The Associate in Arts in Philosophy for Transfer degree is designed to prepare students for a seamless transfer into the CSU system to complete a baccalaureate degree in Philosophy. Philosophy is the study of basic and fundamental issues, such as those concerning reality, knowledge, morality, and truth. Philosophers ask questions like: Do we have free will? What do I know? What is the nature of truth? How do I know I’m not a brain in a vat? Is there a universal morality? Does God exist? What distinguishes philosophy from other disciplines is its methodology. A philosopher’s methodology is systematic and relies heavily upon rational argument. The process demands rigorous, analytic, and critical thinking. The benefits of which include resolving confusion, unmasking assumptions, highlighting distinctions, and offering clarification. Courses in the Gavilan Philosophy Program are designed to transfer to four-year institutions and to prepare philosophy majors for upper-division coursework. Specifically, this degree is intended for students transferring to a California State University program. A degree in philosophy can lead to a career teaching and doing academic research in philosophy, but it also equips one with the writing, thinking, and problem-solving skills important for many careers, including the fields of law, business, politics, medicine and others.

In addition to passing all courses required for the major area of emphasis with a C or better (letter grading option only), completion requirements for the degree include:

- Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:

(A) The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education – Breadth Requirements.

(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.

- Attainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

ADTs also require that students must earn a C or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis, or a "P" for any course taken on a 'pass-no-pass' basis.