Philosophy & Religion Department
Philosophy & Religion Department
Engage in a rich investigation of philosophy and religion as you build exceptional critical thinking and communication skills. Our students study different ways of thinking and learn about how individuals find significance and understand the world around them. With a comprehensive knowledge of human experience, our graduates find their majors apply to a range of careers and graduate fields. Whether law, ethics consulting, religious leadership, or business, you will graduate poised to participate thoughtfully in local, national, and global communities.
Put your learning into action by collaborating with the campus chapel, participating in the annual ethics bowl, becoming an honorary member of TAK, the National Honor Society for Religious Studies and Theology, and serving on local medical ethics committees. Expand your horizon through opportunities to study abroad. The possibilities to analyze information, ask strong questions, and hone your communication skills are limitless as you activate your learning in Charlotte.
- Bioethics – This minor is designed for students interested in healthcare or ethics consulting who wish to develop ethical analysis, communication, and deliberation skills. It also features a unique partnership with the Novant Clinical Ethics Assembly that allows you to participate in ethics committee meetings and shadow clinical ethicists.
- Ethics – This minor is great if you are planning to enter business, law, or healthcare, or any profession which requires collaborative decision making. It also prepares you for graduate studies in clinical ethics and ethics consultancy.
- Interfaith Studies – In this minor you will focus on historical and contemporary encounters between distinct religious communities and/or traditions. You will learn to analyze interfaith interactions, think critically about interfaith dialogues, and function effectively in multi-religious and multi-cultural contexts.
- Jewish Studies – Queens offers a minor in Jewish Studies that covers history, politics, religion, ethics, sociology, pop culture and more. This minor embodies Queens’ pluralistic approach to advance interfaith understanding and provide a transformative educational experience.
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution – You will get to know the nature of conflict in our world today and be able to detect patterns of peacemaking both locally and globally. You’ll practice skills that promote reconciliation and conflict resolution relevant to your personal, civic, and professional journeys.
- Philosophy – When you study philosophy, you develop the ability to analyze difficult texts, construct strong arguments, and understand different positions on issues. This minor helps you think creatively and critically about conceptual issues in your field of study and develop the skills needed to navigate uncertainties in modern life.
- Pre-Ministry – If you’re looking to pursue further studies in service to the church, this minor explores everything from the Bible to theology to interreligious understanding. The topics explored in our classrooms both challenge and inspire you to think deeply about the role that religious commitments play in our lives and in our world. Our department believes that combining rigorous academic investigation with personal reflection positions our students well for seminary or divinity school.
Philosophy taught me to think programmatically, deconstructing concepts and worldviews the same way you break apart a computer program into its constituent parts. Communication is also important; it doesn’t matter how great your algorithms are if you can’t communicate why they matter. – Joseph Hines ’22
“The ethical skills I gained in philosophy classes enabled me to become a leading figure in transforming healthcare in Saudi Arabia. As an integrative medicine physician and deputy director at a major hospital in the country, I have critically analyzed and challenged the existing reductionist economical model.” – Reham Garash
“Studying philosophy and religion provided me with a foundation for life and strong preparation for ministry and seminary studies. Through coursework and lively discussions, I gained skills for reflection, logic, and conversation that will serve me my whole life long. In a world of diversity, I have valued the skills of holding different ideas in tension and a deepened appreciation for understanding ethics in a respectful and practical way.” – Courtney Stevens