Philosophy and Religion
What is Philosophy & Religion?
The study of philosophy develops our ability to make sense of ourselves and our surroundings. Philosophers apply critical thinking to questions of values and beliefs in order to understand reality, clarify the nature of interactions between individuals and society, and come to terms with the problems of existence and ultimate values. Different schools of thought in economics, history, psychology, and education are based upon differences in philosophy. Political and religious beliefs and codes of ethic are based on philosophical assumptions. Students who study philosophy engage in the examination of their own beliefs, the resolution of conflicts, the search for a purpose to life, and the development of a basis for ethical decisions.
Religion studies examine spiritual belief, practices, and worship activities. Undergraduate courses in philosophy and religion are geared toward the preparation for life rather than a specific type of work, and provide an excellent background for a variety of careers. A background in philosophy and religion can help develop character and personal skills which are extremely important in most job situations: specifically, the abilities to listen carefully and critically; think clearly; analyze and organize ideas; write; defend one's position rationally; stimulate discussion; and question, confront, support, evaluate, reshape, and understand different points of view.
Related Career Titles
Some of these jobs require education beyond the bachelor's degree.
| Administrative Assistant | Consultant | Lawyer |
| Announcer | Counselor | Lobbyist |
| Arts Consultant | Credit Analyst | Management Analyst |
| Assistant Buyer | Critic | Management Trainee |
| Associate Pastor | Customer Service Rep | Marketing Research Analyst |
| Author | Denominational Executive | Minister/Youth Minister |
| Business Administrator | Diplomat | Minister of Music |
| Campus Religious Coordin. | Director of Religious Education | Missionary |
| Campus Minister | Editorial Assistant | Newswriter |
| Chaplain | Employment Interviewer | Nursing Home Director |
| Church Building Engineer | Financial Consultant | Paralegal |
| Church Camp Director | Fund-raiser | Pastor |
| Church Secretary | Guidance Counselor | Priest |
| Claims Adjuster | Hospital Administrator | Producer/Director |
| Clergy | Insurance Underwriter | Professor |
| Columnist | Journalist | Psychologist |
| Public Policy Manager | Religious Education Teacher | Salvation Army Worker |
| Public Relations Rep | Religious Researcher | Seminary Administrator |
| Public Service Official | Religious Staff Writer | Social Worker |
| Rabbi | Religious Educational Admin. | Systems Analyst |
| Religious Bookstore Worker | Sales Representative | Technical Writer |
| YMCA/YWCA Worker |
Some Employers of Philosophy and Religion Majors:
| Advertising Agencies Consulting Firms Colleges & Universities Religious Associations Newspapers & Magazines |
Government Political Parties Hospitals Publishing Companies |
Non-Profit Organizations Media State & Federal Government Business & Industry |
Related Major Skills
| Communicating in logical manner | Interest in pursuing, exploring and explaining intangible ideas |
| Debating Skills | Self-discipline |
| Theory Development | Curiosity |
| Open-mindedness | Close, extensive reading |
| Objectivity | Work Independently |
| Oratory Skills | Problem Solving |
| Deductive Reasoning |
Job & Internship Search Links
Handshake -- UNCW's Online Job & Career Portal
Religion Opportunity in US Navy
List of US Christian Seminaries
Career Planning Links
Professional Association Links
SWIP: The Society for Women in Philosophy
American Philosophy Association
Miscellaneous Resources
The Window - philosophy on the Internet
Church and Ecumenical Resources
