FASTFACTS
- The Department of Religion and Philosophy at PC accepts students from all faith traditions.
- Religion and philosophy professors represent respected seminaries like Princeton and Union Theological Seminary in Virginia, and the nonprofit Jerusalem Center for Biblical Studies.
- Joan Gray ’73 served as moderator of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in 2006 and subsequently as the denomiation’s ambassador-at-large.
- You may pursue a religion and philosophy degree even if you don’t consider yourself “religious.”
What You’ll Study When You Concentrate in Religious Studies
Understanding what and why others believe allows you to better connect and communicate in a diverse world. A global perspective is highly valued in the workplace, whether you work in secular or religious environments. Your degree in religious studies also gives you a well-rounded liberal arts education and transferable skills like research and writing.
The religious studies concentration totals 36 hours of coursework. During your first two years, you’ll take World Religions and Religion and Human Experience. You’ll also choose one social sciences course, like Introduction to Anthropology or Social Movements. The 15 hours of electives allow you to shape your coursework to your interests. As a senior, you’ll demonstrate your skills in research, writing and presentation through a capstone project. If eligible, you may also conduct an honors project, which earns you marks of distinction on your transcript and diploma.
The department also offers concentrations in philosophy, Christian studies and Christian education.
MORE INFORMATION
- Course Requirements »
- PHIL Course Descriptions »
- RELG Course Descriptions »
- R-CE Course Descriptions »
- CO = Co-requisite
- CO = Co-requisite
- POI = Permissions of Instructor
- PR = Pre-requisite
- RE = Recommended
- XL = Cross-listed
STUDENT EXPERIENCES
Religious Studies Careers
Earning a religious studies degree shows that you have a wide knowledge of world cultures and faith traditions. Some religious studies graduates go on to work as church ministers or teachers, but others work outside the church. Many find jobs that require cultural sensitivity and awareness, in fields like government and social work. They may also work in humanitarian organizations and other nonprofits.
According to PayScale, a bachelor’s degree in religious studies earns you an average salary of $55,521, as of December 2019. Data USA includes graduate degrees and places the average wage for religious studies majors much higher – at $84,999.
Recent graduates from PC’s religion and philosophy department have pursued careers in law and medicine. Alumni also serve churches in various ways, from youth camps to social ministries. Many earn advanced degrees through religious studies programs at some of the country’s finest universities, including Princeton and Duke. No matter your major, PC’s liberal arts education prepares you with problem-solving, critical thinking and other soft skills employers look for.
CAREER PROFESSIONS
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