Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Philosophy and Religion - Philosophy Concentration

The department offers a combined major in philosophy and religion. Students may choose one of four concentrations: either philosophy (B.A. or B.S.), religion (B.A. only), interdisciplinary philosophy (B.A. or B.S.) or interdisciplinary religion (B.A. only). Whether concentrating in philosophy or religion, students in the department acquire the following fundamental skills and knowledge: the ability to think critically and rigorously with increased capabilities for problem solving and analysis of arguments; thorough familiarity with the literature, major figures, issues and phenomena of the discipline; and the ability to express themselves clearly, soundly and persuasively in oral and written form. These skill areas are the foundation and substance of a major in philosophy and religion. On the basis of this training, students should be prepared to express their own creative thought in a disciplined and effective manner. Goals Philosophy Program: Students completing a major with a concentration in philosophy are expected to know the major movements, problems, writings, concepts and terms in the history of Western philosophy. The program concentrates on major figures such as Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Locke, Berkeley, Hume and Kant; on problems arising in contemporary movements such as analytic philosophy, existentialism and American philosophy and on the major subdivisions of philosophy, including logic, ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, aesthetics, philosophy and law, philosophy of science and philosophy of religion. Career Opportunities and Marketable Skills: Many of the department's majors enter graduate school in philosophy or religion, law school or seminary. Alternatively, a departmental major graduating with a concentration in religion might move directly into work connected with religious service, into the human services fields or into teaching. A concentration in philosophy leads most directly into teaching or law school. A student's opportunities are by no means limited to these more obvious options, however. While there is no direct path from philosophy and religion to many specific jobs, students who have majored in philosophy and religion successfully find satisfying employment. Employers seek many of the capacities that the study of philosophy and religion develops such as: Problem-solving. Effective communication in speaking and writing. Organization and analysis of ideas and issues. Assessment of the pros and cons of arguments and issues. Reduction of complex information to essential points. Persuasion. These capabilities represent transferable skills useful in most work environments. Many students of philosophy and religion find careers in business or industry, in government or public service and in law, human services and communications. Students should work with the office of Career and Academic Planning for help in finding suitable employment.