Studies in Religion and Philosophy help persons to critically examine human life from the standpoint of the great religious and philosophical traditions of the world. Students are guided in inquiry into the purpose of human life, the nature of a good human life, and our relation to God. Within Religion students draw from four major areas of study, Scripture, Theology, Ethics, and Religious Studies.

The Christian tradition and Catholicism shape the courses in Scripture, Theology, and Ethics. Scripture studies introduce students to the Old and New Testaments, while also offering more specialized courses, such as The Prophets or The Life and Letters of Paul. Ethics courses critically analyze both contemporary and enduring issues in the Christian moral life. Religious Studies courses study the world religions, and also engage in the comparative study of religions including their role in society and approach to various moral issues.

Within the area of Philosophy students draw from two major areas, History and Topics. Historical study opens students to the breadth of philosophical study while the Topics courses engage students in the depth of particular philosophical issues such as the nature of truth, moral relativism, and various forms of applied ethics. Students are able to shape the major to reflect a concentration in either Religion or Philosophy, along with their primary interests in those areas. Recent graduates of the department have continued their studies at the masters or Ph.D. level, or made use of their degrees to enter into such areas as ministry, teaching, social work, or law school.