Student taking a book off the shelf in the library

Philosophy

Our Philosophy program will help you in your other classes, in your personal life, and in your professional life. Philosophy means the love of wisdom. Some people believe that philosophy is esoteric and that philosophers think about meaningless topics, but philosophy helps us make wise decisions and therefore is the most practical of all subjects. Students may earn an Associate of Arts for Transfer degree and transfer to a 4-year university to further their education and to pursue careers in fields such as education, law, marketing, analysts, and more.

Degree

This degree takes you on a journey to answer some of the world’s most existential questions. You’ll engage in critical and systematic thinking and prepare for many professional occupations.

Gain a strong academic foundation in philosophy and preparation for university study.
Discover and analyze the logical structure of arguments and critical reasoning in writing and thinking.
Explore ideas about right and wrong, truth and falsehood, the meaning of life, and the nature of human beings from current and historic perspectives.
Enroll in courses specifically designed to transfer to a CSU campus.
Start your journey toward a bachelor’s degree, a rewarding career, and even graduate study.

Catalog Program Mapper

Pursue an Entry-Level Job in the Public or Private Sector or Further Your Education

Once you graduate, you can choose to work right after earning a degree, or transfer and earn a bachelor’s degree and beyond. We’re here to help you identify career options and decide on the best step after graduation.

Work in a broad range of job positions, such as public policy professional, teacher, healthcare professional, journalist.
Find additional career opportunities available with more education: lawyer, counselor, social worker, professor, and more.
Careers associated with this program have a salary range from $43,000 to $157,000 with an average salary of $80,000.

$2,208

Approximate cost for an El Camino College philosophy degree

12.3%

Career opportunities for this program are expected to grow 12.3% nationwide from 2016 to 2026

$80K

Careers associated with this program have a salary range from $43,000 to $157,000 with an average salary of $80,000

Philosophy will help you become more of the following:

Open-minded: You will be exposed to many new perspectives and learn to see the world through the eyes of those who have different backgrounds than you.
Self-reflective: You will learn to question your own beliefs and see that had you been born elsewhere, your beliefs and values would certainly be quite different.
Inquisitive: You will not blindly accept what other people say and will have a questioning mind that has a healthy skepticism and searches for the facts.
Authentic: You will develop your own beliefs based on your own reasons, and not tenaciously hold onto those beliefs you have unreflectively acquired in your childhood.
Tolerant: You will realize that you cannot prove that your moral or religious beliefs are true or even clearly the best, and those with other beliefs may be as justified as you are in your beliefs.
Articulate: The increased discipline in your thinking and language will help you communicate clearly in your writing and speaking.
Benevolently Motivated: You will be motivated to make your life count and make a difference in the world.

Explore All Aspects of Your Degree

Attend special events and activities as you expand your learning beyond the classroom.

Find support from tutoring in all your classes.
Join the Philosophy Club and participate in guest lectures and other activities.
Access a variety of internships and research opportunities.