Philosophy - AA
Why are we here? What is the meaning of life? If you enjoy thinking about these kinds of big questions and contemplating the answers, a Philosophy degree will provide you with the knowledge and skills to grow your interest into a career. Grounded in the study of civilizations from ancient times to modern day, philosophy explores different beliefs and ways of thinking. It encourages critical inquiry and debate about fundamental issues related to existence, reality, and society. As a discipline that has universal relevance, a degree in philosophy is highly transferable and can lead to opportunities in many sectors, including communication, research, and law. Writer, film or book critic, teacher, counselor, and lawyer are just a few of the various professional roles that can be pursued.
In an associate program in Philosophy, you will explore contemporary and historical philosophy, moral and ethical reasoning, and logic. This degree is transferable to universities offering a bachelor’s degree in philosophy.
Students should work closely with their advisor and contact their transfer institution choices for more specific transfer information.
The first year of a Philosophy program will include math and English courses to meet general education requirements. The completion of introductory math and English courses in your first year is proven to greatly increase the likelihood of cross the graduation stage, boosting your momentum along the academic pathway you select. Other general education courses on your pathway will cover topics in Arts and Humanities, History, Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Natural and Physical Sciences.
Program-specific courses may begin as soon as your first semester. These courses will become more advanced as you move along your degree pathway. Through this sequence of courses, your knowledge of philopsophy will grow and deepen. Coursework will include Introduction to Philosophy, Philosophy of Religion, and Environmental Ethics. After completing a 60-credit associate degree, your degree pathway can continue with guaranteed transfer to a college that offers bachelor’s degrees.
| Required Courses that Fulfill General Education Requirements (31 Credit Hours) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Credit Hours | Course Number and Title | |
| (Written) Communication | 6 | ENG 121/1021 English Composition I and ENG 122/1022 English Composition II OR ENG 122/1022 English Composition II and a GT Pathways approved CO3 course |
| Mathematics | 3 | One GT Pathways course (GT-MA1), prefer MAT 120/1240 Mathematics for Liberal Arts |
| Arts & Humanities | 6 | Two GT Pathways Arts & Humanities courses (GT-AH1, GT- AH2, GT-AH4) |
| History | 3 | One GT Pathways History course (GT-HI1) |
| Social & Behavioral Sciences | 6 | Two GT Pathways Social & Behavioral Sciences courses (GT-SS1, GT-SS2, GT-SS3) |
| Natural & Physical Sciences | 7 | Two GT Pathways Natural & Physical Sciences courses (GT-SC1, GTSC2); one must have the required laboratory (GT-SC1) |
| *Additional Required Courses & Electives (29 Credit Hours) | |
|---|---|
| Credit Hours | Course Number and Title |
| 3 | PHI 111/1011 Introduction to Philosophy (GT-AH3) |
| 3 | PHI 112/1012 Ethics |
| 3 | PHI 113/1013 Logic |
| 6 | Choose two (2) courses from the following: |
| PHI 214/2014 Philosophy of Religion PHI 218/2018 Environmental Ethics PHI 220/2020 Death and Dying |
|
| Electives - 14 credit hours | |
Otero College is a part of a Statewide Transfer Articulation Agreement between Colorado community colleges and universities. These agreements allow you to graduate from a community college with a 60-credit Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) degree with designation; enroll with junior status at a university; and complete your bachelor’s degree. If you attend full-time and follow the structured schedule, you can complete your bachelor’s degree in 4 years.
The following Colorado public four-year institutions will accept your completed Philosophy AA degree from Otero College.
Colorado State University-Ft Collins
[B.A. Philosophy; General Philosophy concentration]
Fort Lewis College
[B.A. Philosophy]
Metropolitan State University of Denver
[B.A. Philosophy]
University of Colorado Boulder
[B.A. Philosophy]
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
[B.A. Philosophy]
University of Colorado Denver
[B.A. Philosophy]
University of Northern Colorado
[B.A. Philosophy]