The major in Philosophy:
The strengths gained in studying philosophy
not only serve students well across many disciplines, but in their lives beyond their
undergraduate work. The ability to think analytically, speak persuasively, write with
precision and clarity, and to attend to what is most at stake in an issue are valued in a
wide variety of careers and other aspects of life. Philosophy requires not only a keen focus
on argument and latent assumptions but a familiarity with systematic thinking, in which the
historical, political, or social context of any argument is taken into account.
Our alumni go on to many different careers
after Monmouth. Undergraduate study in philosophy is an excellent preparation for law
school, journalism, seminary, and for graduate work in philosophy and various other fields
(history, literature, classics, religious studies, linguistics, literature, medical ethics
and business ethics). Students frequently combine a major in philosophy with a major in
another field, such as biology (leading to careers in environmental ethics or bioethics),
political science (in preparation for law school), business or communications (as a way of
studying professional ethics).
The major in Religious Studies:
The major in religious studies prepares
students for a wide range of opportunities beyond graduation from Monmouth College. Some
students graduate with a call to the ministry and enter seminary. Other students may decide
to pursue graduate study in Religious Studies programs or other disciplines in the
humanities (including history, philosophy, languages, literature; history, theory and
criticism of the arts; ethics; and those aspects of the social sciences that employ
historical or philosophical approaches). A major in religious studies can be part of an
excellent undergraduate education in preparation for law school or other professional
programs (business, social work, etc.). The major often enhances a candidate’s application
to these programs because it indicates a significant degree of reflective engagement with
many important issues. The major in religious studies can also be combined with other majors
at Monmouth, and this becomes the basis for a unique, interdisciplinary focus. Such
combinations include, but are by no means excluded to, connections with history, philosophy,
sociology, theatre, education and psychology.
