The study of Philosophy invites students to carefully analyze and thoughtfully respond to the fundamental ideas and basic concerns present in the human experience.  The goal is to examine ourselves, our culture, and our world and the persisting questions regarding human thought and action.  Instruction in philosophy teaches, not what to think, but how to think.  The program also develops skills in analytical and critical thinking and writing that are excellent preparation for professional and other careers.

The Associate in Arts in Philosophy for Transfer (AA-T) is intended for students who plan to transfer and complete a bachelor's degree Philosophy, or a "similar" major at a CSU campus. Each CSU campus determines which of the degrees it offers are “similar” and can be completed with the preparation included in the AA-T in Philosophy within 60 units once a student transfers, so which majors are “similar” varies from CSU to CSU.  For a current list of what majors (and what options or areas of emphasis within that major) have been designated as “similar” to this degree at each CSU campus, please refer to CSU’s Associate Degree for Transfer Major and Campus Search website and seek guidance from a Moorpark College counselor. Students completing this degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. 

To earn an AA-T in Philosophy, students must:

1. Complete 60 semester or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
   1. The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth) requirements
   2. The required coursework for the AA-T in Philosophy as listed in the Moorpark College catalog.

2. Obtain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework. While a minimum of 2.0 is required for admission, some transfer institutions and majors may require a higher GPA. Please consult with a counselor for more information.

3. Obtain a grade of “C” or better or “P” in all courses required in the major. Even though a “pass-no-pass” is allowed (Title 5 §55063), it is highly recommended that students complete their major courses with a letter grade (A, B, or C).

4. Complete requirements in residency. For students in the Ventura County Community College District, a minimum of 12 units must be completed in residence at the college granting the degree.

Students transferring to a CSU campus that accepts the AA-T in Philosophy degree will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree (unless the major is a designated “high-unit” major at a particular campus). This degree may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system. Students should consult with a counselor when planning to complete the degree for more information on university admission and transfer requirements. 

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to: 

• demonstrate the ability to evaluate philosophical positions critically and systematically.
• demonstrate the ability to formulate and defend philosophical positions.
• master the ability to write well-reasoned, well-integrated essays about materials recently studied.
• master the ability to orally defend positions taken.