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Philosophy & Religion, B.A.

Develop a Critical Appreciation of the Deepest Issues of Human Experience

Find your career in:

A philosophy degree prepares you for continued graduate study and careers in academia.

The degree teaches you skills needed to succeed in law school.

Philosophy courses teach you to think critically about complex issues.

The degree prepares you to analyze complex issues and communicate effectively.

Learn To

Explore, appreciate, and evaluate the variety of human experience

Think carefully and critically about complex issues

Analyze, challenge, and construct arguments on any subject

Question your own (and others’) assumptions and biases

Understand a wide array of different points of view

“ I have met many kind professors who have supported me along the way. The time I spent was filled with support. ”
Emily Bixby ‘21
Philosophy and Religion, B.A. Program Overview

Interdisciplinary Program

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. 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.

Our students typically score well on exams such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), and the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).

Our program offers a number of undergraduate courses fundamental to the UNCW University Studies curriculum. These courses expose you not only to important areas of the humanities; they also strengthen your ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written forms.

Regular offerings of upper-level courses and advanced topical seminars provide you with a rich, diverse, and up-to-date curriculum to complete your undergraduate studies.

Choose an Emphasis

You can choose to focus on philosophy or religious studies.

Courses in Religion

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

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

Religious studies seek 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.

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Sample Courses in Philosophy and Religion

Table shows sample courses for this program
PAR 211 Philosophy of Human Nature
PAR 242 Religion in America
PAR 344 Religion & Popular Culture
PAR 360 Philosophy of Evolution
PAR 373 Chinese Religions
PAR 412 Free Will & Moral Responsibility
See The Full Curriculum

How Do I Major in Philosophy and 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.

An overall grade point average of "C" (2.00) or better is required in courses counted toward the major.

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  • Graduate Programs to Consider Next

    Master of Divinity

    A program in theological studies prepares you for ordination to Christian ministry or for related careers such as pastoral counseling.

    M.A. or Ph.D. in Religious Studies

    Graduate-level study of religion trains you to understand religion more deeply through the lenses of anthropology, history, linguistics, literature and the other arts, philosophy, psychology, sociology and theology.

    M.A. or Ph.D. in Philosophy

    Master’s-level study of philosophy might take the form of more advanced general study to broaden and deepen your understanding of the wide scope of philosophical thought, whether out of intellectual curiosity or to prepare for a Ph.D.