About the Program
Philosophy is a pliable field that can be seamlessly applied to understanding ourselves, our communities, and our contemporary world. How can we live examined lives and apply this critical thinking to our reality? How can we live fulfilling and authentic lives?
Philosophy comes from the Greek word “philosophia”, which translates to love of wisdom. Our philosophy courses invite students to explore wisdom in an applied manner through studying ethical issues such as environmental and medical ethics, fundamental questions about the nature of existence and whether our identities are socially constructed or not. Students are also invited to compare and explore western philosophy with eastern philosophy and religions through Asian philosophy and World religions courses. Our courses are very interactive and incorporate 21st century teaching methods.
Most of our philosophy courses can be transferred to four-year institutions through the IAI designation, fulfill humanities requirements, and global citizenship milestone requirements.
Note: This program is eligible for financial aid.
Career Opportunities
Philosophy majors have the highest scores on the LSAT and GRE compared to other majors. They also score highly (in the top 4 major) on the GMAT.
- Education
- Law
- Public Service/Nonprofits/Diversity Equity & Inclusion
- Business
- Tech
Philosophy Courses
PHI 121: Introduction to Philosophy (IAI - can be transferred)
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 justice.
PHI 122: Logic (IAI - can be transferred)
This course studies the principles of formal reasoning. Topics include analyzing the structure of arguments, evaluating both inductive and deductive arguments. Symbolic logic including translations, truth tables and natural deduction is also covered. This course seeks to strengthen skills of analytic reasoning.
PHI 123: Philosophy of Religion (IAI - can be transferred)
A study of selected religious concepts and theories, such as the existence of God, the nature of good and evil, faith and reason, ethics and the afterlife are explored in this course. Students also consider the nature of religious language and experience.
PHI 125: Introduction to Ethics (IAI - can be transferred)
In this course, students critically evaluate general moral theories, fundamental moral concepts, and contemporary moral issues such as animal rights and the environment, drug legalization, abortion, and racism. Students work to develop and defend their own views on these matters, and to understand and evaluate others' views, by studying and applying moral theories such as virtue ethics, utilitarianism, and deontology. Throughout the course, students learn about moral concepts such as sound reasoning, 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.
PHI 126: World Religions (IAI - can be transferred)
In this course, students will explore the teachings, rituals, symbols, and cultures of living world religions through a philosophical lens. Religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Shintoism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and the indigenous religions of Africa and the Americas are discussed.
PHI 128: Introduction to Social and Political Philosophy (IAI - can be transferred)
This course will discuss major social and political theories of justice, the exercise of power, equality, liberty, the private sphere vs. the public sphere, law, order, rights, and duties. In addition,this course will explore the practical application of social and political theories to contemporary issues such as war and peace, human rights, and capital punishment.
PHI 129: Introduction to Gender and Sexuality
This course provides an introduction to the ways in which gender and sexuality have been reflected in philosophy through Ancient Greek thought, existentialism, and postmodern thought. 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 are studied.
PHI 221: Asian Philosophy (IAI - can be transferred)
This course provides an introduction to the influential ideas and thinkers of India, China, and Japan. We will cover a wide range of philosophical theories regarding the self, reality, knowledge, and aesthetics. Comparisons between Asian religions and Western religions are made throughout the course.