| JOb Title | Typical Education | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial Assistant | Bachelor Degree | $60,646 |
| Reporters and Correspondents | Associate Degree or more | $46,308 |
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | Associate Degree | $48,865 |
About the Philosophy Program
“Philosophy’s center is everywhere and its circumference nowhere.” - Maurice Merleau-Ponty, French philosopher.
Socrates once proclaimed that "the unexamined life is not worth living." As Philosophy is more suitably defined as an ongoing activity, rather than a fixed object of study, the idea of actively examining one's life is just as accurate a description of philosophy today as it was 2,500 years ago when the Greek philosopher uttered those words.
Philosophy is a discipline for the curious-minded — an attempt (as the philosopher Harry Frankfurt puts it) “to get to the bottom of things.” Philosophy involves the attempt to understand our world, and our place in it, which in turn has involved the questioning of the very limits of human understanding and knowledge. This concern with the character of truth and limitations of knowledge unfolds within the branch of Philosophy known as Epistemology. In this ongoing quest for answers to our most fundamental questions, philosophers have challenged traditional responses by uncovering logical inconsistencies in commonly held beliefs; some have paid the price for this intellectual brazenness! Accordingly, the study of LOGIC has also developed within the domain of Philosophy.
The philosopher’s pursuit for a better understanding of life and our role in it has made it inevitable that philosophers also consider the principles that make life valuable, and as such, seemingly abstract ideas like justice and happiness are considered in Ethics classes. In a related vein, the very possibility of free will and moral choice, along with other topics concerning the nature of reality, God, and the self, are discussed in one of the oldest branches of Philosophy, known as Metaphysics.
Regardless of the specialty area, because of its insistence on rational dialogue, and its backbone in logic, Philosophy makes a suitable preparation for most majors, but especially for those students who plan to go into law or policymaking.
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Program Paths
Transfer Preparation
Many colleges and universities offer baccalaureate degrees in this field. Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university need to know which courses completed at Santa Monica College will be accepted at the specific college/university. Please consult a Counselor. SMC has transfer articulation agreements with the many UC and CSU campuses, as well as many private and out-of-state institutions.
Potential Career Options
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary
Salary: $137,441
Typical Education Doctoral Degree
Political Scientists
Salary: $86,962
Typical Education Bachelor Degree
Public Relations Specialists
Salary: $59,633
Typical Education Bachelor Degree
Resources and Transfer
Transferring students who wish to qualify for an Associate degree before leaving Santa Monica College should discuss their plans with a Counselor before selecting classes.
Student Resources
We know college isn't always easy. We are here to help as you navigate through your SMC journey. This resource connects to information about Financial Aid, Tutoring Services, the Center for Wellness and Wellbeing and much more!
Transfers
Philosophy is a career education program that does not directly lead to transfer. Students planning to transfer should talk immediately with an Academic Counselor to discuss what SMC courses will help you transfer.
Career Opportunities
Consider scheduling an appointment with a career advisor with knowledge of the philosophy profession to discuss internship and jobs as well as steps you can take to become job ready.