Philosophy is arguably the oldest intellectual discipline, and yet remains one of the most relevant. Philosophers critically question the foundations of past and contemporary world views. In our discipline, we study the views of Plato, Confucius, Ibn Sina, Aquinas, Sor Juana, Kant, Octavio Paz, Nietzsche, Simone de Beauvoir, Einstein, and Cornell West, to name just a few. Each of these intellectual giants establishes a new framework from which to assess our own realities, values, and experiences. This major not only provides a solid, diverse, and inclusive background for transfer to four-year institutions, but also satisfies those who find common, everyday answers lacking. Those who believe the unexamined life is not worth living will gain much from the study of Philosophy as its study is transformative. Additionally, the degree prepares students for a surprisingly wide array of careers.

Career Opportunities

https://www.grossmont.edu/student-support/career-center/resources.php

Analyst¹
Archivist¹
Biographer¹
College Administrator¹
Consultant
Cultural Affairs Officer¹
Ethicist
Etymologist¹
Insurance Agent / Broker
Journalist
Lawyer¹
Librarian¹
Marketing Manager
Manuscript Reader
Philosopher
Policy Analyst
Reporter
Sales Representative
Philologist¹
Teacher / Professor¹
Writer

¹

Bachelor’s Degree or higher required.

The Program-level Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs) below are outcomes that students will achieve after completing specific degree / certificate requirements in this program. Students will:

1. Recall, explain, and locate theories and concepts into philosophical traditions, eras, and modes of inquiry; and
2. Analyze individual and institutional belief systems, including one’s or their own, to evaluate philosophical assumptions about truth, ontology, values, reasoning, and methodology; and
3. Utilize those evaluations in the creation of revised justified beliefs; and
4. Apply philosophical methodologies to everyday encounters and inquiries.  

Associate Degree Major Requirements

Note: All courses must be completed with a letter grade of “C” or higher or “Pass.”

Course List

Code	Title	Units
PHIL-110	A General Introduction to Philosophy	3
PHIL-145	Social and Political Philosophy	3
Select one of the following:		3
PHIL-115	History of Philosophy I: Ancient and Medieval
PHIL-117	History of Philosophy II: Modern and Contemporary
Select two of the following:		6
Any course from above not already used or
PHIL-119	United States' Philosophies
PHIL-120	Asian and Pacific Philosophies
PHIL-160	Latin American Philosophy
Select two of the following:		6
Any course from above not already used or
PHIL-111	Philosophy and Popular Culture
PHIL-140	Problems in Ethics
PHIL-141	Bioethics
PHIL-150	The Philosophy of Art
PHIL-155	The Philosophy of Science
Total Units		21

Plus General Education and Elective Requirements

¹

Recommended for students planning to major in philosophy at a university.