Philosophy Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer (AA-T)
Division: Social Sciences
PROGRAM CODE: 1A32694
Financial Aid Eligible
The Philosophy Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer is designed to provide an opportunity for the Philosophy major to achieve an Associate in Arts Degree in Philosophy for Transfer (AA-T in Philosophy) which completes the first and second year requirements for transfer to a four-year public California institution. While at least a baccalaureate degree is recommended preparation for those considering professional careers, completion of this curriculum will demonstrate commitment to the field and provide comprehensive preparation for further academic study through upper-division course work. Students should consult a counselor, the Transfer Center and the catalog of the transfer college or university to plan a specific program of study to meet the college or university’s requirements. Note: Courses that fulfill major requirements for an Associate Degree for Transfer at Cypress College might not be the same as those required for completing the major at all transfer institutions offering a Baccalaureate Degree. The Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act (Senate Bill 1440, now codified in California Education Code sections 66746-66749) guarantees admission to a California State University (CSU) campus for any community college student who completes an "associate degree for transfer", a newly established variation of the associate degrees traditionally offered at a California community college. The AA-T is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor's degree in a similar major at a CSU campus. Students completing these degrees (AA-T) are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. Students transferring to a CSU campus that does accept the AA-T will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor's degree (unless the major is designated "high-unit" major). This degree may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system. Students should consult with a counselor when planning to complete the degree for more information on university admission and transfer requirements. This AA-T in Philosophy is designed to provide the student with a fundamental understanding and acquisition of knowledge in the Philosophy discipline. The study of philosophy includes: (1) the development of critical thinking and writing skills; (2) the investigation of conceptual problems encountered in the course of reflecting about experience; (3) the assessment of assumptions underlying other sciences and arts; and (4) the exploration of intellectual and cultural history from a broad perspective. The curriculum includes courses in Ethics, Logic, and the History of Philosophy. Graduate study is important in Philosophy. Those holding a Master's or Doctoral Degree may find employment in education, law, journalism, health, business, theology, public service and other disciplines where analytical skills are required. A limited number of students who earn graduate degrees in philosophy go on to become college philosophy professors. Those without a graduate degree will find limited career opportunities in direct areas of Philosophy. Additionally, it is more challenging to obtain teaching and/or research opportunities without a terminal PhD degree or with M.A. degrees from less competitive institutions. To earn an AA-T in Philosophy students must complete: (1) a minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in the major with a minimum grade of “C”. A P(Pass) grade is an acceptable grade for a course in the major only if the P is defined to be equivalent to a C or better ; (2) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) requirements; (3) any elective courses to complete a minimum of 60 units; and, (4) have a minimum GPA of 2.0. This degree requires a total of 18 units in addition to other degree requirements.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses - Select two courses (6 units): | ||
| PHIL 175 C | Symbolic Logic | 3 |
| PHIL 100 C | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| or PHIL 100HC | Honors Introduction to Philosophy | |
| or PHIL 160 C | Introduction to Ethics | |
| List A - Select any course not selected from the Core Courses or one course from list below (3 units): | 3 | |
| Logic and Critical Thinking | 3 | |
| History of Ancient Philosophy | 3 | |
| History of Modern Philosophy | 3 | |
| List B - Select any course not selected from List A or two courses from the list below (6 units): | 6 | |
| Intro to Religious Studies | 3 | |
| Religions of the East | 3 | |
| Religions of the West | 3 | |
| Social and Political Philosophy | 3 | |
| Critical Thinking and Writing | 3 | |
| Philosophy of Religion | 3 | |
| List C - Select from the course listed below or any LIST A or LIST B course not already used (3 units): | 3 | |
| Introduction to Christianity | 3 | |
| Total Units | 18 | |
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Outcome 1: A student who completes this program will acquire a basic knowledge of metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, religion, social and political philosophy, and logic, and be able to identify and discuss the various foundational thinkers pertinent to those subfield as is necessary for transfer to a four year institution.
Outcome 2: A student who completes this program will be able to identify major turns and events in the history of philosophical thought as is necessary to be an informed citizen of the world as well as transfer to a four year institution.
Outcome 3: A student who completes this program will be able to assess the soundness and logical validity of arguments and positions as is necessary for success in any professional field, as well as transfer to a four year institution.
https://www.curricunet.com/Cypress/reports/program_report.cfm?programs_id=1781