Philosophy (History and Philosophy of Science), PhD
Belief, Science, Scientist, beliefs, history, life sciences, philosophy
ASU is no longer accepting new students to this program. Please explore Degree Search for other similar program options.
The strength of ASU's PhD program in philosophy with a concentration in the history and philosophy of science is to bring philosophy, history and the study of science together. This degree program combines solid training in the core areas of philosophy with an emphasis on transdisciplinary studies of the sciences and their conceptual structure, epistemology, history and impacts on society.
The program is especially appropriate for students with a background in philosophy who seek to broaden their disciplinary studies with a historical perspective. Applicants typically come from undergraduate programs that have included philosophical, historical or history and philosophy of science training, or with a master's degree in one of those fields. Science students are eligible as well and can make up relevant undergraduate humanistic core courses during their first years.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
Concentration (18 credit hours)
history of science (3)
philosophy of science (3)
prospectus writing (3)
research methods in the history and philosophy of science (3)
topics in the history of science (3)
topics in the philosophy of science (3)
Other Requirements (21 credit hours)
advanced logic or approved equivalent (3)
approved philosophy or other relevant courses (9)
a course in history of philosophy (3)
a course in value theory (3)
HPS 615 Biology and Society Lab (3 hours, one credit each)
Electives or Research (33 credit hours)
Culminating Experience (12 credit hours)
HPS 799 Dissertation (12)
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants | International applicants | English proficiency
This program is not currently accepting applications.
Both the MA and PhD programs in philosophy help students to develop and hone skills that are both highly marketable and easily transferable. As routine jobs are increasingly being lost to advances in automation and artificial intelligence, philosophy teaches its students to think critically, creatively and imaginatively. These skills are irreplaceable by technology, highly sought-after by employers, and transferrable from one occupation to another. They include the following skills and abilities: to read closely and with a critical eye, to analyze complex problems, to identify all the possible solutions to that problem including some creative solutions, to assess the merits of each possible solution, and to articulate and argue for or against various possible solutions in clear, precise and unambiguous language.
As philosophy focuses on honing certain skills rather than acquiring a particular body of knowledge, philosophy prepares its students for a wide variety of careers rather than for just one particular occupation. Indeed, philosophy prepares its students for any career requiring problem-solving; clear, critical and creative thinking; and excellent reading, writing and communication skills.
Career examples include:
- businessperson
- computer programmer
- counselor
- educator
- journalist
- lawyer
- politician
- public policy analyst
- publisher
- writer
Historical, Philosophical & Religious Studies, Sch
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LSC 226
SOLS@asu.edu
480-965-1768
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
