Philosophy and religion courses are designed both to contribute to a broad liberal education and to enrich more vocationally oriented programs. Both the major and minor in philosophy and religious studies are designed to provide the core of a liberal arts education for students interested in graduate, professional, or divinity school. They also provide broad, non-specialized degrees for those who desire career flexibility.

A student who majors in philosophy will acquire a fundamental understanding of philosophy, which includes an understanding of the central problems of philosophy, a comprehension of the various methods of philosophical inquiry and discourse, a knowledge of the historically significant philosophers and philosophical movements, a knowledge of the fundamental principles of logic and an understanding of the basic theories of ethics. A student who majors in philosophy will achieve a satisfactory level in the application of critical thinking skills and will be able to write a philosophical paper.