Philosophy and Religion Major (BA, BS)

BA Requirements
BS Requirements
Four-Year Plan
Quick Facts
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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
#1
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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Student Opportunities

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.

Truman campus

Philosophy and Religion Conference

Each year, the Philosophy and Religion Department gathers students from across the nation to share the results of their research.

Research Opportunities

Work closely with a faculty member on research or delve deeper into an academic pursuit that matches your interests. Truman's Office of Student Research offers travel stipends to present student research at conferences.

Study abroad in China

Study Abroad

You can often use many of the same sources of financial assistance for a study-abroad program that are available for on-campus courses.

Departmental Accomplishments

Students

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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Philosophy and Religion Minor

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"The Philosophy and Religion major has taught me about world cultures, logic and reasoning, and argumentation. The major has required a lot of reading, writing, and discussion, so I’ve been able to improve my ability to use logic to articulate an idea."
Abbi Atwell

Philosophy and Religion Major