Philosophy & Religion
Why Pursue Philosophy & Religion?
The search for truth, value, and meaning is a pursuit as seemingly old as humanity itself and it is just as vital today, if not more so in the digital age. At Piedmont University, we will teach you how to engage and consider these weighty intellectual matters—while also developing the writing, research, and critical thinking skills necessary to succeed in the 21st-century workplace.
There are certainly plenty of employment opportunities in this field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the major with the highest employment rate is Religion, with an employment rate of 99 percent. Furthermore, a study by The Wall Street Journal shows that the median salary for Philosophy majors 15 years after graduation is $81,000 per year, which is higher than mid-career salaries in Marketing, Business Management, and Information Technology. So, while philosophy and religion are very much scholarly interests, they also have extensive practical applications in the world beyond the classroom.
What Can a Piedmont Philosophy & Religion Degree Do for You?
- You will gain the lifelong skills and knowledge necessary to participate in ongoing discussions about questions of truth, value, and meaning.
- You will learn in a personalized setting with gifted professors.
- You will develop skills that are necessary to succeed in the 21st-century workplace, such as analytical and crtical thinking.
- You will engage with some of the world’s most influential ideas and movements as you prepare for a career.
- Your coursework in philosophy and religion allows you ample elective hours to add a minor or another major to your studies.
Career Opportunities
A Philosophy & Religion degree from Piedmont opens doors to a wide range of professional pursuits. For instance, our graduates have gone on to build successful careers in:
Studying philosophy and religion sharpens critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and analytical writing—skills essential for a career in law. This background fosters a deep understanding of moral frameworks and complex argumentation, preparing individuals for legal analysis and advocacy.
A degree in Philosophy and Religion provides a strong foundation in theology, ethics, and spiritual guidance. It prepares individuals for pastoral ministry and religious leadership by developing skills in counseling, interpretation of sacred texts, and leading faith communities with insight and compassion.
Strong reasoning, ethical analysis, and communication skills are essential for careers in Government and Public Policy. This foundation supports thoughtful engagement with societal issues, effective policy development, and informed public decision-making.
Critical thinking, moral reasoning, and a deep understanding of human values are key to work in Ethics and Humanitarian Services. This foundation supports ethical decision-making, compassionate service, and advocacy for justice in diverse communities and global contexts.
Strong analytical thinking, clarity of expression, and the ability to engage with complex ideas are essential for careers in Writing and Editing. This foundation supports the creation of thoughtful, persuasive, and well-structured content across a range of formats and audiences.
Empathy, active listening, and a deep understanding of human thought and behavior are essential for a career in counseling. This foundation supports effective communication, ethical decision-making, and meaningful guidance for individuals navigating personal challenges.
A degree in Philosophy and Religion provides deep knowledge of ethics, theology, and critical thinking, which are essential for a career in professorship. This foundation equips individuals to teach, engage in scholarly research, and contribute to academic discourse in higher education settings.
A degree in Philosophy and Religion provides deep knowledge of ethics, theology, and critical thinking, which are essential for a career in academia. This foundation equips individuals to teach, engage in scholarly research, and contribute to academic discourse in higher education settings. Alumni have gone on to study in graduate programs in philosophy and religion as well as seminaries, finding positions in higher education.
More About Philosophy & Religion
Learn more about Philosophy & Religion and the variety of options available to you as a Piedmont student.
Piedmont University Philosophy & Religion majors must complete 36 semester hours of required coursework (on top of their general studies), to finish with 120 total hours. That includes a senior seminar,15 hours at the 3000-level or higher.
Philosophy & Religion majors may have up to 55 additional hours to use for electives. Students may use elective hours to earn a minor or another major, as well as to develop additional marketable skills. The number of elective hours students may take will depend on the courses taken to satisfy general education requirements.
In addition to studying such major figures as Plato, Augustine, and Kierkegaard, Piedmont philosophy and religion students explore topics such as religion and the arts, faith and politics, the intricacies of interfaith dialogue, complex ethical problems, and the relevance of the Abrahamic traditions and the Bible for contemporary life. The results allow you to ask questions and discover answers that may change the way you perceive everything.
Just because you’re tackling deep, existential questions does not mean that we let you forget about practical uses for the answers you find. At Piedmont, our students develop habits of mind that allow them to follow complicated ideas and arguments, uncover hidden assumptions, and think creatively in our increasingly interconnected world. The results provide excellent preparation for careers in the ministry, medical ethics, law and politics, counseling, nonprofits and non-governmental organizations, and higher education teaching and administration.
Related Programs
Intrigued by Philosophy & Religion? You might also be interested in one of these programs:
Meet our Faculty
Meet our talented faculty with both academic and professional experience in Philosophy & Religion.
Where do I start?
To begin your journey toward becoming an Philosophy & Religion student at Piedmont University, you can start by applying today! Or, schedule a campus visit and meet with admissions and financial aid advisors, as well as faculty members in Philosophy & Religion.