Philosophy, Associate in Arts for Transfer
The Associate in Arts in Philosophy for Transfer degree (AA-T in Philosophy) program exposes students to historical and contemporary discussions in epistemology, metaphysics, and moral theory in both the Western and Eastern traditions. It develops students’ reasoning and writing skills, models rational discussion of basic questions, and teaches both formal and informal methods of reasoning. By completing the Associate in Arts in Philosophy for Transfer degree (AA-T in Philosophy), students will be prepared to transfer into the CSU system to pursue a baccalaureate degree in Philosophy or related major. Students must complete the Associate Degree for Transfer requirements to earn the AA-T degree.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Analyze and interpret human thought, achievement, and expression relevant to such branches of knowledge as philosophy, literature, and/or the fine and performing arts, and to communicate the results.
Associate in Arts for Transfer Degree Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core | ||
| HIST 4 | Western Civilization I | 3 |
| HIST 5 | Western Civilization II | 3 |
| PHIL 2 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| PHIL 4 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 |
| PHIL 6 | Introduction to Logic | 3 |
| Select one course from the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to World Religions | ||
| Introduction to Critical Thinking | ||
| Introduction to Eastern Philosophy | ||
| TOTAL MAJOR UNITS | 18 | |
| Additional Requirements | 42 | |
| Complete Cal-GETC pattern and electives, if needed, for a total of 60 transferable units. | ||
| Total Units | 60 | |
Please refer to the program requirements section of the Catalog for information about associate degree requirements and certificate requirements including Information Competency, and General Education requirements.
The model sequence of coursework below is one pathway for students to complete the program. The information below is not an official educational plan. An MPC Counselor can assist you with creating a personalized education plan based on your academic, career, and personal goals. Visit MPC’s Counseling website for more information about Counseling and up-to-date program requirements.
Suggested 2-Year Course Sequence
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Units | |
| ENGL C1000 | Academic Reading and Writing | 3 |
| Cal-GETC Area 2 (STAT C1000 Recommended) | 4 | |
| COMM C1000 | Introduction to Public Speaking | 3 |
| PHIL 2 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| Elective (COUN 10 Recommended) | 1 | |
| Elective (LIBR 50 Recommended) | 1 | |
| Units | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| PHIL 4 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 |
| PHIL 6 | Introduction to Logic | 3 |
| ENGL C1001 | Critical Thinking and Writing | 3 |
| Cal-GETC Area 5A & C | 4 | |
| Electives (CSU/UC Transferable) | 2 | |
| Units | 15 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| PHIL 8 | Introduction to World Religions or Introduction to Critical Thinking or Introduction to Eastern Philosophy | 3 |
| HIST 4 | Western Civilization I | 3 |
| Cal-GETC Area 5B | 3 | |
| Electives (CSU/UC Transferable) | 3 | |
| Electives (CSU/UC Transferable) | 3 | |
| Units | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| HIST 5 | Western Civilization II | 3 |
| Cal-GETC Area 3A | 3 | |
| Cal-GETC Area 4 (US-2 & 3 Course Recommended) | 3 | |
| Cal-GETC Area 6 | 3 | |
| Electives (US-1 Course Recommended) | 3 | |
| Units | 15 | |
| Total Units | 60 | |
MPC transfer programs are designed to enable students to complete lower-division requirements in preparation for transfer to a baccalaureate-granting institution.
The Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act (Senate Bill 1440, codified in California Education Code sections 66746-66749) guarantees admission to California State University (CSU) system for any community college student who earns an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT), although not to a particular campus or major. Upon transferring to a CSU campus that accepts the Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) or Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T), students will be required to complete no more than 60 upper-division units to earn a bachelor’s degree in a same or similar major (unless designated as a “high-unit” major).
The following Associate Degree for Transfer requirements must be completed to earn the AA-T or AS-T degree:
- Minimum of 60 CSU-transferable semester units;
- Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework (while a minimum of 2.0 is required for admission, some majors may require a higher GPA);
- Completion of a minimum of 18 semester units as detailed in the Major Requirements;
- Completion of all courses in the major with a grade of C or better (or a “P” if the course is taken on a “Pass/No Pass” basis);
- Certified completion of the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) pattern.
All students should consult with a Counselor to discuss transfer pathways and specific university admission requirements. Visit MPC’s Counseling website for more information about Counseling services provided by MPC and to connect with a Counselor.