Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Concentrations:
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
Religion and Philosophy
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.
Invest in Your Success at Barton College
Course Information
A Major in Religion and Philosophy degree requires a total of 36 semester hours. Required foundation courses include World Religions, Christian Traditions, and Philosophical Questions. Building on these foundations, you’ll dig deeper into your own religious and philosophical traditions and compare them to the worldviews of others around the globe. You will have a chance to apply what you learn in courses like Living with Dying; Health, Healing, and Religion; and Environmental Philosophy. You will learn the vocabulary, theories, and methods of religious studies and philosophy in order to join larger conversations. At the same time, you will learn to navigate interfaith challenges and make sound ethical decisions. 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.
Internship Opportunities
You’ll gain valuable professional experience through fieldwork. Our majors have worked at local churches and commercial institutions such as BB&T Bank and Merck Laboratories.
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, the 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
- Liberty University Doctorate in Family Counseling
- Brite Divinity School
- Lexington Theological Seminary
- Christian Theological Seminary
- Duke University Divinity School
- East Carolina School of Medicine
- Graduate Program in Philosophy at the University of Georgia
- Regent University Law School
- North Carolina State University
- 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.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
The Department of Religion and Philosophy has several endowments dedicated to student support. Contact Professor Jane Webster for more information.
Our students also have opportunities to earn money for their education through part-time church employment, even during their first year.