Philosophy and Religion Concentration
Program Description
The Associate in Arts (A.A.) in Humanities and Cultures – Philosophy and Religion Concentration is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, religious studies, or a related humanities field.
This concentration develops critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and analytical writing skills through the study of philosophical traditions and world religions. Students explore foundational questions about knowledge, justice, morality, belief, and human meaning while engaging with diverse intellectual and cultural perspectives. Coursework emphasizes logical reasoning, interpretation of complex texts, and the ability to construct well-supported arguments.
The program provides a broad liberal arts foundation while allowing students to examine global belief systems, philosophical inquiry, ethics, and the role of religion and ideas in shaping societies.
Transfer Information
The Philosophy and Religion concentration is structured to align with bachelor’s degree programs in philosophy, religious studies, and related disciplines such as political science, law, ethics, public policy, theology, and cultural studies.
Students are encouraged to work closely with faculty and Advising & Transfer Services to ensure course selection aligns with the requirements of their intended transfer institution. Students planning to transfer within New Jersey should explore the “Transfer Programs” feature on NJ Transfer (www.njtransfer.org) to review articulation agreements and institutional requirements.
Early planning is recommended, particularly for students considering graduate study, law school, ministry, public service, or other fields that value strong analytical and ethical reasoning skills.
Career Information
The A.A. in Humanities and Cultures – Philosophy and Religion Concentration is designed primarily for transfer. A bachelor’s degree is typically required for professional roles in related fields, and some careers may require graduate or professional study.
With further education, graduates may pursue careers such as:
- Law (with additional study)
- Public Policy or Government
- Ethics and Compliance
- Nonprofit or Community Leadership
- Religious or Ministry Leadership (with additional study)
- Education (with certification)
Students are encouraged to consult with faculty and Career Services as they explore long-term academic and career goals. OCC students may also use Focus2 Career through Ocean Connect to research degree pathways and related professions.
| First Semester | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 151 | English I | 3 |
| PHIL 191 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| STSC 150 | Student Success Seminar | 2 |
| Mathematics Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Social Science Gen. Ed. Requirement 1 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| ENGL 152 | English II | 3 |
| PHIL 192 | Contemporary Ethical Issues | 3 |
| Social Science Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Lab Science Gen. Ed. Requirement | 4 | |
| History Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| PHIL 190 | Introduction to Critical Thinking | 3 |
| RELG 193 | World Religions | 3 |
| COMM 154 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| History Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Mathematics Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| PHIL 210 | Introduction to Formal Logic | 3 |
| Technology Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Humanities Gen. Ed. Requirement 2 | 3 | |
| Electives to meet 60 credits | 3 | |
| HIST 191 or SOCI 238 | African-American History or Race and Ethnicity | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 60 | |
- 1
ANTH or SOCI course preferred.
- 2
ARTS 181, ARTS 182, or MUSC 190 preferred.