Philosophy and Religion Major

Program Description

The philosophy/religion program consists of a range of courses covering traditional and modern aspects of philosophical and religious thought. Among its strength is that it offers a broad background without sacrificing in-depth experience or specialized expertise. Students in the program have the opportunity to inquire into, clarify, and think about fundamental human values and problems, preparing them for a variety of careers in law, administration, business, the para-professions, communications, human service and church-related vocations.

The philosophy/religion major affords students an opportunity to inquire into, clarify, and, most importantly, think about fundamental human values and problems. By providing a range of courses that covers both traditional and modern aspects of philosophical and religious thought, the major gives the student a firm grounding in the literature of each area. A particular strength of the program is that it offers the student a broad background without sacrificing in-depth experience or specialized expertise.

A philosophy/religion program gives students a unique preparation for a variety of life situations, e.g., pre-law, administration, business careers, the para-professions, communications, and human services. In addition, it provides a good background for a number of church-related vocations, including counseling, youth ministry, and Christian education, to mention a few.

Major Requirements

The Philosophy and Religion major will take a minimum of 36 semester hours in philosophy or religion courses, opting for one of the following:

• concentration in religion - at least 24 of the 36 semester hours in religion, including REL 470, to be taken in the senior year; or
• concentration in philosophy - at least 24 of the 36 semester hours in philosophy, including PHI 470 to be taken in the senior year; or
• equal concentration in philosophy and religion, including either REL 470 or PHI 470.

The following courses are required of all Philosophy and Religion majors: PHI/REL 317, PHI 103 or 104, PHI 208 or 223, REL 211, and REL 101 or 102. Of the 36 required hours, 18 must be upper level, with at least 9 hours at the 400 level.