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Undergraduate Programs

Department of Philosophy & Religion

Students can major in Philosophy and Religion with an emphasis in either Philosophy or Religion. Students can also minor in either Philosophy or Religion

The major requires 36 credit hours, while the minor requires 21 credit hours. You can read further about the major requirements and minor requirements in this section.

 

COURSES IN RELIGION

The academic study of religion examines the religions of the world, including their histories, symbols, structures, beliefs.

It examines religions not only by way of historical and philosophical approaches, but from literary, social, and phenomenological perspectives as well.

Religious studies seeks an empathetic understanding of religious phenomena, and awareness of the diversity of religious traditions in our world.

Many of our students choose to study abroad to gain a more direct understanding of religious diversity.

Courses in Philosophy

Courses in philosophy introduce students to the philosophical tradition and develop their skills of critical thinking and expression.

In our examination of the history of philosophy, attention is given to ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, logic, aesthetics, bioethics, philosophy of science, and social and political philosophy with emphasis on their possible application.

Undergraduate Program

Philosophy & Religion, B.A. Our Department of Philosophy and Religion brings together two disciplines, philosophy and religious studies, and encourages interdisciplinary and creative approaches to learning, both here and abroad. Learn More

Minors

Philosophy, Minor Philosophy courses provide you with tools for thinking critically, and our majors go on to successful careers in law, the tech industry and other creative industries. Explore Now
Religion, Minor The academic study of religion examines the religions of the world, including their histories, symbols, structures and beliefs. Discover

Why Major in Philosophy & Religion?

Students are taught vital skills in critical thinking. They are also trained to think ethically and logically about many different spiritual and moral beliefs held worldwide.
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FEATURED SUMMER 2026 COURSES

Examination of the principles and problems in the application of ethical theory to medical research and practice.
Introduction to the study of gender in religious studies. Examines how constructions of gender have influenced the practice of religion and definitions of agency, power, and liberation among religious people. Topics vary.
A survey of Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism; historical aspects, basic insights, contemporary relevance.

FEATURED FALL 2026 COURSES

A survey of Western philosophical thought in ancient and medieval times. Emphasis on the Greek origins of the philosophical tradition. Readings from the Pre-Socratics, Plato, Aristotle, Roman philosophy and such Christian thinkers as Augustine and Thomas Aquinas.
Introduction to the study of gender in religious studies. Examines how constructions of gender have influenced the practice of religion and definitions of agency, power, and liberation among religious people. Topics vary.
Survey of the history of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam from their origins in the Middle East over 3,500 years ago to their diverse practices, scriptures, art, and communities around the world today.
Historical study of the Hebrew Scriptures and their cultural background; focus on the values, problems, and perceptions of the human condition reflected in these texts and archaeological data related to them.
Study of religion in American history from the colonial era to the present-day United States. Examines the religious practices of Native Americans, Protestants, Catholics, Jews, Muslims, and others by interrogating the relationships between religion, material culture, race, gender, and politics.
Survey of Black religions in and around the Cape Fear region from the 1800s to today. Explores how Black Americans have practiced Christianity, Islam, Conjure, Gullah-Geechee culture, and other traditions using images, objects, texts, memories, and stories to enact individual, communal, religious and political autonomy. 
Introduction to major topics in the ethics of artificial intelligence, including the proper role of AI in moral decision-making, the potential for AI to have moral status, the relevance of AI to issues of academic integrity, and the potential for AI to engage in racial discrimination.
Fundamental issues in theory of knowledge: nature of knowledge; reasoning, judgment; truth, certainty and probability.
Study of Ancient Israel, its peoples and cultures through archaeological artifacts and analysis of ancient writings.