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Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of questions does one ask in the study of Philosophy and Religion?

- What does it all mean? What can we be sure of? How should we live our lives? Why do people care so much about religion? How are the world’s religions like each other, and how are they different? How can the very same religions seem to be the source of so much good and so much evil in the world?

Questions like these define a basic conversation about our values and ways of life. Everyone thinks about them; philosophers and religionists make a rigorous study of them. Students who major or minor in our disciplines become disciplined analytic and integrative thinkers, with a broad multicultural awareness, and the skills to be life-long learners.

What kinds of programs are offered by Rowan's Department of Philosophy and Religion Studies?

- The department offers an interdisciplinary 36 hour major in Philosophy and Religion Studies, a 21 hour minor in Philosophy, an 18 hour concentration in Philosophy and Religion Studies, and an 18 hour concentration in Ethics. Our majors specialize in either Philosophy or Religion Studies, but take some courses from both disciplines. A portfolio requirement and a service learning component contribute to an integrated and well-rounded education. Visit the department website for a complete description of our courses and programs.

Is it possible to combine a degree in Philosophy and Religion Studies with another major?

- Our major combines well as a double major with many other disciplines from all the colleges on campus.

What are the requirements for admission into Philosophy and Religion Studies?

- The requirements are the same as those for admission to the university.

What kind of learning opportunities are available, both on and off campus?

• Service Learning: The department collaborates with the Center for Service Learning to provide suitable opportunities for volunteer service, internships and other such experiences, and to integrate these with students’ work in the major.
• Study abroad: Rowan University has formal exchange arrangements with many universities across the globe, where you can study abroad for a semester or a year; many other such opportunities can be individually arranged. The department encourages our students to take advantage of these opportunities and helps them find suitable placements. Please go to the International Center website for more information.
• The Philosophy Club, an active student club with faculty advisors, meets regularly for discussion, service projects, and other activities.

What can I do with a major in philosophy and religion studies?

As it turns out, quite a lot!

• With our major, you can go on to graduate study in philosophy or in religion studies.
• You can go on to graduate study in many other fields, including law, business, and even medicine. Philosophy and religion majors score far higher than average on all the major graduate admissions exams, including the LSAT (law school), the MCAT (medical school), the GRE (many disciplines) and the GMAT (business school).
• You will be equipped to do well in many different fields. The most basic characteristic of contemporary working life is change. Majoring or minoring in our disciplines equips you to meet that challenge as few other studies will do. You will think rigorously and deeply about many different subjects. You’ll learn to uncover basic assumptions, to understand other points of view, to communicate clearly and effectively about basic goals and values, and to quickly analyze and respond to the flow of reasoning in a piece of discourse.