The study of philosophy develops and refines a rigorous, analytic understanding of certain of our fundamental concepts, e.g., knowledge, reason, truth and value. Since all other disciplines in academia rely on the use of such concepts, the study of philosophy is essential for an education directed toward completeness.

The study of philosophy also yields other tangible academic benefits. It has been shown that philosophy students scored at least five percentage points above average in admission tests for professional and graduate schools in America. No other subject matches philosophy in this respect. Philosophy students do better in examinations for business and management school than anyone except mathematicians.

With employment opportunities beyond academia apparently growing, e.g., consultants to hospitals, state legislatures, Congress, genetic engineering firms and artificial intelligence companies, there has also been a proliferation of philosophical journals focused on such topics as the allocation of scarce medical resources, abortion, euthanasia, disposal of nuclear waste, corporate responsibility and fair profit, etc.

The Philosophy Department additionally provides an Introduction to Philosophy course which surveys most of the standard fields of philosophy — logic, epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, aesthetics, the philosophy of religion and political philosophy.

The other courses offered (Ethics, Logic, Comparative World Religions, History of Philosophy: Ancient, Modern and Contemporary, Issues in Philosophy) are more specific and detailed accounts of these standard fields.

These philosophy courses may be transferred to four-year institutions. (Check for specifics with your counselor)

Philosophy majors at Santa Barbara City College are required to take a minimum of eighteen (18) Philosophy units. Those students considering a major in Philosophy should consult with a Philosophy Department faculty member to plan a departmental course of study that will most benefit them.

Associate Degree Graduation Requirements

Complete all of the following:

1. All Department Requirements listed below with a “C” or better or “P” in each course (at least 20% of the department requirements must be completed through SBCC).
2. One of the following three General Education options:
   1. OPTION 1: A minimum of 18 units of SBCC General Education Requirements (Areas A-D) and Institutional Requirements (Area E) and Information Competency Requirement (Area F) OR
   2. OPTION 2: IGETC Pattern OR
   3. OPTION 3: CSU GE Breadth Pattern
3. A total of 60 degree-applicable units (SBCC courses numbered 100 and higher).
4. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better in all units attempted at SBCC.
5. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better in all college units attempted.
6. A minimum of 12 units through SBCC.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the historically significant questions, problems and theories in the major areas of philosophy (epistemology, metaphysics, value theory, logic), including the views and arguments of the major representative philosophers who have addressed these issues.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic rules and principles of logic, including the skill and knowledge of identifying, analyzing and evaluating arguments.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the questions, problems, issues and theories that characterize the major historical periods of Western philosophy (Ancient, Medieval, Modern and Contemporary), as well as the views of the some major philosophers within these periods.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the complexity of the human condition, including knowledge of the significance of feelings, emotions and cultural/historical influences on philosophical thinking and methodology.
5. Demonstrate critical thinking skills, virtues and attitudes in the exploration of issues; these include intellectual humility, empathy, fairness, open-mindedness and respect for the intellectual standards of clarity, accuracy, precision, relevance, scope, depth and coherence.
6. Demonstrate proficiency in philosophical writing, which includes presenting a philosophical thesis, supporting that thesis with arguments, and articulating and responding to counter-arguments.

Make an appointment with your SBCC academic counselor through Starfish to create a Student Education Plan that reflects a recommended course sequence for this program that is tailored to your individual needs.

How to schedule an Academic Counseling appointment.