Philosophy

If you spend your time pondering the nature of the universe and the possible meanings of human existence, you’ve found the perfect course of study. Pursuing an associate degree in philosophy is all about continuing an ongoing conversation that began more than 3,000 years ago.

At Oklahoma City Community College, you can earn an associate degree in arts in general education with an emphasis in philosophy, which will give you the humanities foundation you need to continue your education at a four-year college or university.

This program focuses mainly on teaching critical thought, analytical writing and the comprehension of both classic and modern texts. Ultimately, philosophy majors primarily choose to follow careers in teaching, writing, law, politics, advertising and much more. 

Get started today! Complete your online community college admissions application.

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Want to know the Top 10 reasons you should consider a major in philosophy?

1. Philosophy stimulates your ability to think critically and creatively while enhancing your analytical and interpretive capacities.
2. As a philosophy major, you will likely develop an interest in self-expression and reflection and enjoy debating ideas.
3. Philosophy will prepare you for careers in a wide field of professions, including law, medicine, government, business, journalism, publishing, teaching and the ministry.
4. Today’s global environment needs people who are able to use critical thought and imagination – a philosophy degree will make you that much more sought-after by employers.
5. Studying philosophy will help you become a better citizen by promoting the ability to listen carefully and critically evaluate and respond thoughtfully.
6. You will follow in the footsteps of famous philosophy majors such as Phil Jackson, Umberto Eco, Carly Fiorina, Aung San Suu Kyi, David Souter, Bruce Lee, Harrison Ford, Tom Morris and Robert MacNamara.
7. You will be more likely than even computer science majors to a land a job immediately after graduation.
8. You will be able to think about and discuss the most urgent question: What is the meaning of being?
9. Studying philosophy gives you the opportunity to be in an environment where the art of disagreeing is practiced.
10. You can acquire eligibility in the famous philosophy club of life, including life at OCCC.

In the philosophy degree program at OCCC, you’ll study:

• The methods and sub-fields of philosophy
• Ideas of Socratic self-knowledge
• Selected philosophers
• The relationship between philosophy and ethics
• How to use descriptive, normative and meta-ethical approaches
• Logical analysis
• Major world religions
• The classical dichotomy of good and evil
• The philosophical principles underlying theories and methods of Western science

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Philosophy Degrees at Oklahoma City Community College

Oklahoma City Community College offers an associate degree in arts in general humanities with an emphasis in philosophy.

After completing this associate degree program, it’s best to transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree. However, an associate degree in philosophy can still open up many job opportunities.

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Philosophy Classes at Oklahoma City Community College

At Oklahoma City Community College, you’ll take the following courses if you major in philosophy:

• Introduction to Philosophy
• Introduction to Logic
• Introduction to Ethics
• Comparative Religions
• Introduction to Eastern Thought
• Philosophy of Religion
• Philosophy of Science
• History of Science
• Critical Thinking
• Advocates of Peace

OCCC’s online course catalog includes full details on all your required college classes. Check out class availability and map out your schedule today!

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Angela Cotner

Professor of English

Both of my parents are natural teachers.  My mother taught me to cook and to enjoy reading.  My father taught me to drive a tractor, to change a tire, and to shoot an arrow into a bale of hay(essential bits of information necessary in Cherokee County, Oklahoma, where I grew up).I began my college education intending to teach high school English and received a bachelor's degree in English Education.  After not finding a teaching job right out of college, I began work on a master's degree in American Studies, which is a combination of American literature and American history.  While in graduate school, I began a teaching assistantship.  I immediately loved it and knew I did not want to teach anything except college classes.  I eventually went to law school, where my research and writing skills helped me greatly.  While practicing law for a short time, I knew I  wanted to return to the college classroom. I began as an adjunct professor at OCCC and am now a full-time professor.There is no better job than being a college professor.  I enjoy teaching students new ways of looking at issues and approaching problems in philosophy courses, and I enjoy teaching students critical thinking and organizational skills in composition and Success courses.

 

Jon Inglett

Professor of English

Professor Inglett received a B.A. Degree in English from the University of Arkansas and an M.A. in English from Missouri State University. He has taught full time at OCCC since 2000. His ultimate goal as a teacher is to empower students, train them for the workforce, provide them with a desire for life-long learning, engage them in global diversity and sensitivity, and instill compassion, creativity, and contemplation in every student.

 

Stephen Morrow

Professor of English

At heart, I am a teacher.I studied Philosophy at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania and at The University of Dallas.  I became very interested in both the Philosophy of Religion and the Philosophy of Science, two great loves of my life still today, with an evolving love for the Philosophy of Peace.  I studied English and Education at Oklahoma City University, and now use all my incredible education in the Humanities as a source of both knowledge and passion in my classes.I have studied cooperative learning with the two gurus of the field, David and Roger Johnson. My great intellectual hero is Parker Palmer, and  I am proud to say he is now a friend and someone whom I work with professionally.  I am involved through his organization, Courage and Renewal, and I am now involved in his new work in revitalizing democracy.I love our students, my field of the Humanities, and teaching.  You will always be welcome in my courses and will be treated like an equal Socratic soul-all of just trying to figure out this big, beautiful world!

 

Michael Punches

Professor of English

I have been teaching at OCCC for over twenty years.  My wife Mary, to whom I've been married for 29 years, is also a professor here.  During my career, I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to teach at a four-year university, at a small private school where I taught grades 6-10, and of course, at OCCC.  The community college is by far the best fit for me.  I enjoy the diversity in age, ethnicity, religion, and career goals.   

 

Michael Snyder

Professor of English

BA English, Haverford College MA English, University of Colorado PhD English, University of Oklahoma Specialty areas: Twentieth-century and contemporary American literature and culture, Native American literature and culture, Composition and Rhetorical Studies, Gender Studies, American Studies, Indigenous Studies, Film Studies, Cultural Studies, Jazz, John Joseph Mathews, Gerald Vizenor, James Purdy, and James Leo Herlihy. Professor Snyder has published numerous peer-reviewed critical articles in scholarly journals including SAIL: Studies in American Indian Literatures, Critique: Studies in Contemporary Fiction (x2), Chronicles of Oklahoma, and Huxley Annual. His book chapters appear in edited collections such as Gerald Vizenor: Texts and Contexts (U of New Mexico P), Across Cultures/Across Borders: Canadian Aboriginal And Native American Literatures (Broadview P), the forthcoming Gerald Vizenor: Poetry and Poetics (UNM P), and several book reviews.  His poetry appears in the book collection Ain't Nobody that Can Sing Like Me: New Oklahoma Writing (Mongrel Empire), and the journals Windmill, Sugar Mule, and Absolute. Snyder is a music fan, especially jazz, rock, and indie, and plays a little guitar and drums when he has time.  Snyder has written album and book reviews for Skyscraper, once a print magazine, now an online music magazine, for over a decade.

 

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Careers for Philosophy Majors

Philosophy majors primarily choose to follow careers in:

• Teaching
• Writing
• Law
• Religion
• Advertising
• Politics

Are you ready to think about a career in philosophy? Complete your online community college admissions application today!

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