Field of Interest
Do you find yourself asking the big questions about life and searching for meaningful answers? If you’ve ever wondered if we perceive the world accurately or what makes an action wrong, philosophy — meaning “love of wisdom” in Greek — could be your calling.
The Philosophy program can help open your mind to understanding diverse world views while giving you the tools to examine the human condition in depth. Not only that, but it will also equip you with analytical skills most employers find invaluable. You’ll develop the ability to think logically and read carefully with a critical eye as you study with experts who teach you to spot faulty reasoning — and how to avoid it in your writing and work.
What you learn in the Philosophy program will give you valuable, foundational skills that can transfer to future studies in other disciplines, such as law, social sciences, the humanities, and public policy, if you continue your education at a four-year school.
Take the first step to creating a new reality in the Philosophy program. Start your journey today.
University Transfer Degree
Want to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a university? Save money by starting at MCC in manageable, small classes taught by renowned faculty. Our transfer pathways with Arizona universities help you achieve two goals: completing an associate’s degree while also staying on track to earn a bachelor’s degree at your transfer destination. MCC’s university partnerships throughout the nation assure your seamless transition toward a four-year degree.
A list of available transfer degrees offered in the Philosophy program
Name |
Type |
Title |
Courses |
Associate in Arts |
AA |
Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Philosophy |
Pathway Map |
Career Opportunities
Successful completion of a degree or certificate within the Philosophy program may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages*. Some occupations may require additional education or training. You can click on any occupation to view more detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.
Conduct hearings to recommend or make decisions on claims concerning government programs or other government-related matters. Determine liability, sanctions, or penalties, or recommend the acceptance or rejection of claims or settlements.
Typical Education Level
a Doctoral degree or more
Hourly Median Wage
$43.90
Annual Median Wage
$91,330
Number of People Employed
161
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 3.7%
Facilitate negotiation and conflict resolution through dialogue. Resolve conflicts outside of the court system by mutual consent of parties involved.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$30.69
Annual Median Wage
$63,851
Number of People Employed
140
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 11.4%
Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$59.77
Annual Median Wage
$124,327
Number of People Employed
3,021
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 8.8%
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$42.02
Annual Median Wage
$87,409
Annual Job Openings
1,470
Number of People Employed
14,430
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 10.9%
Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$50.37
Annual Median Wage
$104,781
Annual Job Openings
1,004
Number of People Employed
11,975
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 9.3%
Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$28.93
Annual Median Wage
$60,188
Number of People Employed
7,773
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 7.6%
Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$41.70
Annual Median Wage
$86,753
Annual Job Openings
6,974
Number of People Employed
67,326
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 8.4%
Arbitrate, advise, adjudicate, or administer justice in a court of law. May sentence defendant in criminal cases according to government statutes or sentencing guidelines. May determine liability of defendant in civil cases. May perform wedding ceremonies.
Typical Education Level
a Doctoral degree or more
Hourly Median Wage
$39.55
Annual Median Wage
$82,278
Number of People Employed
369
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 5.1%
Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$58.79
Annual Median Wage
$122,300
Number of People Employed
10,418
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 12.3%
Develop, introduce, or enact laws and statutes at the local, tribal, state, or federal level. Includes only workers in elected positions.
Hourly Median Wage
$23.72
Annual Median Wage
$49,356
Number of People Employed
316
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 11.1%
Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.
Typical Education Level
an Associate degree
Hourly Median Wage
$29.86
Annual Median Wage
$62,118
Number of People Employed
5,221
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 10.6%
Teach courses in philosophy, religion, and theology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Typical Education Level
a Doctoral degree or more
Hourly Median Wage
$31.24
Annual Median Wage
$64,983
Annual Job Openings
2,698
Number of People Employed
26,076
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 10.2%
Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$23.87
Annual Median Wage
$49,661
Number of People Employed
520
4-Year Employment Growth
Decrease by -8.1%
Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$23.29
Annual Median Wage
$48,447
Number of People Employed
1,771
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 11.2%
* Career and wage information provided by Lightcast using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources and Lightcast’s proprietary analytical processes. Lightcast’s data covers multiple classes of workers including QCEW, non-QCEW, and those who are self-employed. Disclaimer
Financial Aid
You can get a high-quality, affordable education. MCC’s low tuition rates and various financial aid opportunities make it possible. Explore federal and state grants, Federal Work-Study, scholarships, student loans, and other options today.
Connect with an Advisor
Click here for MCC’s easy-to-use Enrollment Steps.
Before signing up for classes, you’ll want to connect with an academic advisor. Together, you’ll lay out an academic plan that suits you best. This step is essential to your academic success.