University of Connecticut - PhilosophyPhD (Graduate Fellowship & Assistantship)
Opportunity Overview The University of Connecticut's Philosophy PhD program offers funded graduate study through a combination of assistantships, fellowships, and stipends. UConn is a public research university in Storrs, Connecticut, and a member of the Association of American Universities. Its philosophy department is known for strengths in ethics, political philosophy, epistemology, and the history of philosophy, with faculty actively publishing in top journals and hosting regular workshops and colloquia. Funding for PhD students typically comes in the form of teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and competitive fellowships. Teaching assistants usually lead discussion sections for large lecture courses or teach their own introductory classes after their first year. Research assistants work directly with faculty on funded projects. Fellowships provide a semester or a year of funding with no teaching duties, allowing students to focus entirely on their dissertation or comprehensive exams. The program is designed for students serious about an academic career in philosophy. Most admitted students have a strong background in the discipline, often with a bachelor's or master's degree in philosophy or a closely related field. The funding package is meant to cover tuition and provide a living stipend so students can focus on their studies without taking on outside work. Storrs sits in eastern Connecticut, about 30 miles from Hartford and roughly 90 minutes from Boston and New York City. It is a classic New England college town, with a low cost of living compared to nearby metropolitan areas. Winters are cold and snowy, while summers are warm and humid. International students will need a student visa, which the university's international office supports through the admissions process. Graduate students typically live in university housing or in apartments in the surrounding towns, and a car is helpful for getting around the region. Benefits - Full tuition coverage for the duration of the PhD program - Graduate assistantship stipend paid monthly during the academic year - Fellowship funding for one or more semesters with no teaching responsibilities - Health insurance coverage through the university - Funding for conference travel and research expenses in some cases Eligibility - Open to domestic and international applicants - Must apply and be admitted to the Philosophy PhD program at UConn - A bachelor's degree is required; a master's degree in philosophy is helpful but not always necessary - Strong academic record and writing sample required as part of the application - Teaching assistantships may require English proficiency, demonstrated through TOEFL or IELTS for non-native speakers Required Documents - Online application to the UConn Graduate School - Academic transcripts from all previous institutions - Writing sample in philosophy, typically 15-20 pages - Statement of purpose outlining research interests and fit with the department - Three letters of recommendation from academic referees - GRE scores, if required by the department for the application year - TOEFL or IELTS scores for international applicants whose first language is not English How to Apply 1. Prepare your application materials, including transcripts, writing sample, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. 2. Submit your application to the UConn Graduate School by the department's deadline, usually in December for fall admission. 3. Click the Apply button below to submit your application.