Philosophy is the study of the nature of reality, knowledge, and values through a critical analysis of fundamental assumptions or beliefs. The study of logic, ethics, and the history of philosophy provides a means of systemizing, assimilating, and evaluating information and the development of philosophical perspective. This degree prepares a student for transfer to the California State University system as a philosophy major. A bachelor's degree in philosophy is excellent preparation for a career in law, theology, or education.
A.S.-Transfer Degree Level Student Learning Outcomes
Students completing the Philosophy A.A.-Transfer Degree will:
- Demonstrate understanding of philosophical issues and vocabulary.
- Demonstrate ability to read analytically and critically.
- Use the terminology of logical analysis or other argumentative skills to evaluate philosophical arguments, in order to formulate a well-reasoned philosophical thesis, and to demonstrate critical thinking skills.
- Read original philosophical texts from a wide range of the history of philosophy, demonstrating comprehension, to show understanding of major philosophical issues.
- State a philosophical thesis clearly, support it with arguments and examples, and anticipate and respond to reasonable objections, in order to show the ability to formulate a well-reasoned philosophical thesis.
- Apply methods of formal logical analysis to test the validity of arguments, to show understanding of the value of formal methods.
Students receiving this transfer degree must meet the following requirements:
- Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
- The California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC).
- A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
- Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
- Meet the 12-unit residency requirement.
ADTs also require that students must earn a "C" (or "P") or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Select one (1) of the following courses: | ||
| Symbolic Logic | 3 | |
| Select two (2) of the following courses: | ||
| Introduction to Philosophy | 3 | |
or PHIL 106H | Introduction to Philosophy - Honors | |
| Philosophy - Ethics | 3 | |
| Select one (1) of the following courses: | ||
| History of Ancient Philosophy | 3 | |
| Select any two (2) courses not already used from the following: | ||
| Critical Thinking and Writing | 4 | |
| Critical Thinking and Writing through Literature | 4 | |
or ENGL C1003H | Critical Thinking and Writing through Literature - Honors | |
| History of World Civilization up to 1500 C.E. | 3 | |
or HIST 103H | History of World Civilization up to 1500 C.E./Honors | |
| History of World Civilization since 1500 | 3 | |
| Great Religions of the World | 3 | |
| Philosophy/Logic | 3 | |
| History of Ancient Philosophy | 3 | |
| History of Modern Philosophy | 3 | |
| Philosophy of Religion | 3 | |
| Symbolic Logic | 3 | |
| Total Units | 18 | |
2-Year Curriculum Map Example
This map represents one possible pathway through the program and is only for reference.
*It is highly recommended that you make an appointment to create a customized education plan that fits your needs.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Term 1 | Units | |
| ENGL C1000 | Academic Reading and Writing or Academic Reading and Writing or Academic Reading and Writing - Honors | 4 |
| Cal-GETC Area 2: Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning | 3-5 | |
| PHIL 106 or PHIL 106H | Introduction to Philosophy or Introduction to Philosophy - Honors | 3 |
| POLS C1000 or POLS C1000H | American Government and Politics or American Government and Politics - Honors | 3 |
| UC/CSU Elective | 3 | |
| Units | 16-18 | |
| Spring Term 1 | ||
| ENGL C1001 or ENGL C1001H | Critical Thinking and Writing or Critical Thinking and Writing - Honors | 4 |
| HIST C1001 | United States History to 1877 or United States History to 1877 - Honors or United States History since 1865 or United States History since 1865 - Honors or History of Women in the United States or History of Women in the United States - Honors | 3 |
| PHIL 108 or PHIL 108H | Philosophy - Ethics or Philosophy - Ethics - Honors | 3 |
| Cal-GETC Area 1C: Oral Communication | 3 | |
| Cal-GETC Area 3A: Arts | 3 | |
| Units | 16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall Term 2 | ||
| PHIL 130 | History of Ancient Philosophy | 3 |
| PHIL 210 or PHIL 110 | Symbolic Logic or Philosophy/Logic | 3 |
| Cal-GETC Area 5A: Physical Science with Lab | 4 | |
| UC/CSU Elective | 3 | |
| UC/CSU Elective | 3 | |
| Units | 16 | |
| Spring Term 2 | ||
| Cal-GETC Area 5B: Biological Science without Lab | 3 | |
| Cal-GETC Area 6: Ethnic Studies | 3 | |
| UC/CSU Elective | 3 | |
| UC/CSU Elective | 3 | |
| Units | 12 | |
| Total Units | 60-62 | |
Please make an appointment with a counselor to select elective courses and create a Student Educational Plan. Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADTs) are designed for transfer to the California State University (CSU) system. Additional coursework may be needed for students planning to transfer to the University of California (UC),
Career Opportunities
There are a variety of careers you can do with this major.
To explore more about this major, schedule an appointment with a career counselor.