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Philosophy

Philosophy

Degree Type: Associate of Arts Degree, AA

Pathway: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

More Options: Classroom Based, Remote Real-Time, Hyflex, Online, Hybrid

Program Length: 4 Semesters

Location: Centennial

Transferability: Transferable, Guaranteed Transfer (GT)

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Why choose Philosophy at PPSC?

All career paths are improved by the ability to think critically. Critical thinking and formulating valid and sound arguments are the basis of philosophical thought. Recruiters from almost any field that you choose will look at philosophy as a beneficial AA degree. All classes in the philosophy department are state-wide guaranteed transfer classes. In addition, many people are surprised to learn just how impactful a philosophy degree can be on career outlook and testing outcomes. These highlighted career areas have direct correlations with philosophical knowledge.

  • Law: According to the Law School Admissions Council, a study conducted on over 1,000 new law students revealed that philosophy majors had the best outcomes on the LSAT, superseding economics, political science, psychology, and criminal justice. (See link below) Further, the American Bar Association recommends philosophy as an excellent precursor to a law degree because it conveys important information in problem-solving, the development of arguments, critical reading, writing, and editing.
  • Social Work: Many philosophy majors find that their degree will complement a Master of Social Work degree and go on to be social workers, having been equipped with both a strong foundational knowledge of philosophy and high morals. Both qualities are essential to working in a field that requires a high degree of interpersonal knowledge, confidentiality, and tact.
  • Psychology: A philosophy degree is very helpful for future psychology majors. Philosophy students learn to communicate well with people and introduce new theories to the world. In addition, they learn to develop the capability of critical analysis. These skills are vital instruments for practicing psychologists, which is why many universities offer double major programs in philosophy and psychology.
  • Teaching: Some philosophy majors plan to go on to graduate school with the goal of teaching philosophy at the college level. For these students, a major in philosophy is the best undergraduate preparation.
  • Theology: For those that want to pursue a graduate degree in theology or enter into ministry, an undergraduate degree in philosophy can provide a solid basis for different worldwide viewpoints, discerning and interpreting Biblical arguments, and the basis for ethical behaviors. 
  • Politics and Government: Many politicians, legislators, and government officials globally have philosophy degrees, which have provided them with a solid foundation of morality, empathetic thought, and critical thinking. Additionally, political philosophy is an area of study all its own which examines political decision-making and social policies of both contemporary and historical societies.
  • Business: Future Masters of Business Administration students will be well equipped with an AA degree in philosophy. MBA students must complete either a GRE or GMAT prior to entering graduate school, and philosophy majors consistently outperform their peers. In fact, according to the Educational Testing Service, philosophy majors were the highest-performing students out of all majors, surpassing physics and astronomy, English, political science, and mathematics majors. (See link below)

For more information on the statistics cited on this page, please visit the following websites that detail the importance of a philosophy degree.

https://www.wcu.edu/WebFiles/PDFs/PhilosophyPerformanceGRE.pdf

https://dailynous.com/value-of-philosophy/charts-and-graphs/

Student in class

Philosophy Classes You Might Take

Check out the classes you may take while studying Philosophy 

class 1

Introduces significant theoretical and practical questions and emphasizes understanding the meaning and methods of philosophy. Includes: the human condition, logic, reality, knowledge, freedom, history, ethics, and religion.

class 2

Examines the human life, experience, and thought to discover and develop the principles and values for pursuing a more fulfilled existence. This course examines ethical theories designed to both justify moral judgements, as well as apply these ethical theories to a selection of personal and social issues in the world today.

class 3

Studies effective thinking using language-oriented logic. Provides tools and develops skills for creative and critical thinking and the formal analysis of arguments. Emphasizes the development of decision-making and problem-solving.

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Voices of PPSC

Alana Lipscomb

Voices of PPSC

Why would you want to pay double the cost for classes at a university that you can get at a community college for less?

Alana Lipscomb
PPSC Graduate

Philosophy Associate of Arts with Designation

  • Use information to describe a problem or issue and/or articulate a question related to the topic.
  • Evaluate the relevance of context when presenting a position
  • Identify assumptions
  • Analyze one’s own and others’ assumptions
  • Establish a conclusion that is tied to the range of information presented
  • Reflect on implications and consequences of stated conclusion
Graduate smiling

 

Program Plan

math & english requirements

Program Plan

Courses & Credit Hours

  • ENG 1021 - English Composition I (3)
  • 1 GT Pathways Arts and Humanities course from AH2, AH3, or AH4 (3)
  • PHI 1011- Introduction to Philosophy AH3 (3)
  • 1 GT Pathways Social and Behavioral Sciences course from SS1, SS2, or SS3 (3)
  • 1 Elective from the AA approved course list (3)

Total Credits: 15

Courses & Credit Hours

  • ENG 1022 - English Composition II (3)
  • 1 GT Pathways History course from HI1 (3)
  • 1 GT Pathways Mathematics course from GT-MA1 (3) prefer MAT 1240 (4)
  • 1 Elective from the AA approved course list (2)
  • PHI 1012 - Ethics AH3 (3)

Total Credits: 15 

Courses & Credit Hours

  • 1 GT Pathways Natural and Physical Sciences with Lab course from SC1 (4)
  • PHI 1013 - Logic AH3 (3)
  • PHI 2014 - Philosophy of Religion AH3 (3)
  • 1 GT Pathways Arts and Humanities course from AH2, AH3, or AH4 (3)
  • 1 Elective from the AA approved course list (3)

Total Credits: 16

Courses & Credit Hours

  • 1 GT Pathways Natural and Physical Sciences course from SC1 (3)
  • 1 GT Pathways Social and Behavioral Sciences course from SS1, SS2, or SS3 (3)
  • PHI 2018 - Environmental Ethics AH3 (3)
  • 2 Elective from the AA approved course list (3)

Total Credits: 15 

math & english requirements

GT- One GT Pathways course (GT-MA1) prefer MAT 1240

(Need 3 Credit Hours)

ENG 1021 - English Composition 1: CO1 (3)

ENG 1022 - English Composition II: CO2  (3)

ENG 2001 - English Composition III: CO3  (3)

His 2765 - Writing About History" CO3  (3)

(Need 6 Credit Hours)