B.A. in Philosophy and Religion

Grapple with the insights of great thinkers from across the world and throughout history while developing skills in critical thinking, argument analysis and cultural literacy.

We prepare graduates to meet a rapidly changing world. Students who choose to concentrate in philosophy will study ancient and contemporary philosophers as they engage in rigorous debate, ask the big questions and sharpen their critical thinking skills. Students who choose to concentrate in religion are introduced to the academic study of the world's religions. They dive into the sacred texts, rituals, histories and ethics of different cultures while learning to communicate effectively with those who think differently from themselves. The interdisciplinary philosophy and interdisciplinary religion concentrations allow students to craft their own majors by counting up to nine credits from outside of the department toward the major.

Students majoring in Philosophy and Religion may choose one of four concentrations: either philosophy, religion, interdisciplinary philosophy or interdisciplinary religion.

The philosophy concentration focuses on major figures such as Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Locke, Berkeley, Hume and Kant. Students will study problems arising in contemporary movements such as analytic philosophy, existentialism and American philosophy; students will be introduced to the major subdivisions of philosophy, including logic, ethics, aesthetics, philosophy and law, philosophy of science and philosophy of religion.

The religion concentration focuses on the major religious traditions of the world––Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam––as well as their expression in diverse cultures and contexts. Topic areas in the study of religion include eastern religions, western religions, Biblical studies, ethics, religion and society, and religious thought and theology. Religion majors make connections between religion and other areas of knowledge, such as literature, politics, medicine, history, and the arts. Students will assess the role religion plays in contemporary social and political contexts, American and global.

The interdisciplinary philosophy concentration is designed for students who want to concentrate in philosophy but also apply philosophical ideas to work in other departments.

The interdisciplinary religion concentration is designed for students who want to concentrate in religion but also integrate their work in religion with work in another, complementary disciplinary area.

Both philosophy and the academic study of religion prepare students to meet a rapidly changing world. Students completing a philosophy and religion major will be able to think critically, rigorously analyze arguments, listen carefully to the viewpoints of others, construct views that are based on sound reasoning and evidence, and communicate clearly and persuasively in writing and in speaking. They will grapple with the insights of some of the greatest figures in history as they learn to contextualize texts, issues and phenomena to arrive at well-informed and enlightened interpretations.

We know that success requires equal parts intellect and action. At JMU, that’s what Being the Change is all about.

When students graduating from James Madison University proudly walk across the stage to receive their diplomas, they’re more than just educated. They’re members of a fellowship of doers. They know how to make things happen. They’ve honed their ability to think critically. They’ve learned the importance of a strong work ethic and they’ve become committed to and skilled at collaborating with others. Diplomas in hand, they leave campus determined to live lives of meaning and pursue careers of purpose.

Only two hours from Washington D.C., JMU is fast becoming one of the nation’s leading lights in higher education. That’s because students enjoy unusually engaged relationships with world-class faculty who are at JMU because they want to pursue knowledge and teach talented students.

JMU students, faculty and alumni are using equal parts intellect and action to succeed in every sort of pursuit: they’re boosting innovation and discovery, leading in business, advancing culture, improving health care, reforming education, renewing civil society, competing in athletics — they’re Being the Change in every imaginable way.