topplegänger

@steve3020Hey, thanks for the feedback. I'm looking into some CompLit programs and Cultural Studies programs too. Any recommendations on specific programs? I think they would be more receptive to my educational history.

@maxhgnsYeah- Thank you. I'm not entirely opposed to studying in an Analytic Department, and there are definitely Philosophers now working with a foot in both traditions. My main concern with Analytic Departments is my own eligibility. Would I have a competitive application with a Visual Art/Art History background?

@MentalEngineer Thanks for the recommendation. Yeah, that program looks interesting to me. I definitely see a thread between my interest in Aesthetics and Value/Ethics/Societal topics. I'd hope to move towards more Metaphysics in future studies, while the Art Historian in me wants to stay true to material conditions too.

Hi everyone, Hoping to hear some advice about applying to MA programs with the long term goal of beginning a PhD in Philosophy. I graduated with honors from Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA in Painting and a concentration in History of Art and Visual Culture in 2014. Towards the end of my schooling, my focus had shifted away from Fine Art courses (which at RISD already had a degree of Theory focus) towards my liberal arts courses which were heavily influenced by Critical Theory. My GPA was 3.809. Since graduating I have done a lot of Philosophy reading and studying on my own and have taken courses at smaller non-profit educational organizations. I’ve been fairly active after school—through volunteer work, jobs, and independent research. I’m curious to hear what other peoples’ experiences are with Fine Art majors transitioning into Philosophy programs. I expect it isn’t entirely uncommon since so much of the Continental Tradition places emphasis on the Arts (there are figures like Manuel Delanda who have made the leap), but I also suspect that most people applying to Philosophy MAs from other fields have BAs rather than BFAs. I’m interested in studying the History of Philosophy and Philosophy of Aesthetics, and I have a growing interest in the study of Metaphysics & Epistemology broadly. I gravitate towards the Continental tradition, but try not to make a huge deal of the divide between the two traditions. Other areas of interest are Critical Theory, Social/Political Thought, and Media Theory. Seems like most people in strictly Philosophy fields for an MA are interested in schools like GSU, Brandeis, UW Milwaukee, and Tufts. Not sure how likely I would be to get into any of these programs. They also tend to be very expensive, though I imagine that the more recognizable institutions are really helpful in getting into any PhD programs and attaining paid teaching positions. EGS seems interesting, but I think it would work better for someone further along in their Academic work to meet practicing Philosophers and Theorists. That said, EGS does seem very open to working alongside the Arts or accepting people from Arts & Humanities backgrounds. If funding permitted, I’d be interested in schools like CUNY or The New School. Other thoughts: Warwick seems interesting. So does CsDs at UMinnesota or UNSW Australia. UC San Diego. Thoughts? Advice? Thanks.