Philosophy Major, B.S. (Philosophy and Religious Studies Concentration)

General Program Information

ETSU Academic Proficiency Requirements

Writing: Students must complete a minimum of four writing-intensive courses. At least two of these courses must be in the major field of study. At least two of the four courses must be at the  3000-4000 level.

Oral Communication: Students must complete a minimum of two oral communication-intensive courses. At least one of these courses must be in the major field of study.

Using Information Technology: Students must pass the information technology proficiency exam or successfully complete CSCI 1100 - Using Information Technology  during their first calendar year or prior to accumulating 33 semester credits at ETSU. In addition, students must complete at least one using information technology-intensive course in the major field of study.

Transfer students may be subject to reduced number of intensives.

See ETSU Academic Proficiency Requirements for details.

Philosophy and Religious Studies Concentration

TBR General Education Requirements: 41-42 Credit Hours

• ENGL 1010 - Critical Reading and Expository Writing (3 credits)
• ENGL 1020 - Critical Thinking and Argumentation (3 credits)
• Communication: Oral Communication (3 credits) *
• Mathematics (3-4 credits) *
• Natural Sciences (8 credits) *
• HIST 2010 - The United States to 1877 (3 credits)
• HIST 2020 - The United States Since 1877 (3 credits)
• Literature (3 credits) *
• Fine Arts (3 credits) *
• Humanities (3 credits) *
• Social/Behavioral Sciences (6 credits) *

Religious Studies Concentration: 33 Credit Hours

A minimum of 33 hours is required (at least 24 hours of which must be upper division), including the following:

• PHIL 3010 - History of Ancient Philosophy (3 credits)
• PHIL 3030 - History of Modern Philosophy (3 credits)
• At least one (1) course in western religions
• At least one (1) course in non-western religions
• PHIL 4017 - Ethical Theory (3 credits)
• PHIL 4047 - Philosophy of Religion (3 credits)
• PHIL 4950 - Senior Seminar (1-3 credits)

B.S. Requirements: 6 Credit Hours

• MATH 1530 - Probability and Statistics – Noncalculus (3 credits) ** or
• MATH 1910 - Calculus I (4 credits) **

•  

• PHIL 2640 - Science and the Modern World (3 credits)

•  

• PHIL 2030 - Practical Reasoning (3 credits) or
• SPCH 2320 - Argumentation and Debate (3 credits)

•  

• Single Laboratory Science **

Minor Requirements: 18-27 Credit Hours

Electives: 12-22 Credit Hours

Total Hours Required for Degree: 120 Credit Hours

Additional Information

For students interested in preparation for seminary or divinity school, professional graduate education in theology or ministry:

Many students major in philosophy with a religious studies concentration, or minor in religious studies as a way to prepare for seminary or divinity school. (The MDiv—Master of Divinity—is the standard professional degree for students preparing for a career requiring ordination to the ministry or rabbinate.) The American Association of Theological Schools advises students to major in any humanities or social science field. While previous study in the area of religious studies and philosophy is recommended, it is not required for admission to programs of professional study leading to the MDiv. RELI 3240  (“Hebrew Scriptures”) and RELI 3250  (“Greek Scriptures”) are relevant for students interested in the Christian and Jewish traditions. Students aiming to apply to university divinity schools, or whose interest in the study of religions is primarily academic (as opposed to vocational) are strongly advised to earn a B.A. degree with at least a minor in religious studies, including SOAA 3800  (“Religion, Society, and Culture”). It is also important to complete at least 6 hours in German, French, or in a classical language at the 3000 level.