Philosophy: Transfer Associate

The Philosophy: Transfer Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College offers students a comprehensive foundation in the fundamental principles and critical thinking skills essential for understanding human thought, ethics, and reasoning. This program is designed to prepare students for seamless transfer to four-year institutions where they can pursue a bachelor's degree in Philosophy, Humanities, or related fields. The curriculum covers a wide range of philosophical topics, including logic, ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and the history of philosophy. Such coursework fosters analytical skills, argumentative clarity, and reflective thinking, which are highly valued across numerous careers and disciplines. Students will engage with classical and contemporary philosophical texts, participate in rigorous discussions, and develop their own philosophical perspectives. The program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, encouraging students to connect philosophical ideas to real-world issues such as social justice, ethics, and political theory. The transfer associate degree offers a flexible schedule, with options for full-time or part-time study, allowing students to balance their education with personal and professional commitments. With access to experienced faculty dedicated to student success, learners will receive mentorship and advisement for their academic and career goals. Upon completion of this program, graduates will be well-equipped with critical thinking, analytical writing, and research skills that will serve as a solid foundation for continued education or entry into various fields including education, law, public policy, or business. The Philosophy: Transfer Associate program is an excellent starting point for students passionate about exploring fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and morality, and those who aspire to make meaningful contributions through their intellectual pursuits.

General Education   
ENGL 101 English Composition I  3 
ENGL 102 English Composition II  3 
COMM 101 Effective Speaking  3 
Core A Elective  3 
Core B Elective  3 
Core B Elective  3 
Core C Elective (MATH)  3 
Core C Elective (Science)  3 
Core C Elective (Science or MATH)  3 
General Education Transfer Elective  3 
Physical Education & Wellness  1 

Major Requirements   
ANTH 101 Introduction to Anthropology (D)  3 
CIS 105 Introduction to Software for Business  3 
HIST 201 Western Civilization I    3 
HIST 202 Western Civilization II    3 
PHIL 101 Introduction to Philosophy  3 
PHIL 102 Logic  3 
Select two from the following:  6 
  PHIL 200 Comparative Religion  (3) 
  PHIL 215 Philosophy of Science  (3) 
  PHIL 225 Ethics: Belief and Action  (3) 
PSYC 101 General Psychology  3 
Transfer Elective  3 

This curriculum is designed to prepare students to:

Transfer into four-year colleges and universities to earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy

Sharpen communication, writing, and research skills needed for framing hypotheses, analyzing a variety of qualitative and quantitative data, and for putting complex problems into manageable forms

Exemplify effective decision-making and leadership skills by examining philosophies of both Western and Eastern cultures and cultivating a sensitivity to other world views

Apply for a Full-Ride Scholarship

Are you a future student and ready to apply to HACC? 
By applying to HACC, you have the opportunity to apply for a full-ride scholarship! HACC will fund two years of your education – enough to complete your associate degree.

Thanks to the support of the HACC Foundation, the College is able to offer FREE money to support future students, like you, in reaching your educational goals. Six full-ride scholarships are available – one from each of the five campuses and one through HACC’s Virtual Learning Program. 

Please note that current students are not eligible for the full-ride scholarships. However, there are more than 250 scholarships available for current students.

What should you know about the full-ride scholarship?

The scholarship covers tuition, books and fees for a full academic year. 

The scholarship will automatically renew each term for up to six consecutive terms if you maintain your eligibility.

Once you apply to the College and receive a HACC ID and email address, you may apply for the full-ride scholarship. You do not have to register for classes before applying for the scholarship.

Are you eligible?

To be eligible, you must:

Apply to HACC

Take 12-15 credits each term for no more than six consecutive terms (two years)

Live in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill or York county

Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0

Provide a 480 SAT reading score, 21 ACT or comparable scores on the College’s placement test

Maintain a GPA of 3.0 while enrolled at HACC

Participate in at least two HACC student organizations

The Philosophy: Transfer Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in philosophical thought, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning. This program prepares students to transfer seamlessly to a four-year institution to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy or related fields such as humanities, social sciences, or liberal arts. The curriculum typically includes introductory courses in philosophy, ethics, logic, and various specialized topics such as epistemology and metaphysics. Students also have opportunities to develop skills in argumentative writing, analytical thinking, and research methods, which are essential for successful transfer and undergraduate study.

The program emphasizes the study of major philosophical ideas and the contributions of influential philosophers throughout history, enabling students to understand diverse perspectives on fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, morality, politics, and religion. Through coursework and classroom discussions, students are encouraged to cultivate their critical reasoning abilities and engage with complex ideas in a thoughtful and scholarly manner. The Associate degree often requires approximately 60 credits, including general education requirements such as English composition, mathematics, social sciences, and humanities, alongside specific philosophy courses.

Students enrolled in this transfer program benefit from faculty expertise and dedicated academic advising aimed at facilitating their transfer process to partner institutions. Harrisburg Area Community College maintains articulation agreements with many four-year colleges and universities, ensuring transfer credits are recognized and applied toward a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities, philosophy clubs, or related events that enhance their understanding and engagement with philosophical topics.

The program also aims to develop skills transferable to a wide range of careers, including education, law, public policy, business, and other fields requiring critical thinking and ethical judgment. Graduates of the Associate program are well-prepared to continue their education at four-year institutions and to contribute thoughtfully to society through informed debate and ethical decision-making. Overall, the Philosophy: Transfer Associate program offers a solid academic foundation, supports academic and career goals, and fosters a lifelong appreciation for philosophical inquiry.