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Master of Arts in
Philosophy

Examine Philosophical Theories Including Ethics and Knowledge

Explore potential answers to complex questions about morality, justice, knowledge, and reasoning in the master's in philosophy program at the University at Albany.

You can complete this program even if you didn't study philosophy as an undergraduate. Master's students in UAlbany's philosophy department come from many different disciplines.

This diversity of thought ensures excellent seminar discussions and a dynamic learning experience that leads many graduates to pursue further academic study in their areas of interest.

Program of Study

programofstudy

Core Courses

One course in each of the following areas:

  • Epistemology and Metaphysics
  • History of Philosophy
  • Value Theory

 

Elective Courses

Fulfill your remaining credit requirements with any graduate courses in philosophy.

Sample Course Titles by Topic Area

Metaphysics and Epistemology: Metaphysics, Philosophy of Mind, Analytic Philosophy, Theory of Knowledge, Philosophy of Science, Logic and Philosophy.

Value-Theory: Philosophy and Public Affairs, Theory and Function of Religion, Philosophy of Law, Contemporary Social and Political Philosophy.

History of Philosophy: British Empiricism, Philosophy of Plato, Philosophy of Aristotle, The Continental Rationalists, Kant and Continental Idealism.
 

Completion Options

To complete the program, you can submit a 6-credit master’s thesis or take additional coursework (4 credits) and the Master's Talk (2 credits).


Additional Information

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

For more information, call 518-442-4250 or email [email protected].

Career Paths

The MA in Philosophy is an excellent bridge to doctoral study. Many graduates of this program continue their education and earn PhDs in philosophy or advanced degrees in related fields such as law, education, political science, and economics. 

Program alumni have also become employed as consultants, government officials, political campaign strategists, publishers, technical writers, economic advisors, and personnel managers.

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careers

"Earning my master’s in philosophy at UAlbany is one of the best things I’ve done in my life. In various aspects of my current work, I’m required to critically engage with highly complex issues. This program helped me develop valuable skills in inquiry and analysis that I use every day on the job."

— David Tedesche, ‘01

Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Option

If you’re a current UAlbany undergraduate student with at least a 3.0 GPA, you may be eligible to begin your graduate degree coursework as early as your junior year. Save time and money by applying up to 12 academic credits, billed at the undergraduate rate, towards both degrees. By doing so, you may be able to complete your combined program in only 5 years and spend less than you would if you completed each program separately.

Contact your undergraduate advisor to see if you’re eligible and learn about your combined graduate program options.

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Admissions Requirements
Deadlines
  • Fall: Rolling
  • Spring: Rolling
  • Summer: Not Available

There is no departmental assistantship consideration for this program.

Required Application Materials
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Official GRE test scores
  • Statement of goals
  • Writing sample

The statement of goals is generally one to two pages discussing what you have to offer the program and what you wish to get out of the program.  It should include a brief description of the applicant's field of interest, related background, desired area of study and research emphasis or career goals. 

Special Notes

Please submit 2 to 3 letters of recommendation.

This program offers an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience in the course listing as an option to fulfill course requirements. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. If applicants have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program.

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Student Learning Objectives


Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

Master of Arts

The M.A. program in philosophy allows students to gain greater mastery both of philosophy as a field and of specific topics in philosophy. They develop greater skills both as critical thinkers and as writers.

Learning objectives:

  • Students show knowledge of the scope of philosophy, including the history of Western philosophy, main areas of contemporary philosophy, and formal logic.
  • Students show expertise in a focused area of philosophy, and acquire the skill of producing advanced written work within philosophy.
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