The department of philosophy and religious studies offers both a major and a minor in which students may concentrate in either philosophy or religious studies. A concentration in philosophy provides students with a broad understanding of the history and dynamics of Western thought, a detailed knowledge of ethical and theoretical issues in this tradition, and training in critical and analytic thinking skills. A concentration in religious studies provides students with an understanding of the world's major religions (including Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism, Judaism, Christianity,and Islam); a knowledge of the common elements and themes in religion; and a familiarity with the various approaches and methods used to study the substance and functioning of religion.

More than vocational preparation, the Philosophy and Religious Studies major offers an education in the broad liberal arts tradition. In different ways, each concentration introduces students to the most profound and universal questions humans have asked, and to their most thoughtful and enduring answers.

<PHRE Faculty with some of our 2008 Graduates! (L to R, Greg Scali, Jim Bell, Adeus Valentine, Prof. Carter Turner, Danny McLean, Prof. Sharon Hartline, and Prof. Stephanie Semler)