Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Philosophy and Religion - Religion 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. Religion Program: The study of religion by its nature includes different disciplinary approaches and critical methodologies. Students completing a major with a concentration in religion will gain experience in these approaches and will improve in the following skills and competencies: Mastery of the key concepts of global religious traditions (e.g., Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam), and the historical and contemporary expressions of these religions in their social, political and cultural contexts. Specialized knowledge in at least one religious tradition or specialized area of comparative and issues-oriented study, and a broad competence in at least two others. Use of this knowledge to reflect upon problems in interpreting religious texts. Skill in the comparative and multi-disciplinary analytical methods used in the academic study of religion. Ability to articulate research and arguments effectively orally and in writing. Skill in evaluating different cultural perspectives on particular questions and issues, formulating sound arguments and examining claims for strengths and weaknesses. All students who concentrate in religion take a 400 level capstone seminar during their senior year that will provide them extensive opportunity for research, critical and creative thought, and oral and written expression. 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.