| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-08-01 | - |
| 2024-12-01 | - |
| 2025-04-01 | - |
Program Overview
The PhD in Philosophy program at the University at Albany provides students with an in-depth understanding of philosophy and its history, specializing in either the philosophy of knowledge and representation or the philosophy of values and society. The program emphasizes research and critical thinking skills, preparing graduates for careers in academia, government, and the nonprofit sector. Students benefit from teaching experiences and a supportive learning environment that fosters intellectual growth and collaboration.
Program Outline
The program's objectives are to:
- Equip students with a foundation in key philosophical areas like epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, and political philosophy.
- Allow students to specialize in either the
- philosophy of knowledge and representation or the
- philosophy of values and society .
- Enable students to conduct independent research and produce a significant dissertation that contributes to the field of philosophy.
The PhD program is designed for students who:
- Possess a strong desire to teach philosophy at the college level.
- Have a passion for conducting original research and contributing to the philosophical discourse.
- Seek an intellectually challenging and rewarding program that will prepare them for a successful career in academia or other related fields.
Outline:
Program Structure:
The PhD program consists of three main phases:
Foundational Coursework:
Students begin their studies with core philosophy courses that cover essential areas like epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, and political philosophy, along with logic requirements.
Specialization Courses:
Students then deepen their understanding by taking advanced seminars, research, and directed readings in their chosen specialization.
Dissertation Research:
Students conclude their program by completing an original dissertation in close collaboration with faculty advisors.
Core Philosophy Courses:
Students must complete one course from each of the following categories:
- Ways of Knowing: Theory of Knowledge or Philosophy of Science
- Philosophy of Thought and Meaning: Metaphysics, Philosophy of Language, or Philosophy of Mind
- Philosophy of Morality and Values: Ancient Ethical Theory, 17th-19th Century Ethical Theory, Contemporary Ethical Theory, or Fundamental Issues in Ethics
- Philosophy of Law, Rights, and Justice: History of Political Philosophy, Contemporary Political Philosophy, or Fundamental Issues in Political Philosophy
- Logic Requirement: Completeness and Decidability course or departmental logic exam
Specialization Courses:
Students choose three or more courses from their chosen specialization, either Philosophy of Knowledge and Representation or Philosophy of Values and Society.
- Knowledge and Representation: Courses may focus on cognitive, linguistic, aesthetic, and cultural ways of knowing, and symbolic systems. Examples include Metaphysics, Philosophy of Language, Philosophy of Mind, Analytic Philosophy, Philosophy of Science, Theory of Knowledge, Logic and Philosophy, Philosophy of the Social Sciences, Theory of Art, and Topical courses in epistemology, aesthetics, logic, psychology, and cognitive science.
- Values and Society: Courses examine moral and political issues arising from societal values. Examples include Ethics and Public Policy, Philosophical and Ethical Issues in Public Health, Bioethics, Ancient Ethical Theory, 17th-19th Century Ethical Theory, Contemporary Ethical Theory, Theory and Function of Religion, Philosophy and Public Affairs, Philosophy of Race, Philosophy and the Humanities, Philosophy and Literature, History of Political Philosophy, Contemporary Political Philosophy, Meta-ethics, and Topical courses in ethics, philosophy of religion, philosophy of law, and philosophy of politics.
History of Philosophy Courses:
Students choose three courses from ancient and modern philosophy, including:
- Ancient Philosophy: One or two courses from Plato, Aristotle, Medieval Philosophy, or Ancient Philosophy after Aristotle.
- Modern Philosophy: One or two courses from British Empiricism, Continental Rationalists, or Kant and Continental Idealism.
- Additional Option: If taking only one course from each category above, students may choose a third course from a wider selection, including Ancient Ethical Theory, 17th-19th Century Ethical Theory, Phenomenology, 19th Century Continental Philosophy, Pragmatism, History of Political Philosophy, Topics in the History of Philosophy, History of Logic, or Analytic Philosophy.
Assessment:
- Comprehensive Exam: Students demonstrate their mastery of philosophical knowledge and research skills by passing a written comprehensive exam covering all areas of philosophy.
- Topical Exam: Students further specialize their knowledge by passing a written or oral topical exam related to their chosen dissertation topic.
- Dissertation Defense: Students defend their original dissertation research to a faculty committee, demonstrating their ability to conduct independent research, analyze and synthesize complex ideas, and present their findings effectively.
- Additional Requirements: Students may need to demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language or research tool depending on their specific research focus.
Teaching:
Students may also have opportunities to co-teach with faculty or develop and teach their own courses, further honing their pedagogical skills.
