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
Field of Interest
Culture and Society
Degree Type
Associate in Arts (AA)
Academic Plan
Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Philosophy (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
8135
Total credits required
60-64
Effective Term
Fall 2024
Notes
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.
What You'll Learn
- Demonstrate knowledge of the major questions, central methods, issues, figures, and arguments in the core areas of philosophy and its history. (PHI101, HIS100, HIS101, HIS102, HIS103, HIS104, HIS110, HIS111, PHI103, PHI105, PHI201, PHI/REL244, REL100, [HU], [SB])
- Critically examine the major questions, central methods, issues, figures, and arguments in the core areas of philosophy and its history. (PHI101, HIS100, HIS101, HIS102, HIS103, HIS104, HIS110, HIS111, PHI103, PHI105, PHI201, PHI/REL244, REL100, [HU], [SB])
- Employ the tools of formal (deductive) and informal (inductive) logic to identify, construct, analyze, evaluate, and respond to arguments. (PHI101, ECN211, ECN212, MAT206, PHI103, PHI105, PHI201, [MA], [SG], [SQ])
- Critically evaluate questions of value (e.g., ethics, morality, aesthetics, religion, rationality) with clarity, balance, open-mindedness, and rational rigor. (PHI101, ECN211, ECN212, HIS100, HIS101, HIS102, HIS103, HIS104, HIS110, HIS111, PHI103, PHI105, PHI201, PHI/REL244, POS285, REL100, [HU], [SB])
- Compare and contrast texts and philosophical traditions. (PHI101, HIS101, HIS102, HIS103, HIS104, HIS110, HIS111, PHI105, PHI201, PHI/REL244, REL100, REL211, REL271, (CRE), [FYC], [HU])
- Apply philosophical concepts and theories to everyday life problems and other disciplines. (PHI101, COM110, HIS100, HIS101, HIS102, HIS103, HIS104, HIS110, HIS111, PHI103, PHI105, PHI201, PHI/REL244, REL100, (COM), (CRE), [CS], [FYC], [HU], [MA], [SB], [SG], [SQ])
- Interpret texts incisively using philosophical methods. (PHI101, HIS102, HIS103, HIS104, HIS110, HIS111, PHI105, PHI201, PHI/REL244, REL100, REL211, REL271, (CRE), [FYC], [HU])
- Clearly articulate ideas and arguments in writing and speech. (PHI101, COM110, HIS103, HIS104, HIS110, HIS111, PHI105, PHI201, PHI/REL244, REL100, REL211, REL271, (COM), (CRE), [FYC], [HU])
- Engage in self-reflection to examine deeply-held assumptions and to achieve greater self-understanding. (PHI101, ECN211, ECN212, HIS101, HIS102, HIS103, HIS104, HIS110, HIS111, PHI103, PHI105, PHI201, PHI/REL244, REL100, REL211, REL271, [HU], [SB])
- Exhibit openness to alternative conceptual frameworks. (PHI101, ECN211, ECN212, HIS110, HIS111, MAT206, PHI103, PHI105, PHI201, REL100, REL211, REL271)
- Apply relevant knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to seek career opportunities in the field. (FYE101, FYE103)
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Credits: | 4-6 | |
| FYE101 | Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success (1) OR | |
| FYE103 | Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success (3) | 1-3 |
| PHI101 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
Course Sequence by Term
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Credits: | 0-21 | |
| Complete requirements in the transfer option that best aligns with your academic and professional goals. If your intended transfer institution is not listed, then select a combination of courses from the transfer options listed in order to meet the minimum credits required in the Restricted Electives section. Consult with an academic, faculty, or program advisor to prevent exceeding your university transfer program`s maximum transferable credits (typically 64). | ||
| Transfer Plan 1: Arizona State University (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy (no emphasis) | ||
| PHI103 | Introduction to Logic | 3 |
| Second Language Requirement: | ||
| Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program`s maximum transferable credits (typically 64). Please see the General Electives for more information. | ||
| Transfer Plan 2: Arizona State University (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy (Morality, Politics and Law) | ||
| Second Language Requirement: | ||
| Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program`s maximum transferable credits (typically 64). Please see the General Electives for more information. | ||
| Transfer Plan 3: Arizona State University (New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences), Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy, Religion and Society | ||
| PHI103 | Introduction to Logic (3) OR | |
| PHI105 | Introduction to Ethics (3) | 3 |
| REL100 | World Religions | 3 |
| Complete two (2) courses for a total of six (6) credits that transfer to ASU as direct equivalent or departmental elective credit (DEC) in the following ASU prefixes: ENG, ETH, HST, IAP, IAS, PHI, REL, SPA, or WST. | ||
| Transfer Plan 4: Northern Arizona University, Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy (no emphasis) | ||
| PHI201 | History of Ancient Philosophy | 3 |
| Second Language Requirement: | ||
| Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program`s maximum transferable credits (typically 64). Please see the General Electives for more information. | ||
| Transfer Plan 5: Northern Arizona University, Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy, Politics and Law | ||
| HIS100 | History of Western Civilization to Middle Ages (3) OR | |
| HIS101 | History of Western Civilization Middle Ages to 1789 (3) OR | |
| HIS103 | United States History to 1865 (3) OR | |
| HIS110 | World History to 1500 (3) | 3 |
| Recommend HIS103. | ||
| HIS102 | History of Western Civilization 1789 to Present (3) OR | |
| HIS104 | United States History 1865 to Present (3) OR | |
| HIS111 | World History 1500 to the Present (3) | 3 |
| Recommend HIS104. | ||
| PHI105 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 |
| ECN211 | Macroeconomic Principles | 3 |
| ECN212 | Microeconomic Principles | 3 |
