Fellowship & Funding

The Graduate Division sponsors a five-year fellowship package for all first-year matriculants to the doctoral program in philosophy, which includes tuition remission, paid health insurance (for those not otherwise covered), and a stipend ($21,000 in 2008-09). Summer funding is available as well. For example, the entering class of 2008 will receive $3,500 per summer session for three summers.

First and fourth year students have no teaching duties, but it is customary for first year students to help with the departmental library and the colloquium. Second and third year students serve as teaching fellows. Fifth year students are fully supported and teach during one semester. Continuation of the package beyond the first year assumes good academic progress. Teaching in second and third years normally consists of serving as teaching assistants; teaching in year five could involve sole-responsibility teaching (e.g., as instructors for Freshman Seminars or Critical Writing Seminars). Limited competitive fellowships and some teaching assignments are available in the sixth year. The package is adjusted for combined degree programs, and for those who anticipate substantial transfer credit.

The Department and University support the development of needed skills and provide some funds for Summer research and conference travel. French and German for reading knowledge and intensive Latin and Greek courses are available at Penn during the Summer. The Department can offer two Dean's Summer Fellowships in support of Summer research, as well as Bacon Fellowships for study in philosophy (used for Summer support).

For students making conference presentations, the Graduate Division of Arts and Sciences (GDAS) and the Graduate Student Associations Council (GSAC) provide some travel funds. For advanced doctoral students, Summer teaching can provide valuable experience as well as a stipend. Finally, Penn participates in an exchange agreement with the Free Univeristy in Berlin, and doctoral students may apply for a year in Berlin on a competitive basis.