| The Philosophy Department inaugurated a PhD program in the Fall of 1990, in preparation for the increased demand for university and college professors. The PhD program complements an active Master's program, which has been in place since 1968, and an expanding undergraduate program. The program is designed to address a felt need in the profession of philosophy for scholars able to transcend the confines of a specialty. In their research, members of the department address major issues of both Anglo-American and continental philosophy as well as scholarly issues concerning major figures of the history of philosophy. This diversity is coupled with a unique spirit of cooperation throughout the faculty. The course of study of graduate students is designed to take advantage of this breadth and attitude of cooperation. Each student receives a thorough grounding in the history of philosophy and a familiarity with both the contemporary analytic and Continental traditions in order to achieve an understanding of the place of his or her area of research within the several basic areas and methodologies of philosophy and the historical tradition on which they are based. Specializations are available in most areas of analytic and continental philosophy and the history of philosophy, as well as on topics and issues that cross traditional boundaries. These specializations are supported in each case by several members of the department. Seminars are small, and students receive individual attention, often from several members of the department with overlapping research interests. The atmosphere in the department is congenial. There are many informal opportunities for ongoing philosophical discussion among students and faculty outside of the classroom. | 
