Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Philosophy
The Associate in Arts (AA), Emphasis in Philosophy provides focused training in critical thinking, critical reading, writing, reasoning, communication, and civic dialogue, all while developing an understanding of diverse world views. Students gain proficiency in foundational skills for future studies and work in Law, Social Sciences, the Humanities, and Public Policy. This degree prepares students for their bachelor degree transfer pathway and equips them with analytical skills highly valued by employers.
Details
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges.
This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the major questions, central methods, issues, figures, and arguments in the core areas of philosophy and its history.
- Critically examine the major questions, central methods, issues, figures, and arguments in the core areas of philosophy and its history.
- Employ the tools of formal (deductive) and informal (inductive) logic to identify, construct, analyze, evaluate, and respond to arguments.
- Critically evaluate questions of value (e.g., ethics, morality, aesthetics, religion, rationality) with clarity, balance, open-mindedness, and rational rigor.
- Compare and contrast texts and philosophical traditions.
- Apply philosophical concepts and theories to everyday life problems and other disciplines.
- Interpret texts incisively using philosophical methods.
- Clearly articulate ideas and arguments in writing and speech.
- Engage in self-reflection to examine deeply-held assumptions and to achieve greater self-understanding.
- Exhibit openness to alternative conceptual frameworks.
- Apply relevant knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to seek career opportunities in the field.
Successful completion of this degree may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Arizona-based wages* for this degree. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers
$98,190 Show expanded career information for Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers
Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators
$73,420 Show expanded career information for Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators
Chief Sustainability Officers
$150,990 Show expanded career information for Chief Sustainability Officers
Compliance Managers
$121,290 Show expanded career information for Compliance Managers
Computer Systems Analysts
$98,470 Show expanded career information for Computer Systems Analysts
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
$67,680 Show expanded career information for Environmental Compliance Inspectors
General and Operations Managers
$99,490 Show expanded career information for General and Operations Managers
Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates
$100,330 Show expanded career information for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates
Lawyers
$126,600 Show expanded career information for Lawyers
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
$57,310 Show expanded career information for News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
$55,560 Show expanded career information for Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary
$69,470 Show expanded career information for Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary
Writers and Authors
$53,620 Show expanded career information for Writers and Authors
- Legislators
Course Sequence by Term
The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:
- Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Degree Progress Report Tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
- The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
- Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
- Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.
Full-time Sequence
Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.
Awareness Areas |
---|
|
Term 1
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
PHI101 | Introduction to Philosophy | Critical course Gateway course | HU | 3 | |
ENG101 or ENG107 | First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | FYC or FYC | 3 | ||
Transfer Option | Transfer Option | 0–3 | |||
Transfer Option | Transfer Option | 0–3 | |||
Second Language or Elective | Second Language Requirement, 101 Level or Elective | See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency | |||
FYE101 or FYE103 | Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success | 1–3 |
Term 2
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ENG102 or ENG108 | First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | FYC or FYC | 3 | ||
CRE101 | College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking | OR Equivalent as indicated by assessment | L | 0–3 | |
MAT140 or MAT141 or MAT142 or MAT145 or MAT146 | College Mathematics or College Mathematics or College Mathematics or College Mathematics with Review or College Mathematics with Review | OR Any approved general education course in the Mathematical Applications [MA] area | MA or MA or MA or MA or MA | 3–6 | |
Transfer Option | Transfer Option | 0–3 | |||
Transfer Option | Transfer Option | 0–3 | |||
Second Language or Elective | Second Language Requirement, 102 Level or Elective | See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency |
Term 3
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
COM100 or COM110 or COM225 or COM230 | Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking or Small Group Communication | Recommend selecting a course that satisfies COM and SB or COM and L requirements simultaneously. | SB or SB or L or SB | 0–3 | |
SQ | Natural Sciences Quantitative | SQ | 4 | ||
SB | Social & Behavioral Sciences | May be met by COM263, ECN211, ECN212, HIS100, HIS101, HIS102, HIS103, HIS104, and/or PSY101 in Restricted Electives | SB | 3 | |
L | Literacy & Critical Inquiry | May be met by PHI103 in Restricted Electives. PHI103 Recommended | L | 3 | |
Transfer Option | Transfer Option | 0–3 | |||
Transfer Option | Transfer Option | 0–3 | |||
Second Language or Elective | Second Language Requirement, 201 Level or Elective | See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency |
Term 4
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
SB | Social & Behavioral Sciences | May be met by COM263, ECN211, ECN212, HIS100, HIS101, HIS102, HIS103, HIS104, and/or PSY101 in Restricted Electives | SB | 3 | |
SQ or SG | Natural Sciences Quantitative or Natural Sciences General | SQ or SG | 4 | ||
HU | Humanities, Fine Arts & Design | May be met by HIS101, HIS102, HIS103, HIS110, HIS111, PHI103, PHI105, PHI201, REL100, or REL271 in Restricted Electives PHI105 recommended. PHI103 recommended if not used to meet Literacy and Critical Inquiry [L] | HU | 3 | |
CS | Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application | May be met by MAT206 in Restricted Electives | CS | 3 | |
Transfer Option | Transfer Option | 0–3 | |||
Transfer Option | Transfer Option | 0–3 | |||
Second Language or Elective | Second Language Requirement, 202 Level or Elective | See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency |
Part-time Sequence
Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.
