Philosophy and Religion
Mission Statement
The majors in Philosophy, Religion, and Spirituality and Wellbeing teach students to pose and answer questions fundamental to the meaning and significance of life, to human existence, and the nature of reality. Through a series of required and elective courses culminating in a capstone paper and presentation, the programs will prepare the student to demonstrate professionalism in the field, through ethical reflection, the place of philosophy and religion, in the larger society, and the place of the capstone presentation in the chosen discipline major.
Program Offerings
Students interested in philosophy and religion may earn the Bachelor of Arts degree with one of three majors: Religion, Philosophy, or Spirituality and Wellbeing. We offer Associate of Arts degrees and minors in the above, as well as a minor in Ethics.
In addition to preparing for church-related careers, students majoring in Religion, Philosophy, or Spirituality and Wellbeing may enter a variety of fields such as counseling, law, business, social work and a variety of service professions at the local, state and national levels. For those planning to enter graduate school or seminary, the department offers a balanced program of preparatory studies.
The Ethics Minor is an interdisciplinary program that examines the concept of moral good and practice applying it in various situations. Study will focus on the history and theory of ethics, various belief systems and specific relevant professional codes.
The goals of the Ethics Minor are to: (1) enhance the awareness of ethical issues, both at a theoretical and a practical and professional level and (2) to improve critical thinking and moral reasoning in resolving ethical problems.