Develop your critical thinking skills with Harper's philosophy courses
Philosophy is a subject that encourages deep reflection on life's fundamental questions—about
logic, ethics, and even the nature of our reality. Harper College's Philosophy Department
welcomes all students and community members interested in exploring the big questions
that shape human thought and society.
Learning more about philosophy is a pursuit that can benefit anyone, no matter the
circumstance. The Conversation reports that new research proves that studying philosophy makes people better thinkers. Philosophy courses help students sharpen their critical thinking and reasoning skills,
empowering them to navigate complex issues and engage thoughtfully with diverse perspectives.
These skills are beneficial in every profession and walk of life.
Whether you are earning the first two years of your bachelor's degree in philosophy
or are interested in taking classes to become a better thinker, Harper's Philosophy
Department offers a convenient and affordable way to pursue your college education.
Discover how studying philosophy can enrich your life and open new opportunities.
Program Highlights
Courses take place in the Philosophy Learning Labs—a welcoming classroom environment designed specifically for philosophy courses to
facilitate discussion and collaboration.
The Department organizes the Philosophy Speaker Series twice per year, which invites distinguished philosophers to present engaging lectures
on their subject of expertise. Past presentation topics include Intellectualism and Nonhuman Animal Knowledge, Philosophy as Initiation, and more.
Discuss philosophical ideas and debate ethical issues by joining one of our philosophy student organizations. In 2024, Harper's Ethics Bowl Team achieved a first-place finish in the Two-Year
College Championship at the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics' national
competition.
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Start at Harper. Finish at a four-year university.
The Associate in Arts (AA) degree program prepares students to transfer to a four-year college or university
to complete a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, anthropology, psychology, or other
related majors. Advising Services is available to help students plan the transfer process and provide information on
which philosophy courses best align with their academic and career goals.
Harper also offers institution-specific transfer information to help prepare you to
transition to a four-year university. To learn more, visit our Transfer Information page or see your advisor.
Explore careers in Philosophy
Earning an associate degree with a focus in philosophy from Harper College provides
students with a strong educational foundation in the subject, preparing them to pursue
further education and for a wide variety of careers in fields such as law, journalism,
education, and more. Learn more about the Chicago job market, including salaries,
open positions, top local employers, and more by exploring the career profiles below.
For more detailed information about job outlook, visit Philosophy Careers.
Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other
communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect
and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.
Core tasks:
Write commentaries, columns, or scripts, using computers.
Coordinate and serve as an anchor on news broadcast programs.
Examine news items of local, national, and international significance to determine
topics to address, or obtain assignments from editorial staff members.
Analyze and interpret news and information received from various sources to broadcast
the information.
Quick facts:
Lawyers
Lawyers
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Lawyers career profile for most current data.
$161,321 Median Salary
1% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
1,469 Job Postings
Description:
Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw
up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize
in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.
Core tasks:
Interpret laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.
Analyze the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents.
Gather evidence to formulate defense or to initiate legal actions by such means as
interviewing clients and witnesses to ascertain the facts of a case.
Represent clients in court or before government agencies.
Teach courses in philosophy, religion, and theology. Includes both teachers primarily
engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Core tasks:
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students and the community
on topics such as ethics, logic, and contemporary religious thought.
Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
Coordinate or design programs and conduct outreach to promote the religious education
or activities of a denominational group. May provide counseling, guidance, and leadership
relative to marital, health, financial, and religious problems.
Core tasks:
Develop or direct study courses or religious education programs within congregations.
Identify and recruit potential volunteer workers.
Select appropriate curricula or class structures for educational programs.
Counsel individuals regarding interpersonal, health, financial, or religious problems.
Quick facts:
For more information about philosophy classes at Harper, please contact Admissions
Outreach at 847.925.6700.
