An image of two students discussing about subjects

Philosophy & Religious Studies Department

Menu Display

Breadcrumb

Philosophy and Religious Studies

The mission of the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies is at the core of the liberal arts education at Marist.

Philosophy seeks answers to questions concerning the nature and value of existence, the scope of human knowledge, what is right and good, and what constitutes the best form of social life. The study of philosophy also promotes clear, precise, and logical thinking. The philosophy major aims to produce students with a broad knowledge of the history of philosophy and topics in philosophy. 

Religious Studies seeks to understand and evaluate the ways in which religion and religious practices address the deepest convictions from which many cultural forms are derived. It also examines the role that religion plays in determining the shape and tenor of culture and politics.

Explore the Philosophy & Religious Studies Department

Why Study Philosophy?

Why Study Religious Studies?

Graduate Student Placement

Marist philosophy majors have been accepted to a wide variety of graduate programs, and the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies actively advises students who are interested in pursuing graduate studies. The following is a list of select graduate programs that Marist philosophy majors have attended:

PhD Programs in Philosophy

  • Florida State University
  • University at Albany, SUNY
  • University of Nebraska
  • MA Programs in Philosophy
  • Texas Tech University
  • University of Manitoba
  • University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
  • Washington State University

Law Schools

  • Albany Law School
  • Boston University
  • Case Western Reserve University
  • Columbia University
  • Seton Hall University

Other Programs

  • MD School of Medicine, New York Medical College
  • PhD English, Tufts University
  • PhD Law and Public Policy Program, Northeastern University
  • MS Bioethics Program, Columbia University
  • MS Psychology, Springfield College
  • MS School of Communication Science and Disorders, Emerson College
  • MS School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Michigan
  • MPA School of Public Affairs and Administration, Rutgers University-Newark
  • MA English, Salem State University
  • MA English, Southern Connecticut University
  • MSW and LCSW School of Social Work, Stony Brook University

Programs of Study

  • Philosophy
  • Philosophy with a Concentration in Religious Studies
  • Minors in Catholic Studies, Cognitive Science, Jewish Studies, Philosophy, Public Praxis, and Religious Studies

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Students will develop & demonstrate critical thinking skills (in written & oral expression) & critical reading skills (by learning to identify, analyze & understand arguments).
     
  • Students will recognize & develop an appreciation for the problems & challenges that arise in the major sub-divisions of philosophy by engaging in scholarly research and writing.
     
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of the development of philosophical ideas through our intellectual history by engaging in scholarly research and writing.
     
  • Students will develop an understanding of and appreciation for how philosophy can inform & be informed by the concerns in other disciplines & everyday life.