Bachelor of Arts Philosophy and Religious Studies

The world’s greatest challenges don’t have simple answers. How should we
respond to artificial intelligence? What makes a society just? How should
businesses, governments, and healthcare professionals make ethical decisions?
What responsibilities do we have to one another? How do religion, philosophy,
and culture shape our understanding of ourselves and the world?

At the University of Tennessee Southern, the Philosophy and Religious Studies
program explores these enduring questions while preparing students for the
challenges of today’s world. Our program combines the study of philosophy,
ethics, logic, and the world’s religious traditions with practical skills that
employers, graduate schools, and professional programs consistently value,
including critical thinking, ethical reasoning, persuasive writing, analytical
problem-solving, and effective communication.

In an age of artificial intelligence, rapid technological change, and increasingly
complex social and global challenges, organizations need people who can think
carefully, communicate clearly, evaluate evidence, and make sound decisions.
Those are habits of the mind that are cultivated through the study of Philosophy and Religious Studies.

What sets UT Southern’s Philosophy and Religious Studies program apart is the
opportunity to learn in a close-knit, discussion-based environment where ideas
are explored through conversation, collaboration, and faculty mentorship.
Rather than teaching you what to think, we teach you how to think, preparing
you to lead thoughtfully in whatever career path you choose.

Your future may include law school, graduate study, or a career in business, education, healthcare, ministry, government, nonprofit leadership, technology, or another profession. Whatever direction you choose, you’ll graduate with a deeper understanding of the human experience and the intellectual flexibility to adapt, lead, and thrive throughout your career.

A Minor with Major Impact

Not every student wants to change majors, but many want to stand out. Requiring just 18 credit hours, the Philosophy Minor is among the most accessible ways to broaden your education, distinguish yourself academically, and develop the knowledge and skills that employers and graduate schools value.

The Philosophy minor is an excellent complement to majors across the university, equipping students with the knowledge and transferable skills valued by employers and graduate schools. Through the study of ethics, logic, political philosophy, and the history of philosophical thought, students develop critical thinking, analytical reasoning, ethical decision-making, persuasive communication, and the ability to evaluate complex ideas from multiple perspectives. These skills make the Philosophy minor an ideal complement to majors such as business, criminal justice, education, English, history, nursing, psychology, sociology, as well as the pre-law and pre-med tracks.

Learn More About the Value of Philosophy

Interested in learning more about how Philosophy prepares students for meaningful careers and lifelong learning? The following resources provide research-based perspectives on the value of studying philosophy.

The Revenge of the Philosophy Majors (New York Times) – Examines the growing demand for philosophy graduates in artificial intelligence, highlighting how employers increasingly value philosophers for their expertise in ethics, reasoning, consciousness, and complex problem-solving.

Philosophy Majors are Smarter—and Often Earn More (Big Think)– Challenges common misconceptions about philosophy majors by highlighting research that philosophy majors excel on graduate admission exams, enjoys strong mid-career earning potential, and develop critical thinking and analytical skills that employers consistently value.

Want a Good Job? Major in Philosophy (American Magazine) – Explains why philosophy is one of the best majors for long-term career success, preparing graduates with adaptable skills that lead to opportunities in law, business, technology, public service, and beyond.

Studying Philosophy Does Make People Better Thinkers (The Conversation) – Explores recent research involving more than 600,000 college graduates and discusses evidence that studying philosophy strengthens reasoning and thinking skills.

Why Study Philosophy? – A curated collection of articles, studies, and resources highlighting the intellectual, personal, and professional benefits of studying philosophy.

American Philosophical Association: Philosophy for Undergraduates – Information about philosophy as a major, career preparation, graduate education, and the broad skills developed through philosophical study.