The Religion and Philosophy Major is a traditional liberal arts study of the field. It is especially suited for those with a general interest in religion and philosophy or those who wish to prepare for graduate study of religion.

In addition to completing the core curriculum requirements, students pursuing a major in Religion must complete the following major program requirements:

The major consists of 11 courses in addition to the exploratory course in religion that is taken as part of the core (RLGN 1101-08), yielding a total of 12 courses.  The religion major must include at least two (2) courses in each of these areas:  Biblical Studies, Historical Studies, and Ethics and Theological Studies.  The major also requires at least one course in the area of Philosophy.  In addition, all Religion and Philosophy majors will complete a senior thesis or project.  Thus, of the 12 courses required for a religion major, at least eight (8) courses must conform to the following guidelines:

• Biblical Studies (two (2) courses). At least one course must be at the 2000-level or above.   Courses: 2110, 2111, 2120, 2121, 3110-3160.
• Church Leadership and Youth Ministry (one (1) course). Courses: 3510-3560.
• Historical Studies (one (1) course). Courses: 1104 or 1106 (if not taken for the core), 2210-2230, 3210-3220.
• Ethics and Theological Studies (two (2) courses). Courses: 1105, 1107, or 1108 (if not taken for the core), 2310, 3310-3360.
• Philosophy (one (1) course). Courses:  any of the philosophy courses, which are listed under Area IV in the course listing below.
• Senior Thesis or Project (one (1) course). Course 4620 is normally taken in the fall of the senior year.  The student should choose a project director from within the Religion & Philosophy faculty and work with this director to refine a topic in the semester prior to which the student enrolls for the course.  Thus, most students should select a project director by the end of the spring semester of the junior year and present a proposed topic to the faculty at the beginning of the next fall term.

Students are free to choose any other religion or philosophy offering for the remaining four (4) courses.  Internships may be taken for up to one (1) full course of credit, with permission of the program coordinator.  At least six (6) courses in the major must be numbered at the 2000-level or above.

The Religion and Philosophy Major with Honors

Students who maintain a 3.5 grade point average in Religion and Philosophy courses and who receive A- grades or better on their senior theses or projects may graduate with program honors.