Philosophy & Religion

Philosophy & Religion

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Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy

Concentrations Offered

B.A. in Philosophy with a Concentration in Religion

Top 5 Reasons to Study

01

Outstanding Preparation for Law School: Our students are admitted into the finest law schools

02

Career Flexibility: Not limited to a single career path

03

Thinking About What Matters: Evaluate what is most important in leading a meaningful life

04

Understand Others: Learn about the worldviews of other people and how to engage with them

05

Go Deep: Analyze humanity's most fundamental challenges

Core
Skills

  • Moral and ethical reasoning
  • Understanding and engaging the distinctive worldviews of others
  • Understand civic responsibilities
  • Analytical reading and communication
  • Identify and respond to misinformation

Sample
Jobs

  • Lawyer/Attorney
  • Intelligence Analyst
  • Pastor
  • Professor
  • Management

Successful Career Outcomes

100% of our graduates are employed or pursuing a graduate degree within 6 months of graduation MSU First Destination Survey
Median Salary $65,000 US Bureau of Labor and Statistics
59% of employed philosophy/religion graduates end up earning an advanced degree US Bureau of Labor and Statistics

Top
Employment
Industries

  • Law
  • Business/Management
  • Public Sector/Government
  • Academia
  • Ministry

Brag
Points

  • Several majors contributed to MSU’s national debate championships, with two majors winning individual national titles
  • Our recent graduates have been admitted to the nation’s best law schools with funding support
  • Nationally, philosophy majors score higher on graduate school entrance exams (LSAT, GMAT, GRE) than almost all other majors

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Intern with a local law office or political office

Shadow local pastors or ministers

Compete as a member of MSU's Ethics Bowl Team

Spotlight

MSU Philosophy majors have been admitted to Harvard Law School three of the last four years.

Philosophy & Religion

2025-2026 Major Map

Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy

Get the Courses You Need

1st Year

Start fulfilling your MSU College of Arts & Sciences' core courses: Composition, Math, Foreign Language, Social and Natural Sciences. Begin exploring the fundamentals of philosophy with introductory courses like PHI 1103, 1113, and 1123 or REL 1103. Aim for at least 6 hours of PHI/REL courses.

2nd Year

Continue with the College of Arts & Sciences' core requirements and see if there is an additional major to consider. Solidify your grasp of the historical foundations of philosophy by taking PHI 3023 and 3033. Take a course related to ethics and values as well as one related to knowledge and reality. Aim for at least 9 hours of PHI/REL courses.

3rd Year

Identify any lingering core requirements and satisfy those. Refine your research methods by taking either PHI 3133 or REL 3033. Meet your departmental advisor and determine which advanced courses best fit your interests. Map out when those will be offered in the coming two years. Identify courses from other disciplines that might solidify or expand your interests in philosophy. Aim for 9 hours of PHI/REL courses.

4th Year

Take a 4000-level course and apply the research methods you have developed. Aim for 9 hours of PHI/REL courses.

Hands-On Learning

1st Year

Join other students and faculty at the Philosophy Club to debate philosophical topics. Consider competing with the MSU Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl team.

2nd Year

Investigate internships at local organizations, churches, or law firms you could connect with. Look for study abroad opportunities.

3rd Year

Ask a professor about a directed independent study. 

4th Year

Present research at MSU Undergraduate Research Showcase or at a regional conference. 

Connect with Community

1st Year

Attend the Philosophy Club and other MSU clubs and organizations. Ask about Ethics Bowl.

2nd Year

Attend lectures and events hosted by the department. Introduce yourself to departmental advisors. Volunteer to participate in a debate at a meeting of the Philosophy Club.

3rd Year

Collaborate on projects with fellow majors in PHI 3133 or REL 3033. Consider leadership positions in the Philosophy Club. Volunteer for departmental recruiting events.

4th Year

Apply for membership in the Philosophy Honor Society. Share your current and future plans with a faculty member.

Explore the World

1st Year

Study a foreign language and reflect on differences in values and cultures.

2nd Year

Explore study abroad opportunities and summer undergraduate research workshops. Determine if internships are available.

3rd Year

Study abroad, attend a summer undergraduate research workshop, seek internships. 

4th Year

Plan your next move. Utilize Career Center and alumni groups to find Bulldogs across the globe.

Launch Your Career

1st Year

Join clubs and groups that interest you. Visit the Career Center to learn how to build your resume. 

2nd Year

Attend faculty and student forums to discuss career paths in philosophy and religion. Determine if internships or more rigorous research activity will better prepare you for the careers that most interest you.

3rd Year

Explore careers in PHI 3133 or REL 3033. Explore graduate/professional school options and meet with faculty to discuss them. Take practice tests for any entrance exams. 

4th Year

Apply for graduation. Ask faculty for recommendations and schedule any entrance exams. Take advantage of Career Center’s resume reviews and interview workshops. Attend job fairs.

Alumni
Success

Recent graduates have excelled at the nation's finest law schools, serving as editors of law reviews, participating in moot courts, and being named Dean's Scholars for being the top students in their respective classes. 

Learn More

BA in Philosophy and BA in Philosophy with concentration in Religion degree requirementsApply to MSU