Minor in Religious Studies

About this field

Philosophy is the discipline of learning about different ways of life and gaining an appreciation for the richness of culture. Religious studies focuses on the diversity of religious thought and practice from multicultural perspectives. Students in these two disciplines at Valdosta State University develop critical and objective thinking skills, become clear and effective writers and persuasive speakers, hone their organizational and analytical skills, and expand their political awareness.

The Valdosta State Difference

Students in the philosophy and religious studies program at Valdosta State enjoy close relationships with faculty members and other students in the department. The department offers study abroad programs in Greece, Spain and Japan, giving students the opportunity to gain academic credit while becoming immersed in different cultures. On campus, students can participate in the Philosophy and Religious Studies Club, and top students may be invited to join Phi Sigma Tau, an international honor society for philosophy students. Each spring, students can take part in the department’s Senior Capstone Symposium, an annual event that includes presentations of students’ semester-long work and their final papers.

What You'll Learn

Degrees

• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Tracks:

Religious Studies

Minors

• Religious studies
• Professional and Applied Ethics

About the Religious Studies Curriculum

B.A.

Students in the philosophy and religious studies program can choose between a track in philosophy or religious studies. Students in the philosophy track study a broad spectrum of ideas, thinkers, issues and arguments and focus on the history of philosophy, reasoning and argumentation, ethics, the philosophy of science, the philosophy of mind, social and political theory, and aesthetics. Students in the religious studies track investigate the diversity of religious thought and practice from multicultural perspectives and explore the influence of religious traditions in shaping values, norms, laws and public policies in societies around the world. The religious studies program offers courses in a variety of religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and more.

Religious Studies Minor

Students interested in learning about Eastern and Western religious traditions will enjoy the religious studies minor. The minor requires 15 hours of coursework.

Professional and Applied Ethics Minor

This minor program can benefit students from a number of majors. The minor requires 15 hours of coursework, and a certificate is awarded upon successful completion of the program.

Careers*

• Business manager
• Church administrator
• Clergyperson
• College professor
• Consumer advocate
• Corporate ethicist   
• Counselor
• Editor
• Employee relations specialist
• Government agency administrator
• Grant coordinator
• Journalist
• Lawyer
• Librarian
• Lobbyist
• Mediator
• Medical doctor
• Missionary
• Nonprofit administrator
• Psychiatrist
• Psychologist
• Public administrator
• Public relations professional
• Publisher
• Religious education coordinator
• Religious education director
• Research analyst
• Secondary school teacher
• Social worker
• Technical writer
• Youth minister

*Some career possibilities may require additional degrees or certifications.