In a successful course of study, students must complete:

• 48 graduate credit hours (16 courses). Credits for language instruction and Doctoral Dissertation I and II (PHI 9000 and 9020) do not count toward this total.
• Students are required to fulfill one course in four areas: Ancient, Medieval, Modern, and Contemporary Philosophy. These area requirements must be completed by the end of the third year.
• Students must also pass two language exams in French, German, Greek, or Latin.
• Students must pass the comprehensive evaluation given after the second year.
• Students must pass the preliminary exam based on readings associated with the students' initial choice of a dissertation topic.

Students are expected to complete 30 credits by the end of their second year and all course work by the end of their fourth year.