Philosophy A.A.

Associate in Arts
Transfer Degree
Cost
$10,500* (estimated)

Contemplation: Good for your career

Develop ethical, thoughtful solutions to today’s issues

Embrace wisdom by studying Philosophy at College of Lake County. This fascinating subject strengthens your communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It also helps you contemplate many other subjects, giving you an advantage as you transfer to a 4-year school and earn your bachelor’s degree. With the knowledge needed to ethically—and logically—consider issues, you’re ready to succeed in any workplace.

What can you do with an A.A. in Philosophy?

The Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree in Philosophy prepares you to transfer and complete a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, law, business or related fields, so you're ready to start your career. 

Highlights

  • Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

    Explore ways to pay for college (based on need/achievement).

  • Transfer Degree

    Save money on your first 2 years and transfer your credits to the 4-year school of your choice.

  • Program Length: 2 Years

    Finish in 2 years as a full-time student.

*Estimated cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours for full-time students for academic year 2025-2026. This includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees, before financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials, and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

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Ask us for help. Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will help you:

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

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Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, see the CLC college catalog.


Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CLC 120

    CLC 120 College Success Seminar

    Class Description

    This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
         		2
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ENG 121

    ENG 121 English Composition I

    Class Description

    This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    PHI 121

    PHI 121 Introduction to Philosophy

    Class Description

    This course discusses the ideas of major philosophers concerning questions of human knowledge, moral values, political and social philosophy, and identity. Students are encouraged to think through their own theories about these important topics. Students explore philosophical issues focused on human identity, human nature, and the human condition at the intersections of contemporary social issues.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    PHI 125

    PHI 125 Introduction to Ethics

    Class Description

    In this course, students are exposed to moral theories such as virtue ethics, utilitarianism, deontology, and the ethics of care. Students also critically evaluate general moral theories, and fundamental moral concepts. Additionally, they apply these moral theories to contemporary moral issues such as animal rights, environmental issues, reproductive technologies, abortion, euthanasia and assisted suicide, poverty and famine relief, war and peace, racism, sexism, emerging technologies, and other issues. Students develop and defend their own views on these matters, and evaluate the views of others. By studying and applying moral theories to their own lives, students are encouraged to explore different ways of effecting change in their lives and communities. Throughout the course, students learn about moral concepts such as autonomy, impartiality, utility, rights, responsibility, and justice. Specific attention is given to moral issues relevant to and philosophical contributions made by members of traditionally underrepresented groups.
         		3
    • Global citizenship
    • Online/Virtual options available
    MTH 140

    MTH 140 Contemporary Mathematics

    Class Description

    This course is to develop competency in analytical reasoning, problem solving, and multi-step decision making as well as exposing students to some current trends in mathematical thought. The emphasis is on mathematical reasoning and the solving of real-life problems involving mathematics. The course covers three or four of the following topics in depth: graph theory, counting techniques and probability, topics in geometry, logic/set theory, linear programming, and game theory. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact EMPS division office for details. This course does not meet the math requirement in the Associate of Science and Associate of Engineering Science, but may be used as elective credits.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code CLC 120
      Course Title

      CLC 120 College Success Seminar

      Class Description

      This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ENG 121
      Course Title

      ENG 121 English Composition I

      Class Description

      This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code PHI 121
      Course Title

      PHI 121 Introduction to Philosophy

      Class Description

      This course discusses the ideas of major philosophers concerning questions of human knowledge, moral values, political and social philosophy, and identity. Students are encouraged to think through their own theories about these important topics. Students explore philosophical issues focused on human identity, human nature, and the human condition at the intersections of contemporary social issues.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code PHI 125
      Course Title

      PHI 125 Introduction to Ethics

      Class Description

      In this course, students are exposed to moral theories such as virtue ethics, utilitarianism, deontology, and the ethics of care. Students also critically evaluate general moral theories, and fundamental moral concepts. Additionally, they apply these moral theories to contemporary moral issues such as animal rights, environmental issues, reproductive technologies, abortion, euthanasia and assisted suicide, poverty and famine relief, war and peace, racism, sexism, emerging technologies, and other issues. Students develop and defend their own views on these matters, and evaluate the views of others. By studying and applying moral theories to their own lives, students are encouraged to explore different ways of effecting change in their lives and communities. Throughout the course, students learn about moral concepts such as autonomy, impartiality, utility, rights, responsibility, and justice. Specific attention is given to moral issues relevant to and philosophical contributions made by members of traditionally underrepresented groups.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Global citizenship
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code MTH 140
      Course Title

      MTH 140 Contemporary Mathematics

      Class Description

      This course is to develop competency in analytical reasoning, problem solving, and multi-step decision making as well as exposing students to some current trends in mathematical thought. The emphasis is on mathematical reasoning and the solving of real-life problems involving mathematics. The course covers three or four of the following topics in depth: graph theory, counting techniques and probability, topics in geometry, logic/set theory, linear programming, and game theory. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact EMPS division office for details. This course does not meet the math requirement in the Associate of Science and Associate of Engineering Science, but may be used as elective credits.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose other Mathematics courses instead of MTH 140.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    PHI 126

