After careful consideration of the needs of our students and the mission of the School, the Faculty have decided to discontinue the B.A. (Philosophy) program. In its place, the School will now offer an expanded MA (Philosophy) program. The new, reorganized program is designed to help students develop knowledge in both the history of philosophy and systematic philosophy, and to bring that knowledge into critical dialogue with modern and contemporary philosophical thought.
Applicants are no longer required to have a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy prior to admission to this program, making it more accessible to a wider audience. One of our goals is to attract new students with diverse backgrounds to the study of philosophy. Their own personal experience and expertise will greatly enrich the scope and content of our study and research at DSPT.
Depending upon their personal goals, students may pursue one of two options. Recommended for those with an interest in advanced graduate studies, the thesis option allows students to explore a focused area of academic research on a particular topic of interest through elective coursework and a written thesis. An oral defense of that thesis provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate oral communication skills. Students who enroll in the non-thesis option integrate their knowledge in both history and systematic philosophy with a chosen area of contemporary inquiry. All MAPh students enroll in the MA Colloquium which provides them with an opportunity to examine focused topics of interest in a collaborative learning environment. Under the direction of Regular Faculty, students use the colloquium to sharpen listening and communication skills.
There is still time to apply to our degree programs for Fall 2009! The final admissions deadline for all programs is August 2, 2009. For more information about our programs, including the newly reorganized Master of Arts (Philosophy), or to apply, visit www.dspt.edu or contact the Admissions Office at admissions@dspt.edu or 510-883-2073.
