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 also pass the comprehensive exam and the preliminary exam.

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.