    PHI 126 World Religions

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to the teachings, rituals, symbols, and cultures of living world religions. Religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Shintoism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and the religions of indigenous communities and African communities may be included. This course will help to broaden the student's understanding and appreciation of these belief systems.
         		3
    • Global citizenship
    • Online/Virtual options available
    HUM 141

    HUM 141 World Humanities of 20/21 Century

    Class Description

    This is an interdisciplinary and multicultural course which introduces students to the visual art, architecture, literature, philosophy/religion/myth, music, dance, and history of various non-Western cultures through selected works and a comparative examination of their values, motifs and aesthetics with those of Western cultural expression during the 20th and 21st centuries.
         		3
    • Global citizenship
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ANT 221

    ANT 221 Cultural Anthropology

    Class Description

    This course is a study of the nature and development of culture. The economic, political, religious and social organizations of selected human groups (with an emphasis on non-Western and underrepresented groups) are examined, compared and evaluated. It explores the cultural determinations of individual human behavior and means of adaptation.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Global citizenship
    • Online/Virtual options available
    BIO 140

    BIO 140 Environmental Biology without Lab

    Class Description

    This non-lab course studies environmental issues that arise from the interaction of humans and the environment. Topics include ecology, population biology, modification of our environment, resource use, land use planning, and energy. The goal is to better understand both the problems brought about by human use and misuse of the environment and potential solutions for those problems. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 140 and BIO 120.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    CMM 121

    CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

    Class Description

    For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
         		3
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code PHI 126
      Course Title

      PHI 126 World Religions

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to the teachings, rituals, symbols, and cultures of living world religions. Religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Shintoism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and the religions of indigenous communities and African communities may be included. This course will help to broaden the student's understanding and appreciation of these belief systems.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Global citizenship
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code HUM 141
      Course Title

      HUM 141 World Humanities of 20/21 Century

      Class Description

      This is an interdisciplinary and multicultural course which introduces students to the visual art, architecture, literature, philosophy/religion/myth, music, dance, and history of various non-Western cultures through selected works and a comparative examination of their values, motifs and aesthetics with those of Western cultural expression during the 20th and 21st centuries.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Global citizenship
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ANT 221
      Course Title

      ANT 221 Cultural Anthropology

      Class Description

      This course is a study of the nature and development of culture. The economic, political, religious and social organizations of selected human groups (with an emphasis on non-Western and underrepresented groups) are examined, compared and evaluated. It explores the cultural determinations of individual human behavior and means of adaptation.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Global citizenship
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code BIO 140
      Course Title

      BIO 140 Environmental Biology without Lab

      Class Description

      This non-lab course studies environmental issues that arise from the interaction of humans and the environment. Topics include ecology, population biology, modification of our environment, resource use, land use planning, and energy. The goal is to better understand both the problems brought about by human use and misuse of the environment and potential solutions for those problems. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 140 and BIO 120.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code CMM 121
      Course Title

      CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

      Class Description

      For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose other Humanities or Fine Arts courses instead of HUM 141, and other Social and Behavioral Science courses instead of ANT 221. Students can also choose other Life Sciences courses instead of BIO 140.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ENG 122

    ENG 122 English Composition II

    Class Description

    This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    PHI 122

    PHI 122 Logic

    Class Description

    This course develops formal reasoning, including categorical and symbolic modes of analysis. It covers Venn diagrams, predicate logic, rules of inference and replacement. It introduces the inductive method and the problem of induction.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    PHI 128

    PHI 128 Introduction to Social and Political Philosophy

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to social and political philosophies. Students will discuss and critically evaluate major social and political theories on justice, equality, liberty, law, order, rights, and duties. Contract theory, classic liberalism, Marxism, anarchism, cosmopolitanism, and virtue theory will also be covered. Students will learn to apply these theories practically to contemporary issues such as war and peace, human rights, racism, sexism, classism, gay rights, worker rights and global trade, immigration, education, free speech, prison, and political participation.
         		3
    • Global citizenship
    ESC 120

    ESC 120 Earth Science

    Class Description

    This course is designed for students who are interested in physical features related to our dynamic earth. There are four disciplines that make up the course: geology, oceanography, meteorology and astronomy. Topics covered within these disciplines include: volcanoes, earthquakes, plate tectonics, geologic history, geomorphology, chemical and physical oceanography, changing oceans, the atmosphere and moisture, weather systems, severe storms, modern astronomy, the Moon, the solar system, and beyond the solar system. Course materials are organized to enable students to understand how different components of our dynamic earth are related to one another. Each topic includes hands-on lab exercises.
         		4
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    SOC 222

    SOC 222 Social Problems

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to sociological perspectives on contemporary social problems. It examines competing definitions of social problems and conceptualizations of how social problems develop over time. The major research methods and theoretical traditions sociologists use to study social problems are presented. The course also analyzes research about contemporary social problems and evaluates social policies aimed at combating these problems.
         		3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ENG 122
      Course Title

      ENG 122 English Composition II

      Class Description

      This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code PHI 122
      Course Title

