Master of Arts in English (Literature Specialization)

at State University of New York at New Paltz USA

Philosophy is the 'love of wisdom.'  It involves a relentless probing of the most profound and difficult questions concerning human beings and their place in the universe.  It is therefore the most comprehensive study.  The Department of Philosophy offers a program designed to acquaint students with the major divisions of philosophy and with the principal historical and contemporary figures and schools.  The study of philosophy is excellent preparation for a variety of vocations and professions, as well as for graduate study in medicine, law, government, business, and journalism.

The Department of Digital Media & Journalism represents disciplines that combine methods from both the humanities and social sciences in the study of how people share and represent ideas through the mass media. Building upon a solid liberal-arts foundation, students in our programs develop theoretical and practical knowledge through challenging and engaging coursework and hands-on experiences that will support their intellectual and professional growth and prepare them for careers and graduate study.

The Department offers three academic majors, each leading to either the bachelor of arts (B.A.) or bachelor of science (B.S.) degree: Digital Media Production, Digital Media Programming & Management, and Journalism.

The Art History Department is committed to providing students with a broad and varied understanding of world art traditions, and to fostering an approach to interpreting art based on sound critical thinking, analytical skills, and an awareness of historical context.

The nationally accredited MFA program offers varied and extensive opportunities for graduate study in a unique setting. Our location is just 90 minutes north of New York City in the historic Hudson River Valley, allowing access to cutting-edge artists, historians, critics, and curators. The campus features expansive facilities, private and semi-private secure studios, and extensive computer labs and digital fabrication technologies. Additional exhibition spaces complement the prestigious Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art.

Metal - Specialization
The Metal program is an active area of study that engages a wide variety of ideas, objects, images, and modes of making toward critical and dynamic outcomes. Students and faculty form a community of inquiry that seeks to expand the field’s discourse. The rigorous curriculum provides opportunities to explore the technical, aesthetic, and conceptual aspects of contemporary jewelry and metalsmithing in a state-of-the-art facility with faculty who are actively engaged artists and who exhibit and lecture internationally. The 10,000 square-foot studios supply equipment for working in a range of traditional and contemporary methods, instruction and access to expanding digital technologies, and designated private studio spaces for each student.

This program offers students education and training in the field of behavior analysis, the history of autism spectrum disorders, characteristics of autism, family systems, educational strategies, and interdisciplinary approaches to providing services and supports for individuals with autism and their families. The program meets the educational content requirements for New York State Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) licensure as well as the coursework requirements for Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s (BACB) certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Behavior Analytic Coursework

• Students learn the foundational concepts and principles of the science of human behavior and learning that are the basis of the field of behavior analysis. The mission of our program is to train practitioners who make ethical, collaborative, culturally responsive, and data-based decisions in their practice in order to support and improve the lives of their students and clients.

Interdisciplinary Autism Studies

• The interdisciplinary component of the program provides candidates with a comprehensive perspective on autism spectrum disorders, by incorporating coursework from several disciplines, including special education, communication disorders, human services, music therapy, and psychology.

The Digital Design & Fabrication (DDF) will prepare students to utilize modern digital fabrication methods in the design and fabrication process.  Modern methods of fabrication, such as 3D printing, have changed not only how objects are designed, but have also changed what can be designed and manufactured.  As modern fabrication technologies continue to advance, the worlds of design and manufacturing will change and merge into something much more seamless.  Through an approach that blurs traditional boundaries between art, engineering, design, fabrication and science, the DDF program will enable students to take full advantage of advanced manufacturing and fabrication techniques. Graduates will earn the Rhinoceros CAD certification (levels 1 & 2) and Stratasys Additive Manufacturing Certification.

The nationally accredited MFA program offers varied and extensive opportunities for graduate study in a unique setting. Our location is just 90 minutes north of New York City in the historic Hudson River Valley, allowing access to cutting-edge artists, historians, critics, and curators. The campus features expansive facilities, private and semi-private secure studios, and extensive computer labs and digital fabrication technologies. Additional exhibition spaces complement the prestigious Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art.

Painting & Drawing - Specialization
The Painting/Drawing program encourages the technical, conceptual, and professional development of its students through a balance of intensive studio experience and critical and theoretical dialogue. Students working in traditional, experimental, and multimedia formats are challenged to assess their work in a contemporary context. 

Accepted students enter as prospective candidates for the Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in visual arts or as a pre-major in art education. Upon completion of the art foundation core and basic studio classes in a particular medium, students in the BA or BS program may choose to apply to one of the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree programs. Entrance into a BFA program is by portfolio and interview; the student applies directly to the specific program of interest.

This 30 credit program is designed for students interested in developing their knowledge and skills in social justice education and applying what they learn within higher education, human services, or nonprofit professional settings. This program is also appropriate for K12 teachers (any grade level or content area) who want to learn about and apply social justice education principles and practices to their classroom; this degree can be used to apply for professional certification through an Individual Pathway.

The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Social Justice Educational Studies (non-cert) offers a self-reflective, process-oriented approach to diversity, equity, and social justice. The program integrates intellectual/cognitive and social/emotional learning through an experiential and participatory process that centers social justice and critical thinking. Students work collaboratively to foster personal, communal, and institutional social change and to promote more humane, democratic, and inclusive classrooms, organizations, and communities.