Careers:
An earned PhD in Philosophy prepares graduates for diverse and fulfilling careers, including:
- Teaching Philosophy: Graduates are qualified to teach philosophy and cognate subjects at various institutions, from community colleges and private liberal arts colleges to major universities and private secondary academies.
- Government and Think Tanks: PhD graduates are equipped to contribute to policy development and analysis within government agencies, political think tanks, and nonpartisan research firms.
- Nonprofit and Social Impact: Individuals with a PhD in Philosophy can contribute to the social impact sector, working in international non-profits, social impact startups, and educational technology companies.
Other:
- The PhD program in Philosophy offers an optional dual degree option with a Master's in Bioethics through a collaboration with Clarkson University's Capital Region Campus. This program prepares graduates to address complex ethical and policy questions surrounding advancements in biomedical sciences and medical technology.
- The program emphasizes a supportive and intellectually stimulating learning environment where students collaborate with faculty and engage in ongoing research activities, contributing to a dynamic and vibrant intellectual community.
Overview:
University at Albany, also known as the University at Albany - State University of New York, is a public research university located in Albany, New York. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and has a long history, having been established in 1844. The university is known for its diverse academic programs, strong research focus, and commitment to public engagement.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Provides guidance and support to students in choosing courses, planning their academic careers, and navigating university resources.Libraries:
Offers access to a vast collection of books, journals, databases, and other research materials.Career Services:
Assists students in exploring career options, developing job search skills, and connecting with potential employers.Student Life:
Provides opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events.Residential Life:
Offers on-campus housing options for students, fostering a sense of community and providing support services.Dining:
Provides a variety of dining options on campus, catering to different dietary needs and preferences.Athletics:
Offers a variety of intercollegiate sports programs for students to participate in or cheer for.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at University at Albany can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events. The campus is located in a city setting, providing easy access to cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and dining options.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Diverse Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, allowing students to pursue their interests and career goals.Strong Research Focus:
The university is a leading research institution, providing students with opportunities to engage in research projects and collaborate with faculty experts.Commitment to Public Engagement:
The university is deeply committed to serving the community and addressing societal challenges through research, outreach, and public service initiatives.Faculty Access:
The university has a low student-faculty ratio, ensuring that students have ample opportunities to interact with and learn from their professors.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
Over 50 undergraduate majors across various disciplines, including the arts, sciences, humanities, social sciences, business, education, and engineering.Graduate Programs:
A wide range of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees, in fields such as business, education, public health, criminal justice, and the sciences.Online Learning:
Offers a variety of online courses and programs for students who prefer flexible learning options.Other:
The university has a strong alumni network, with over 195,000 alumni who support the university and its students. The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, focusing on areas such as nanotechnology, public health, and environmental science.
Entry Requirements:
University at Albany - Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy
The PhD program in philosophy at the University at Albany requires students to demonstrate strong academic ability and preparation in philosophy. Here is a breakdown of the entry requirements:
Academic Background:
- A bachelor's degree in philosophy or a closely related field is required.
- Applicants with a bachelor's degree in another field may be considered if they have taken sufficient coursework in philosophy to demonstrate their preparedness for graduate study.
- Completion of at least 18 credits in philosophy at the undergraduate or graduate level is recommended, including coursework in:
- Epistemology (Theory of Knowledge, Philosophy of Science)
- Philosophy of thought and meaning (Metaphysics, Philosophy of Language, Philosophy of Mind)
- Philosophy of morality and values (Ancient Ethical Theory, 17th-19th Century Ethical Theory, Contemporary Ethical Theory, Fundamental Issues in Ethics)
- Philosophy of law, rights, and justice (History of Political Philosophy, Contemporary Political Philosophy, Fundamental Issues in Political Philosophy)
- Strong academic performance in undergraduate studies, as evidenced by a high GPA.
- A competitive GRE score (although the GRE requirement is temporarily waived for admissions through Fall 2024).
Additional Requirements:
- Two letters of recommendation from professors who can attest to the applicant's academic ability and potential for success in graduate studies.
- A writing sample demonstrating the applicant's ability to engage in philosophical writing and research.
- A personal statement of goals outlining the applicant’s reasons for applying to the PhD program, their interests in specific areas of philosophy, and their future career aspirations. The acceptable tests and required scores are:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): A score of at least 100 on the internet-based test (iBT).
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): An overall band score of at least 7.0, with no individual band score below 6.5. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee admission, as the program is competitive and may receive a high volume of applications each year.
Summary:
The PhD in Philosophy program at the University at Albany welcomes applicants with strong academic backgrounds in philosophy or related fields. Applicants should demonstrate proficiency in key areas of philosophical inquiry and possess strong writing and research skills. Non-native speakers of English must meet the minimum language proficiency score.