Awareness Areas |
---|
|
Term 1
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
PHI101 | Introduction to Philosophy | Critical course Gateway course | HU | 3 | |
SB | Social & Behavioral Sciences | May be met by COM263, ECN211, ECN212, HIS100, HIS101, HIS102, HIS103, HIS104, and/or PSY101 in Restricted Electives | SB | 3 | |
FYE101 or FYE103 | Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success | 1–3 |
Term 2
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ENG101 or ENG107 | First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | FYC or FYC | 3 | ||
HU | Humanities, Fine Arts & Design | May be met by HIS101, HIS102, HIS103, HIS110, HIS111, PHI103, PHI105, PHI201, REL100, or REL271 in Restricted Electives PHI105 recommended. PHI103 recommended if not used to meet Literacy and Critical Inquiry [L] | HU | 3 | |
Transfer Option | Transfer Option | 0–3 |
Term 3
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ENG102 or ENG108 | First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | FYC or FYC | 3 | ||
MAT140 or MAT141 or MAT142 or MAT145 or MAT146 | College Mathematics or College Mathematics or College Mathematics or College Mathematics with Review or College Mathematics with Review | OR Any approved general education course in the Mathematical Applications [MA] area | MA or MA or MA or MA or MA | 3–6 | |
Transfer Option | Transfer Option | 0–3 |
Term 4
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
CRE101 | College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking | OR Equivalent as indicated by assessment | L | 0–3 | |
Transfer Option | Transfer Option | 0–3 | |||
Second Language or Elective | Second Language Requirement, 101 Level or Elective | See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency |
Term 5
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
SB | Social & Behavioral Sciences | May be met by COM263, ECN211, ECN212, HIS100, HIS101, HIS102, HIS103, HIS104, and/or PSY101 in Restricted Electives | SB | 3 | |
Transfer Option | Transfer Option | 0–3 | |||
Second Language or Elective | Second Language Requirement, 102 Level or Elective | See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency |
Term 6
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
SQ | Natural Sciences Quantitative | SQ | 4 | ||
COM100 or COM110 or COM225 or COM230 | Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking or Small Group Communication | Recommend selecting a course that satisfies COM and SB or COM and L requirements simultaneously. | SB or SB or L or SB | 0–3 | |
Transfer Option | Transfer Option | 0–3 |
Term 7
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
L | Literacy & Critical Inquiry | May be met by PHI103 in Restricted Electives. PHI103 Recommended | L | 3 | |
Transfer Option | Transfer Option | 0–3 | |||
Second Language or Elective | Second Language Requirement, 201 Level or Elective | See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency |
Term 8
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
CS | Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application | May be met by MAT206 in Restricted Electives | CS | 3 | |
Transfer Option | Transfer Option | 0–3 | |||
Second Language or Elective | Second Language Requirement, 202 Level or Elective | Second Language Requirement, 202 Level. See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency |
Term 9
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
SQ or SG | Natural Sciences Quantitative or Natural Sciences General | SQ or SG | 4 | ||
Transfer Option | Transfer Option | 0–3 |
Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.
Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.
- C = Cultural Diversity in the US
- CS = Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application
- FYC = First Year Composition
- G = Global Awareness
- H = Historical Awareness
- HU = Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design
- L = Literacy & Critical Inquiry
- MA = Mathematics
- SB = Social-Behavioral Sciences
- SG = Natural Sciences General
- SQ = Natural Sciences Quantitative
Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.
Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.
View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm10?id=190045).
At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.