In order to be a candidate for the Ph.D. in Philosophy, a student must complete 15 University graduate-level philosophy courses distributed over the traditional fields of metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, logic and the history of philosophy. At least seven of these courses must be graduate seminars. In addition, students must pass "Starred Papers" in two different areas of philosophy and an Area Exam in the intended area of the dissertation.

A Starred Paper is a substantial work giving solid evidence that its author is able to do the kind of original research and writing required to complete a satisfactory doctoral dissertation in philosophy. To ensure high standards, each Starred Paper is read anonymously by a committee of three faculty members.

The oral Area Exam is administered by a three-person committee, who agree on a reading list in the student’s area. During the 90-minute examination, the three faculty members may question the student on any topic related to the intended dissertation and touched upon in the agreed readings. After satisfying these requirements, the student is ready to select a dissertation committee and write the dissertation. The requirements for the Ph.D. are completed when, after approval of the dissertation by the members of the dissertation committee, the student passes a final oral examination on the dissertation.