B.A. Degree with a Major in Philosophy and Religious Studies

Concentrations

• Philosophy
• Religious Studies

About this field

Philosophy is the discipline of learning about different ways of life and gaining an appreciation for the richness of culture. Religious studies focuses on the diversity of religious thought and practice from multicultural perspectives. Students in these two disciplines at Valdosta State University develop critical and objective thinking skills, become clear and effective writers and persuasive speakers, hone their organizational and analytical skills, and expand their political awareness.

The Valdosta State Difference

Students in the philosophy and religious studies program at Valdosta State enjoy close relationships with faculty members and other students in the department. The department offers study abroad programs in Greece, Spain and Japan, giving students the opportunity to gain academic credit while becoming immersed in different cultures. On campus, students can participate in the Philosophy and Religious Studies Club, and top students may be invited to join Phi Sigma Tau, an international honor society for philosophy students. Each spring, students can take part in the department’s Senior Capstone Symposium, an annual event that includes presentations of students’ semester-long work and their final papers.

What You'll Learn

Students in the philosophy and religious studies program can choose between a track in philosophy or religious studies. Students in the philosophy track study a broad spectrum of ideas, thinkers, issues and arguments and focus on the history of philosophy, reasoning and argumentation, ethics, the philosophy of science, the philosophy of mind, social and political theory, and aesthetics. Students in the religious studies track investigate the diversity of religious thought and practice from multicultural perspectives and explore the influence of religious traditions in shaping values, norms, laws and public policies in societies around the world. The religious studies program offers courses in a variety of religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and more.

Careers

• Aesthetics and Museum Curating
• Business
• Clergy
• Education
• Employee Relations
• Journalist
• Lawyer

• Lobbyist
• Mediator
• Natural Language Logic Computer Programming
• Non-profit Administration
• Public Administration
• Publishing