Take the first step to a career as a lawyer, politician, motivational speaker, writer and more with an Associate of Arts Degree in Philosophy.
Philosophers ask the big questions, such as “Why am I here?”, “Is there a God?” and “How do we tell right from wrong?” Philosophy emphasizes thinking as a pleasurable end in itself and as a method of critical inquiry. This helps develop theories that enable us to understand the world and our place within it.
In this program, you’ll study ancient philosophy, including the thoughts and teachings of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle; Asian philosophy, which introduces belief systems such as Taoism and Buddhism; and philosophy of love, law, mind, art and education. You’ll also study ethics and learn about the connection between religion and philosophy, all while honing your critical-thinking skills. Courses also explore the influence of science on society, the problems with philosophy, and logical reasoning.
Get a jump start on year three with the Summer Institute
The Summer Institute for Continental Philosophy acts like a third-year Philosophy course, PHIL 3380, which is attended by members of the Philosophy Department and scholars, and includes a lecture by a visiting guest speaker. The course is held once a week and is open to any post-secondary student enrolled in B.C.
Transfer your credits to university
An Associate of Arts Degree in Philosophy can lead to a Philosophy Major or Minor Bachelor of Arts Degree program at a university. Many universities prefer candidates with an Associate Degree and will accept students at a lower grade point average. In most cases, this degree will allow you to transfer to the third year of a four-year bachelor’s degree program at other universities.
Graduation Requirements:
Course Requirements:
To complete an Associate of Arts Degree with a Specialization in Philosophy, students must complete:
The following are the general requirements for an Associate of Arts Degree at any BC college:
* English courses include courses in written Communications and Creative Writing that transfer to one of the BC Research Universities (SFU, UBCV, UBCO, UVIC or UNBC) as English credit. A maximum of 3 credits can come from such an equivalent; at least 3 credits must be earned in an actual ENGL course so-named. For purposes of the Associate of Arts degree, English courses cannot be counted as Humanities courses.
** Arts courses are available in the Faculty of Languages, Literature, and Performing Arts, and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. To confirm whether a course is designated as "humanities" or "social sciences," check the Associate of Arts degree graduation checklist. Economics courses are Arts courses. Arts courses may also include Mathematics courses.
Definitions:
A course is defined by the subject for which it is granted transfer credit at one of the research universities (SFU, UBCV, UBCO, UNBC, or UVIC).
For detailed information you should meet with an Academic Advisor.
Co-operative Education Option:
Students enrolled in this program may be eligible for a Co-operative Education designation. Co-operative Education involves alternating full-time academic and work terms. For information contact the Co-operative Education Office.
Applicants must meet the admission requirements listed below:
You can get an average cost for your program - tuition and student fees, books, uniforms, lab fees etc - on the Program Cost page.
Only programs approved for student loan funding are listed on the Program Cost page. For all other programs, refer to the Tuition Fee page.
Program Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this program and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the program, consider the previous version as the applicable version.