Academic Catalog

Culture, People, & Ideas

Philosophy for Transfer (AA-T)

The Associate in Arts in Philosophy for Transfer (AA-T in Philosophy) deals with fundamental issues that have long haunted thinkers for many centuries. The major explores and seeks to understand values and the nature of reality by examining and questioning existence and experience. The degree prepares students for undergraduate study in philosophy.

The following is required for the AA-T in Philosophy for Transfer degree:

  1. Minimum of 60 semester or 90 quarter CSU-transferable units.
  2. Minimum grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework.
  3. Minimum of 18 semester or 27 quarter units in the major.
  4. A grade of “C” or higher or “Pass” in all courses required for the major.
  5. Certified completion of the California State University General Education (CSU GE) Breadth pattern OR the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern; see Degree Requirements and Transfer Information section for more information. Note: If following IGETC, IGETC-CSU must be followed for admission to a CSU.

Program Learning Outcomes

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

  • Identify and discuss the principle questions of universal concern raised in philosophy, including but not limited to the following: What is knowledge? Is there meaning to life? Does free will exist? Why should I be moral?
  • Implement critical thinking techniques to enhance reading and writing skills.
  • Identify, analyze and discuss cross-cultural perspectives relating to the philosophical issues being considered.
  • Demonstrate philosophical thinking by correct use of terminology/argumentation in evaluating various themes discussed.

Associate in Arts Degree Requirements

Core Curriculum
Select two of the following:6
A General Introduction to Philosophy
Logic
Problems in Ethics
List A
Select one of the following:3
Any course from Core not used3
History of Philosophy I: Ancient
History of Philosophy II: Modern and Contemporary
List B
Select two of the following:6
Any course from List A not used
Early Western Civilization
Modern Western Civilization
Philosophy of Religion: A Cross-Cultural Introduction
World Religions
List C
Select one of the following:3
Any course from List A or B not used
Critical Thinking
Units in the Major21
6-15 units may be double-counted with GE
Plus General Education Requirements (CSU GE or IGETC-CSU)39/37
Total Transferable Elective Units11-18
Total Units60

Please note: SDSU accepts this degree for students transferring into Philosophy B.A.