Student Opportunities and Resources

The Philosophy Department typically offers at least one Dean's Scholar award per year for a highly motivated undergraduate who has exhibited excellence in the classroom and the ability to take on the extra challenges of research and scholarly work. The application process takes place in the spring semester. For more information click on the link below or contact the Philosophy Department for information on the application process.

See Dean's Scholar Program.

Students interested in pursing an independent research project are encouraged to work with a faculty mentor to develop a USS application. The USS Program provides an excellent opportunity for students to conduct summer research in collaboration with a faculty mentor.

Summer Scholars receive:

• 6 credit hours (with a tuition waiver for those hours)
• $2600 fellowship award
• $400 for project expenses (e.g., travel, supplies)

There is a competitive application process for the program. To apply, you must:

• contact the professor you would like to collaborate with
• be a sophomore or junior
• have a minimum GPA of 3.0
• turn in your proposal by the December deadline (to the Philosophy Chair)

See USS Program.

Each year during the spring semester the Department sponsors a competition for the best essay in any area of philosophy. The purpose of the Hall Prize is to foster advanced philosophical thinking and writing among undergraduate students. The prize amount is usually $500 (sometimes to be split if there is more than one superior submission).

Linda Singer was a member of Miami’s Philosophy Department from 1980 until her early death in 1990. In her ten years as a faculty member, Professor Singer was a productive scholar, an engaging teacher, and a valued colleague. Professor Singer was known for her work in feminist theory, aesthetics, and social and political philosophy, and she is the author of a posthumously published book entitled Erotic Welfare: Sexual Theory and Politics in the Age of Epidemic. Her varied interests and vivacious personality endeared her to students and colleagues across the university. In honor of Linda Singer, and thanks to the generosity of her friends and family, the Linda Singer Scholarship in Philosophy commemorates her contributions and commitments to philosophical research and intellectual community.

Each spring, the Department of Philosophy recognizes undergraduate academic excellence in philosophy by awarding the Linda Singer Scholarship to an outstanding sophomore or junior student with a primary or secondary major in philosophy. The scholarship is intended for use during the student’s junior or senior year of study. The amount of the scholarship money varies from year to year, but averages about $5,500.

Students interested in the Singer Scholarship should check departmental postings and emails during the spring semester for a call for applications. The application deadline is usually in April. To apply, students should have a current class standing of sophomore or junior, and submit the following materials for consideration: official transcripts; a writing sample; a statement of goals and purposes in pursuing the study of philosophy; at least one letter of recommendation from a university faculty member; and a list of philosophy courses taken including the instructor and the grade received. The call for applications will provide more details and an exact deadline date.