Philosophy Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer (AA-T)

PROGRAM CODE: 1A32694
Financial Aide Eligible

The Philosophy Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer is designed to provide an opportunity for the Philosophy major to achieve an Associate in Arts Degree in Philosophy for Transfer (AA-T in Philosophy) which completes the first and second year requirements for transfer to a four-year public California institution. While at least a baccalaureate degree is recommended preparation for those considering professional careers, completion of this curriculum will demonstrate commitment to the field and provide comprehensive preparation for further academic study through upper-division course work. Students should consult a counselor, the Transfer Center and the catalog of the transfer college or university to plan a specific program of study to meet the college or university’s requirements. Note: Courses that fulfill major requirements for an Associate Degree for Transfer at Cypress College might not be the same as those required for completing the major at all transfer institutions offering a Baccalaureate Degree. The Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act (Senate Bill 1440, now codified in California Education Code sections 66746-66749) guarantees admission to a California State University (CSU) campus for any community college student who completes an "associate degree for transfer", a newly established variation of the associate degrees traditionally offered at a California community college. The AA-T is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor's degree in a similar major at a CSU campus. Students completing these degrees (AA-T) are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. Students transferring to a CSU campus that does accept the AA-T will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor's degree (unless the major is designated "high-unit" major). 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. This AA-T in Philosophy is designed to provide the student with a fundamental understanding and acquisition of knowledge in the Philosophy discipline. The study of philosophy includes: (1) the development of critical thinking and writing skills; (2) the investigation of conceptual problems encountered in the course of reflecting about experience; (3) the assessment of assumptions underlying other sciences and arts; and (4) the exploration of intellectual and cultural history from a broad perspective. The curriculum includes courses in Ethics, Logic, and the History of Philosophy. Graduate study is important in Philosophy. Those holding a Master's or Doctoral Degree may find employment in education, law, journalism, health, business, theology, public service and other disciplines where analytical skills are required. A limited number of students who earn graduate degrees in philosophy go on to become college philosophy professors. Those without a graduate degree will find limited career opportunities in direct areas of Philosophy. Additionally, it is more challenging to obtain teaching and/or research opportunities without a terminal PhD degree or with M.A. degrees from less competitive institutions. To earn an AA-T in Philosophy students must complete: (1) a minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in the major or area of emphasis as determined by the community college district, (2) earn a grade of C or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis, AP(Pass) grade is an acceptable grade for a course in the major only if the P is defined to be equivalent to a C or better(3) the California State University General Education Breadth requirements (CSU GE-Breadth) or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern, (4) 60 semester or 90 quarter CSU-transferable units, and (5) obtainment of a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.  

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