While advancing the academic study of religion and philosophy, you will also be advancing your critical thinking and abstract reasoning skills. Whether evaluating a philosophical claim or interpreting an important religious text, philosophy and religious studies will continually challenge you to adjust and expand your perspective. Here, you will learn from a community of faculty dedicated to equipping you with the conceptual and analytic tools needed to understand the world and your place in it.

The philosophy and religious studies department offers the following programs:

1. Analytical Reasoning Program type: Certificate Delivery: On Campus Campus: Eau Claire Campus

   The analytical reasoning certificate is for students who wish to build the analytical skills they may need for graduate school, law school or in their chosen career.

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2. Ethics Program type: Certificate Delivery: On Campus Campus: Eau Claire Campus

   Develop your ethical reasoning skills and better recognize ethical issues in personal, professional and social contexts with a certificate in ethics.

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3. Middle East Studies Program type: Minor; Certificate Delivery: On Campus Campus: Eau Claire Campus

   Whether you choose to pursue a career in international politics, world religions or current global conflicts, a Middle East studies minor will set you up for success.

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4. Philosophy, BA or BS Program type: Major; Minor Delivery: On Campus Campus: Eau Claire Campus

   

   Explore life’s biggest questions — and use reason and argument in an attempt to answer them — with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy.

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5. Religious Studies, BA or BS Program type: Major; Minor Delivery: On Campus Campus: Eau Claire Campus

   Explore the fascinating world of religion — and the various beliefs, practices, texts, ceremonies and theologies associated with it — with a bachelor's degree in religious studies.

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6. World Religions Program type: Certificate Delivery: On Campus Campus: Eau Claire Campus

   Enhance your understanding of the beliefs, practices and cultural impact of the world’s major religious traditions with a world religions certificate.

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Explore Philosophy

Your choice of philosophy as a major or minor is profound. You will push boundaries, ask fundamental questions about human existence and develop skills of critical thinking and analytical reasoning. Coursework will require you to face such topics as the nature of reality, the foundations of knowledge and the justification of values. A degree in philosophy will build a foundation for not only your first job out of college but also every subsequent twist and turn in your career path. It is also an excellent preparation for advanced study in a wide range of fields, especially law.

Explore Religious Studies

With its long history and deep cultural reach, religion intersects virtually every aspect of civilization. In religious studies, you will explore the religious aspects of life in a wide range of cultural and historical settings. You'll also study and interpret religious texts as well as the role and issues of religion in society and culture. Whether major, minor or a world religions certificate, you will build a foundation for a wide range of careers.