      PHI 122 Logic

      Class Description

      This course develops formal reasoning, including categorical and symbolic modes of analysis. It covers Venn diagrams, predicate logic, rules of inference and replacement. It introduces the inductive method and the problem of induction.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code PHI 128
      Course Title

      PHI 128 Introduction to Social and Political Philosophy

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to social and political philosophies. Students will discuss and critically evaluate major social and political theories on justice, equality, liberty, law, order, rights, and duties. Contract theory, classic liberalism, Marxism, anarchism, cosmopolitanism, and virtue theory will also be covered. Students will learn to apply these theories practically to contemporary issues such as war and peace, human rights, racism, sexism, classism, gay rights, worker rights and global trade, immigration, education, free speech, prison, and political participation.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Global citizenship
    • Course Code ESC 120
      Course Title

      ESC 120 Earth Science

      Class Description

      This course is designed for students who are interested in physical features related to our dynamic earth. There are four disciplines that make up the course: geology, oceanography, meteorology and astronomy. Topics covered within these disciplines include: volcanoes, earthquakes, plate tectonics, geologic history, geomorphology, chemical and physical oceanography, changing oceans, the atmosphere and moisture, weather systems, severe storms, modern astronomy, the Moon, the solar system, and beyond the solar system. Course materials are organized to enable students to understand how different components of our dynamic earth are related to one another. Each topic includes hands-on lab exercises.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code SOC 222
      Course Title

      SOC 222 Social Problems

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to sociological perspectives on contemporary social problems. It examines competing definitions of social problems and conceptualizations of how social problems develop over time. The major research methods and theoretical traditions sociologists use to study social problems are presented. The course also analyzes research about contemporary social problems and evaluates social policies aimed at combating these problems.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose other Physical Sciences courses instead of ESC 120, and other Social and Behavioral Science courses instead of SOC 222.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    PSY 121

    PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

    Class Description

    This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    PHI 221

    PHI 221 Asian Philosophy

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to the influential ideas and thinkers of India, China, and Japan. Students will cover a wide range of philosophical theories regarding the self, reality, knowledge, and aesthetics.
         		3
    PHI 129

    PHI 129 Philosophy of Gender and Sexuality

    Class Description

    This course provides an interdisciplinary introduction to the ways in which gender and sexuality have been reflected in philosophy, literature, history, music, and art. The course explores issues related to cisgender/nonbinary/transgender and queer identity in relation to race, sexuality, class, and nationality. Both classical and contemporary philosophers will be studied.
         		3
    • Global citizenship
    ART 121

    ART 121 Introduction to Art

    Class Description

    This course will introduce students to an appreciation of the visual arts through an intercultural, social/historical approach. The course will also emphasize the nature of the creative process, integrating a study of the conceptual principles, with methods and materials which influence artistic critical thinking, problem solving, exploration, and discovery. Note: A museum visit will be required during the semester at student expense. See course syllabus for approximate cost.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    SOC 225

    SOC 225 Class, Race, and Gender

    Class Description

    This course uses various sociological perspectives to examine how class, race, and gender structure individual and group access to power, resources, opportunities, and prestige. It examines how these socially constructed categories provide identity and meaning that shape social interaction and institutional structure and practice. Classical and contemporary theoretical and empirical models demonstrate how the intersection of these major dimensions of inequality represent a source of opportunity and privilege, while simultaneously contributing to the reproduction of social inequality.
         		3
    • Global citizenship
    • Course Code PSY 121
      Course Title

      PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

      Class Description

      This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code PHI 221
      Course Title

      PHI 221 Asian Philosophy

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to the influential ideas and thinkers of India, China, and Japan. Students will cover a wide range of philosophical theories regarding the self, reality, knowledge, and aesthetics.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PHI 129
      Course Title

      PHI 129 Philosophy of Gender and Sexuality

      Class Description

      This course provides an interdisciplinary introduction to the ways in which gender and sexuality have been reflected in philosophy, literature, history, music, and art. The course explores issues related to cisgender/nonbinary/transgender and queer identity in relation to race, sexuality, class, and nationality. Both classical and contemporary philosophers will be studied.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Global citizenship
    • Course Code ART 121
      Course Title

      ART 121 Introduction to Art

      Class Description

      This course will introduce students to an appreciation of the visual arts through an intercultural, social/historical approach. The course will also emphasize the nature of the creative process, integrating a study of the conceptual principles, with methods and materials which influence artistic critical thinking, problem solving, exploration, and discovery. Note: A museum visit will be required during the semester at student expense. See course syllabus for approximate cost.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code SOC 225
      Course Title

      SOC 225 Class, Race, and Gender

      Class Description

      This course uses various sociological perspectives to examine how class, race, and gender structure individual and group access to power, resources, opportunities, and prestige. It examines how these socially constructed categories provide identity and meaning that shape social interaction and institutional structure and practice. Classical and contemporary theoretical and empirical models demonstrate how the intersection of these major dimensions of inequality represent a source of opportunity and privilege, while simultaneously contributing to the reproduction of social inequality.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Global citizenship

    Course options: Students can choose other Social and Behavioral Sciences courses instead of PSY 121 and SOC 225, and other Fine Arts courses instead of ART 121.

Total Credit Hours

60



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Philosophy at CLC

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