qualified incoming students - one year stipend and remission of tuition and most fees for the first year Ph.D. student at Purdue followed by three years of guaranteed teaching assistant support.

Applications

The Graduate School at Purdue accepts only electronic applications. Candidates should apply on-line at http://www.gradschool.purdue.edu/admissions/ and be sure to select a home department (either Philosophy, English or Foreign Languages & Literatures).

The first round of admissions and funding will begin after January 10. Complete your application by January 10.

Students admitted to the Philosophy and Literature Ph.D. Program will be able to pursue a graduate minor in areas of specialization offered by three other interdisciplinary programs - African American Studies, Jewish Studies, and Women's Studies. The graduate minor requirements generally comprise four graduate courses and one comprehensive exam or the equivalent; some individual programs may have additional requirements. Applicants to the Philosophy and Literature Ph.D. Program should indicate their interest in a graduate minor by including in the application a separate letter of purpose addressed to the program from which the minor is sought. Students interested in one of the graduate minor areas may also apply for funding from the collaborating interdisciplinary program. Deadlines and requirements for applying for funding by graduate minor programs are set by the respective programs. Obtain more information on graduate minors directly from the respective programs.

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The Purdue University Special Doctoral Program in Philosophy and Literature offers an interdisciplinary course of study on the graduate level leading to the Ph.D. degree. The program encourages the interplay between philosophy and literature currently animating discussions in such areas as social and critical theory, feminism, hermeneutics, narrative, semiotics, psychoanalysis, aesthetics, African-American studies, and cultural studies. In consultation with faculty, each student designs a plan of study to accommodate specific goals and interests. The program seeks to foster critical and independent thought while providing cohesive professional training.