The Philosophy and Religious Studies program offers introductory and specialized courses that explore the development of human ideas and values. Philosophy and religious studies courses are based on the objective study of the history, literature, beliefs and cultural development of philosophy and religious systems, individually and comparatively. Faculty members relate course subjects to everyday issues.
Courses serve as a foundation for continuing study at a four-year college or institution, for meeting Humanities and International Studies General Education requirements for an Associate's Degree and for personal enrichment. The courses apply to all career fields that students might choose and provide background for any field of study that requires critical and creative thinking.
The basic philosophy course Introduction to Philosophy, introduces the study of knowledge, reality and human conduct. Ethics addresses principal moral theories, concepts and principles and logic deals with basic rules and systems of logic. Specialty philosophy courses offered at least once every two years include Biomedical Ethics, Business Ethics, Critical Thinking, Environmental Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy, History of Philosophical Ideas and history and philosophy of education, science and art.
Comparative and World Religions covers the major ideas from the world's religions. Introduction to Religion examines a variety of cultural religious phenomena. Other courses include Introduction to the Old and New Testament, Asian Thought and selected topics in religious studies.
Determine Your Path
The Philosophy and Religious Studies program is for students interested in philosophy and want to transfer to a four-year school or students interested in law school.
You want to attend a credible college that stands out from the rest. At COD, you'll discover:
- Small class sizes that ensure students receive personalized attention.
- Dedicated instructors with years of professional experience.
- Affordable programs to help students achieve success without creating overwhelming debt or draining a savings account.
- Instruction utilizing top-notch facilities.
- An enhanced 2+2 partnership between College of DuPage and Elmhurst College allowing you to earn your Associate in Arts and Bachelor of Arts degrees at a significantly reduced cost.
Philosophy Transfer Pathway, A.A.
What is a Transfer Pathway?
A transfer pathway represents a typical course schedule/sequence for a student planning to complete the A.A. degree within two years, then transfer and major in a specific discipline. A transfer pathway is not institution-specific.
It is important to understand that the pathway provided in the adjacent tab is just one possible combination of classes by which to complete an A.A. and prepare for transfer in your chosen area of study. Other course combinations and sequences can work, too. It is strongly recommended that students work directly and frequently with a COD academic counselor/advisor, a COD faculty advisor, and academic counselors/advisors at potential transfer schools, to develop and execute a plan that works best for them.
Get Started Today
The first step to getting started in philosophy and religious studies is to apply for admission.
Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree or certificate that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.
Students who complete courses in the Philosophy or Religious Studies disciplines will:
Reading & Comprehending Philosophical and Religious Studies Texts
- Grappling with primary texts
- Grasping key terms and concepts
- Attributing works/arguments to persons and eras
Constructing/Communicating Arguments
- Recognizing argument structure
- Constructing appropriate arguments
- Clearly presenting arguments (especially in writing)
Critical Thinking
- Identifying one's own assumptions
- Showing awareness of breadth and diversity
- Analyzing content and structure of materials
- Evaluating merits of claims and ideas
College of DuPage partners with several four-year institutions to help students seamlessly complete a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. Students can connect with Transfer Services for personalized guidance on transfer opportunities.
For more information about Transfer Pathways, visit the College of DuPage Catalog. The pathway outlines a typical two-year course plan for completing an AA or AS degree before transferring to a four-year program. Course requirements vary by institution, so consult your faculty or academic advisor for specific guidance.
Articulation Agreements
College of DuPage maintains transfer agreements with many colleges and universities to ensure a smooth transition toward a bachelor’s degree. These agreements often include a defined course sequence. Students should regularly meet with a faculty member or the Counseling and Advising office to stay on track.- Elmhurst University, AA to BA in Philosophy
- North Central College, AA to BA in Philosophy
- North Central College, AA to BA in Philosophy (Law & Society track)
- North Central College, AA to BA in Religious Studies
Transfer Guides
Beyond articulation agreements and guaranteed admission programs, College of DuPage courses transfer to many other institutions. Transfer Guides help students select COD courses that meet prerequisites for specific majors and include details such as contact information, major requirements, general education requirements, and transfer policies.
Career Information
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