The goal of the philosophy program is to introduce students to a broad range of philosophical issues and perspectives. Methods used to achieve this end include: critical reasoning and analysis; constructive dialogue; and written expression of ideas. Philosophical topics and questions studied concern better understanding ourselves and others; exploring different theories about the nature of being and reality; applying reasoning to matters of value, at both a personal and a societal level; and addressing the issue of meaning and purpose in life. The subject taught primarily contributes to an individual student’s general liberal arts education. Transfer level curriculum is emphasized, as are interdisciplinary studies with other subject areas, and notably the natural and social sciences.

Students who take philosophy courses in the program can expect to become better thinkers and learners; more capable employees; wiser consumers; and better citizens in their own communities as well as the global community.

In order to earn an Associate in Arts in Philosophy, students are required to:

1. Complete Oxnard College’s General Education requirements to include areas 1-7 or Cal-GETC. 
2. Complete all required coursework for the Philosophy major as listed in the Oxnard College catalog with a grade of “C” or better (or a “P”) in each of the courses selected. 
3. Complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable units. Students planning to transfer should complete 60 CSU transferable or 60 UC transferable units, depending on their intended transfer destination.
4. Complete requirements in scholarship (2.0 minimum cumulative degree-applicable GPA). 
5. Complete 12 units in residence within the Ventura County Community College District.

Note: The Associate in Arts in Philosophy for Transfer (AA-T in Philosophy) is the recommended program for most students seeking to transfer to a public four-year institution in California (CSU/UC). Students should meet with a college counselor to determine which Philosophy degree best prepares them for their intended transfer destination.  

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

• Compare and contrast different philosophical traditions, positions, and/or topics of philosophical investigation.
• Construct novel written philosophical arguments, and/or reconstruct traditional arguments, and offer defenses against (possible) objections.
• Demonstrate basic skills of critical thinking and logical reasoning in problem-solving and/or writing.
• Distinguish basic philosophical concepts from several major subject matter categories such as metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, social and political philosophy, etc.
• Recognize and criticize basic forms of logical fallacies.