Program Requirements for the MA in Philosophy and Art

Given its commitment to philosophical pluralism and its triple focus on the history of philosophy, interdisciplinary studies, aesthetics and the philosophy of art, Stony Brook's Master of Arts in philosophy is distinctive and innovative. The curriculum of the program embodies this commitment and focus.For the master's degree, a student must take 30 course credits (the equivalent of 10 courses). Of those, 6 credits may be transfer credits (as long as they were not used toward earning another degree) and no more than 6 credits can be Independent Studies. Up to 6 credits of relevant coursework may be taken outside the philosophy department and applied toward the MA. To satisfy degree requirements, students will successfully complete 10 courses and submit either a Style Paper or a Thesis in their second year of study.All courses are offered in person at Stony Brook University. Full program requirements are available in the MA Program Handbook.

The core courses of the program are:

PHI 502: Inquiries into Art Criticism and Theory
PHI 505: Core Course in Philosophy and the Arts: History of Aesthetic Theory
PHI 506: Art and Its Problems
PHI 507: Aesthetic System
PHI 508: Contemporary Issues in the Arts
PHI 509: Special Seminar in AestheticsSpecific course topics and instructors change each semester.

Click here for the current list of graduate courses.