| MAT206 | Elements of Statistics | 3 |
| POS285 | Political Issues and Public Policy | 3 |
| Second Language Requirement: | ||
| Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program`s maximum transferable credits (typically 64). Please see the General Electives for more information. | ||
| Transfer Plan 6: University of Arizona, Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy (General Emphasis and Ethics Emphasis) | ||
| PHI103 | Introduction to Logic | 3 |
| PHI105 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 |
| PHI201 | History of Ancient Philosophy | 3 |
| PHI/REL244 | Philosophy of Religion | 3 |
| Second Language Requirement: | ||
| Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program`s maximum transferable credits (typically 64). Please see the General Electives for more information. | ||
| Transfer Plan 7: Grand Canyon University, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies (Philosophy emphasis) | ||
| COM110 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| REL211 | Introduction to the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) | 3 |
| REL271 | Introduction to the New Testament | 3 |
| AGEC-A | Credits: 17-41 | |
| A single course with an [L], [HU], [SB], [SG], or [SQ] designation may also be used to satisfy the Oral Communication, Critical Reading, and/or Awareness Area ([C], [G] and/or [H]) requirement(s). See the AGEC matrix on aztransfer.com for course designations. | ||
| First-Year Composition [FYC] | Credits: 6 | |
| ENG101 | First-Year Composition (3) OR | |
| ENG107 | First-Year Composition for ESL (3) AND | |
| ENG102 | First-Year Composition (3) OR | |
| ENG108 | First-Year Composition for ESL (3) | 6 |
| Literacy and Critical Inquiry [L] | Credits: 0-3 | |
| Any approved general education course in the Literacy and Critical Inquiry [L] area | 3 | |
| May be met by PHI103 in the Restricted Electives area | ||
| PHI103 | recommended | |
| Mathematics [MA] | Credits: 3-6 | |
| MAT140 | College Mathematics (5) OR | |
| MAT141 | College Mathematics (4) OR | |
| MAT142 | College Mathematics (3) OR | |
| MAT145 | College Mathematics with Review (5) OR | |
| MAT146 | College Mathematics with Review (6) OR | |
| Higher approved general education course in the Mathematical Applications [MA] area (3-6) | 3-6 | |
| Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Applications [CS] | Credits: 0-3 | |
| Any approved general education course in the Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Applications [CS] area | 3 | |
| May be met by MAT206 in the Restricted Electives area | ||
| Humanities, Arts and Design [HU] | Credits: 0-3 | |
| Met by PHI101 in the Required Courses area | ||
| AND | ||
| Any approved general education courses in the Humanities, Arts and Design [HU] area | 3 | |
| May be met by HIS101, HIS102, HIS103, HIS110, HIS111, PHI103, PHI105, PHI201, REL100, or REL271 in the Restricted Electives area | ||
| PHI105 | recommended. PHI103 recommended if not used to meet Literacy and Critical Inquiry [L] | |
| Social-Behavioral Sciences [SB] | Credits: 0-6 | |
| Any approved general education courses in the Social-Behavioral Sciences [SB] area | 6 | |
| May be met by ECN211, ECN212, HIS100, HIS101, HIS102, HIS103, or HIS104 in the Restricted Electives area | ||
| Natural Sciences [SG]/[SQ] | Credits: 8 | |
| Any approved general education course in the Natural Sciences (Quantitative) [SQ] area (4) AND | ||
| Any approved general education course in the Natural Sciences (Quantitative) [SQ] area or the Natural Sciences (General) [SG] area (4). | 8 | |
| Awareness Areas | Credits: 0-6 | |
| These requirements may be shared with other AGEC requirements. See the AGEC matrix on aztransfer.com for course designations. | ||
| Cultural Diversity in the US [C] | Credits: 0-3 | |
| 0-3 | ||
| Historical/Global Awareness [H]/[G] | Credits: 0-3 | |
| Any approved general education course with the Historical [H] or Global [G] awareness area designation. | ||
| MCCCD Additional Requirements | ||
| MCCCD Additional Requirements | Credits: 0-6 | |
| Some courses in this area have [SB] and [L] designations and may also be applied to the corresponding AGEC requirements. See the AGEC matrix on aztransfer.com for course designations. | ||
| Oral Communication | Credits: 0-3 | |
| COM100 | Introduction to Human Communication (3) OR | |
| COM110 | Interpersonal Communication (3) OR | |
| COM225 | Public Speaking (3) OR | |
| COM230 | Small Group Communication (3) | 0-3 |
| Critical Reading | Credits: 0-3 | |
| CRE101 | College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking (3) OR | |
| Equivalent as indicated by assessment (0) | 0-3 | |
Course Area Key
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select additional courses 100-level or higher to complete a minimum of 60 semester credits but no more than a total of 64 semester credits. Consult with a faculty advisor, program director, and/or academic advisor to identify coursework that best aligns with academic and professional goals. | ||
| Recommended for Transfer Plan 1: Arizona State University (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy (no emphasis) OR | ||
| Transfer Plan 4: Northern Arizona University, Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy (no emphasis) OR | ||
| Transfer Plan 5: Northern Arizona University, Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy, Politics and Law OR | ||
| Transfer Plan 6: University of Arizona, Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy (General Emphasis and Ethics Emphasis) | ||
| Complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment. | ||
| ARB+++ Any ARB Arabic course(s) | ||
| ASL+++ Any ASL American Sign Language course(s) | ||
| CHI+++ Any CHI Chinese course(s) | ||
| FRE+++ Any FRE French course(s) | ||
| GER+++ Any GER German course(s) | ||
| ITA+++ Any ITA Italian course(s) | ||
| JPN+++ Any JPN Japanese course(s) | ||
| SPA+++ Any SPA Spanish course(s) | ||
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.