Philosophy and Religion Major | Truman State University

Philosophy and Religion Major (BA, BS)

As a philosophy and religion major, you explore a range of multicultural perspectives that enhance your capacity for open-mindedness and ethical sensitivity. You develop valuable critical-thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills necessary to participate thoughtfully and constructively in local, national, and global communities.

Almost half of our philosophy and religion students pursue more than one area of study — common double majors include English, psychology, and history. This major also complements pre-professional programs, especially in education and health sciences.

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Career Paths

The philosophy and religion major provides an excellent foundation for work in law, business, teaching, communications, health professions, ministry, non-profits, public affairs, and more. Our PHRE graduates thrive in graduate school:

66% pursue degrees outside of religious studies (philosophy, law, MBA, etc.)
43% pursue degrees in religious studies

Notable graduate schools attended by our PHRE graduates include:

St. Paul’s School of Theology
University of Connecticut
University of Missouri

100%

of PHRE majors complete research

95%

of PHRE graduates seeking employment are employed

50%

of PHRE students pursue more than one major

U.S. News and World Report ranks Truman as the No. 1 public school in the Midwest

Why study philosophy and religion?

The world needs reflective thinkers and creative problem-solvers who can address the ethical, conceptual, and worldview dimensions of complex societal issues.

Why study PHRE?

The Value of a Truman PHRE Degree (PDF)

Featured Courses

Classical Greek Philosophy

Explore the major figures in classical Greek philosophy with special emphasis on Plato and Aristotle.

Early Modern Philosophy

Investigate the 17th and 18th Century European philosophy emphasizing primary readings from the Rationalists, the British Empiricists, and Kant. Major themes of this course are the fundamental nature of reality and the possibility of knowledge.

Religion and American Culture

Study religious belief and practice in both American history and contemporary American culture. Topics include Christianity, Judaism, Eastern religions, ethnicity and religion, gender and religion, and New Religious Movements.

The Religions of China and Japan

Trace historical developments of religion across China and Japan, with specific attention to Confucianism, Daoism, Mahayana Buddhism, Shinto, and folk religious practices. You will explore the roles of social institutions and socio-political shifts in the maintenance and evolution of these traditions and practices.

Shamanism

Examine social locations, roles, and ritual mechanisms of a type of healer in a variety of cultures across the earth, throughout much of recorded history up to the current time.

Upcoming PHRE Courses

Internships

As a philosophy and religion major, you can find a wide variety of internships in schools, community organizations, law offices, and other professional settings.

Having a broader outlook and the ability to think critically about larger issues makes Truman's Philosophy and Religion faculty, students, and alumni stand out above the crowd.

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