Philosophy and Religious Studies combines two traditional areas of study. In philosophy, we think about the ideas and theories behind politics, human nature, religion, art, knowledge, science, and morality. In religious studies, we think of the human religious quest through the lenses of history, religious texts, lived human experience, and philosophy. In both, we ask vital and important questions: Who are we? What is the meaning of life? What is beauty? What is justice? What can we know? How do we believe? What do we believe?
Philosophy and religious studies courses engage students through deep discussions on important ideas. In doing so, students develop the ability to think critically, read deeply, express themselves through analytical writing and discussion, and put ideas together in new and interesting ways. These skills help students in whatever career they choose. They also are part of a meaningful and interesting life.
A minor in Philosophy and Religious Studies is 18 hours. Students can take any courses within the minor they wish, without prerequisites or requirements. The program is designed for maximum flexibility.
Why Minor in Philosophy and Religious Studies?
- Small, discussion-centered classes
- Asking questions about meaning, human nature, ethics, politics, and art
- Interrogating world religions, new religious movements, and great religious texts, like the Bible
- Learn to think more critically, analytically, and with precision
- An interdisciplinary course of study that incorporates classes from History, Economics, and Sociology
- Complement your major coursework in History, Psychology, Sociology, English, or the sciences
What Can I Do With a Minor in Philosophy and Religious Studies?
Minors in Philosophy and Religious Studies develop skills and abilities that enhance their course of study and train them to think analytically, critically, and with precision. Because of this, students that major in Philosophy and Religious Studies score higher than any other major on the GRE in verbal reasoning and analytical writing, receive higher scores on the GMAT than business majors, have the second highest LSAT scores (behind physics majors), and enhance the MCAT scores of biology majors.
These skills also translate to job success. Many famous CEOs and corporate executives majored in Philosophy or Religious Studies: for example, Hewlett Packard CEO Carly Fiorina, Hedge Fund Manager Carl Icahn, Former PayPal CEO Peter Thiel, Time Warner CEO Gerald Levin, Overstock.com Founder and CEO Patrick Byrne, and LinkedIn Founder Reid Hoffman. Coursework in Philosophy and Religious Studies allows students the mental flexibility to adapt to new environments, create new ideas, and think critically about their work and life. These skills, especially with the rise of Artificial Intelligence, are in increasing demand.
Taking Philosophy and Religion courses is also important in its own right. Philosophy
and Religion courses are the beginning to a life of inquiry and curiosity, and an
opening to the richness of human questioning and expression.