College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies
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Majors and Minors

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The Philosophy and Religious Studies programs at Iowa State University offers gateways to understanding the fundamental questions of existence, morality, and belief. Whether you aspire to delve into philosophical debates, explore diverse religious traditions, or prepare for advanced academic study, our programs provide a foundation in critical thinking and ethical reasoning. Engage with texts from classical to contemporary to develop the analytical skills needed to tackle complex issues and contribute to various fields.

Tailor your academic interests to align with your career goals, whether that’s pursuing a path in law, education, or counseling. Focus on areas that interest you most, such as logic, ethics, or comparative religion. This versatility not only prepares you for diverse career opportunities but also equips you with the tools to make a meaningful impact in understanding and addressing the pressing questions of our time.

Majors

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    Philosophy

    Whether you’re preparing for a career in law, academia, or any field requiring deep critical thinking, a philosophy major equips you with the intellectual tools to navigate complex challenges and contribute thoughtfully to discussions about the world.

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    Religious Studies

    The study of religion enhances your global perspective and enables you to make meaningful contributions to a world where understanding diverse belief systems is more important than ever. Examine diverse religious traditions, practices, and philosophies, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of how religion shapes cultures, societies, and individual identities.

Minors

  • Philosophy Minor

    The philosophy minor is a perfect addition to your degree at Iowa State. Learn analytical reasoning skills, how to effectively communicate, critical thinking, and language skills. You can tailor your major to fit your needs with a wide variety of offered courses.

    This minor provides you with flexibility. The minor requires 15 credits, 9 of which must be at the 3000+ level. 9 of these credits may not be used to reach any other department, college, or university requirement. See the Philosophy Minor in the ISU catalog for the detailed program requirements, or talk to an advisor.

  • Religious Studies Minor

    The religious studies minor may be earned by completing a total of 15 credits in religious studies including either RELIG 2050 World Religions or RELIG 2100 Religion in America. Nine hours must be in courses at the 3000 level or above (no more than 3 hours of seminar and no more than 3 hours of independent study). The minor must include at least 9 credits that are not used to meet any other department, college or university requirement.

    See the Religious Studies Minor in the ISU catalog for additional program requirements, or talk to an advisor.

  • Ethics Minor

    The Ethics Minor is the perfect minor to pair with any major. Learn about values and how to apply theories of ethics to make decisions in different fields of practice. You can choose from a wide range of courses relevant to your interests and career plans.

    The minor provides flexibility to study what matters to you. To start your minor, first choose a foundational ethics course, either PHIL 2300 or PHIL 3300. Next, select 2 additional courses from a list of more than 10 core ethics courses. Finally, choose 2 ethics electives, offered by departments across ISU, to complement your major and your interests! See the Ethics Minor in the ISU catalog for the detailed program requirements, or talk to an advisor.

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