At MJC, philosophy is more than abstract thought. It is preparation for clear reasoning, persuasive communication, and the imagination of better social and political possibilities.
Philosophy majors excel in law, business, technology, public service, teaching, and the arts. According to the American Philosophical Association, they also score among the top performers on the LSAT, GRE, and GMAT. Federal Reserve data shows philosophy graduates enjoy strong employment outcomes compared to many other majors.
Philosophy majors who changed the world range from billionaire oligarchs and war criminals to Nobel peace prize winners and civil rights leaders. Notable figures include:
Philosophy equips students not only to succeed in careers but to question and reimagine the structures that shape our world. It sharpens the tools needed to think critically about justice, democracy, and human flourishing.
A course in philosophy at Modesto Junior College is a first step into a discipline that combines intellectual challenge with practical skills. Whether your path leads to law, public service, creative industries, or personal growth, philosophy offers a foundation for a lifetime of thinking clearly and acting thoughtfully.
Philosophy is the study of fundamental questions such as: What is ultimately real? What is the good life? Does God exist? The Associate in Arts in Philosophy for Transfer (AA-T in Philosophy) Degree includes lower division coursework that is required for transfer and is an excellent way to refine one’s critical reasoning and rational decision-making skills, making it a useful degree for a wide variety of career goals. The Associate in Arts in Philosophy for Transfer (AA-T in Philosophy) Degree includes courses that help students to construct arguments, to read classic texts carefully, and to formulate crucial questions while providing a deeper grasp of our intellectual heritage. The Associate in Arts in Philosophy for Transfer (AA-T in Philosophy) Degree is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy at a California State University campus. Students completing this degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU System, but not to a particular campus or major. Students transferring to a CSU campus that does accept this degree will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree. 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. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.
