Philosophy

Why Philosophy?

Civil rights activist and former Senator John Lewis once said: “Philosophy . . . helps you see the contradiction between what is and what ought to be.”

The study of philosophy trains you to develop habits and elegance of thought. It helps you find clarity and logic when examining difficult issues. You learn to ask questions, challenge beliefs and preconceptions, solve problems, and think critically.

Studying philosophy is valuable no matter what career path you pursue. Philosophy students enter a wide variety of fields, including comedy, writing, journalism, activism, politics, acting, producing, teaching, and business.

Program Details

Associate in Arts

Format
On Campus, Online, Hybrid
In-District Tuition
$169/credit hour
Out-of-District Tuition
$337/credit hour
Degree
View Degree
Average Time to Complete
2 years
Financial Options
Financial Aid is available.

Program Highlights

Become a strong critical thinker and reflective leader as you explore social, ethical, and personal issues throughout history. In the process, you will analyze challenging texts and have the opportunity to build well-founded, logical arguments to support your conclusions.

Philosophy courses offered at HCC include Ethics, History of Philosophy, Introduction to Non-Western Philosophy, and Logic. In addition, philosophy students meet informally twice a month to discuss broad global topics in a philosophical context.

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Courses

  • PHIL 101: Introduction to Philosophy

IAI Course Code: H4 900

  • PHIL 105: Introduction to Non-Western Philosophy

IAI Course Code: H4 903N

  • PHIL 111: Logic

IAI Course Code: H4 906

  • PHIL 114: Ethics

IAI Course Code: H4 904

  • PHIL 296: Studies in Philosophy

IAI courses have been approved for transfer to an Illinois public university.

Degree - Associate in Arts

Within our Associate in Arts degree, there may be specific courses that are recommended for your major at your chosen transfer school. It’s important to meet with an academic advisor each semester to ensure that the correct coursework is taken, while earning your degree.

Even if your specific concentration or major is not listed on our application or program pages, academic advisors can help ensure you are taking the right coursework for your chosen major.

Learn more about the general education requirements for an Associate in Arts. 

Transfer Guide

Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) 

Heartland Community College is a participant in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), a statewide transfer agreement among more than 100 colleges and universities in Illinois. IAI courses have been approved for transfer to an Illinois public university. For more information about the Illinois Articulation Initiative, please visit the IAI website. 

General Education Core Curriculum Requirement

For completion of the Associate in Arts degree, you will need to complete a minimum of 37 general education core curriculum (GECC) hours, within 7 categories, as part of the 60-credit hour degree. Please click on the category to view what courses Heartland has to offer within each of the required categories.

View what courses Heartland has to offer within each of the required categories:
Communications 
Fine Arts 
Humanities 
Life Sciences 
Mathematics 
Physical Sciences 
Social & Behavioral Sciences

Careers

The thinking skills you cultivate in philosophy courses are transferable to almost any academic discipline or occupation. Specific careers associated with a philosophy background can include:

  • Government/Social Service
  • Healthcare/Medicine
  • Journalism
  • Law
  • Teaching/Consulting
  • Theology/Ministry
  • Writing/Editing

The U.S. Department of Education's gainful employment regulations require disclosure of certain program information to students and prospective students.

Please review the employment information pertaining to your degree or certificate by selecting your intended program at the Heartland Community College Career Coach.

For more information about graduation rates, loan repayment rates, and post-enrollment earnings about this institution and other postsecondary institutions visit the U.S Department of Education College Scorecard site.

Contact Information

Liberal Arts & Social Sciences Division Office

ICB 2000 & 2100
1500 W Raab Road
Normal, IL 61761

Phone: 309-268-8620

Email: LASS Office