Religion and Philosophy

Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Overview

Major in religion and philosophy at Barton, and you’ll explore the ideas that have shaped the world. But you’ll go beyond the theory. You’ll practice the methods and real-life applications of religious studies and philosophy as you begin to develop your own responses to vital human issues. And by learning to work with ideas, you’ll enhance your communication skills, your reasoning and critical thinking, and your global awareness – just the preparation you need for success in any field.

Special Features

Depending on your interests and your goals, you can choose concentrations in Religious Studies or Philosophy.

Course Information

Majoring in Religion and Philosophy requires a total of 36 semester hours. Required foundation courses include Introduction to Religious Studies, World Religions, Reasoning and Critical Thinking, and Ethics. Building on these foundations, you’ll follow one of two “tracks.” In the Religious Studies Track, you will take additional courses in the Western Tradition (Biblical Studies; Historical Foundations of Christianity; Movements, Mystics, and Messiahs), Global Traditions (Living with Dying; Health, Healing, and Religion; African American Religions; Judaism; and Islam), and Methodology (Religion and the Self, Religion and Society). In the Philosophy Track, you will take additional courses in History of Philosophy, Western Political Theory, and Existentialism. You will complete your 36 hours with a selection of electives and a final capstone course.

You may also enhance your degree with a Language Option, by successfully completing intermediate level Spanish or New Testament (Koiné) Greek.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

The Department of Religion and Philosophy has several endowments dedicated to student support. You should contact the department for more information.

Career Opportunities

Studying religion is a natural choice if you’re planning to enter the ministry, but it also prepares you for a career in teaching, medicine, law – almost any field. You’ll find our majors working in communications, law enforcement, banking, and business. Plus, as a religion and philosophy major, you can easily complete a second major with some other area of specialization.

Our graduates have been accepted to graduate programs at:

• Vanderbilt University (Master of Divinity program)
• Brite Divinity School
• Duke University Divinity School
• East Carolina School of Medicine
• University of Georgia (Philosophy graduate program)
• Lexington Theological Seminary
• Regent University Law School
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law

Clubs and Organizations

The Religion/Philosophy Honor Society is not restricted to majors. Members must have a 3.0 overall GPA and a 3.5 GPA in at least four Religion/Philosophy courses.