PhD in Philosophy - Ethics and Political Philosophy in College Park United States | University of Maryland, College Park

The Philosophy Department provides graduate programs culminating in either a Master of Arts or Doctor of Philosophy degree, specializing in modern Anglo-American philosophy and its interdisciplinary connections. Applicants can join the Ph.D. track directly without an M.A., though they may earn one en route to their doctorate. The Ph.D. curriculum primarily prepares students for academic careers in teaching and research, while the M.A. program serves those seeking to enhance their undergraduate knowledge or apply philosophical expertise to other professional domains.

Our department boasts a vibrant research community in ethics and political philosophy, with particular strengths in moral psychology, democratic theory, libertarian thought, and bioethical studies. Current scholarly work examines critical issues like consent dynamics, coercive practices, exploitative systems, normative authorities, and ethical boundaries. Students enjoy extensive research possibilities across these and related fields. Faculty specializing in ethics and political philosophy include: