Graduate programs in Philosophy of Education

Study in the Philosophy of Education program is oriented toward a critical understanding of broad conceptual and normative issues in education and the human service professions. Course offerings apply traditional humanistic modes of inquiry to the professions, focusing on philosophical questions not raised in specialized departments and programs. Graduate students take general courses in philosophy of education as well as topical courses that focus on special issues and literatures.

The M.A. program offers students an overview of philosophical issues as they pertain to education and the other human service fields represented in NYU Steinhardt. Course work examines theories of society, morality, and knowledge as they relate to education and allied fields. Classes focus on topics such as the role of values in education; philosophies of science and applied science; feminist philosophies and their relevance to education and the human services; 20th-century philosophic movements; and ideas of nature. The small and highly selective doctoral program allows students to pursue independent study on philosophical problems and an orientation toward philosophic questions raised by the educational and human service professions. The M.A. program prepares students to teach in humanities and social studies programs in secondary schools and colleges. The Ph.D. degree program prepares professors and teachers of philosophy of education for college- and university-level positions.