Dr. Mitchell R. Haney is the chair of the Philosophy and Religious Studies department and he stopped by to participate in our Live Webinar Series. If you are interested in Philosophy or Religious Studies, here are a few important points to remember.
Many people with Philosophy or Religious Studies degrees have gone on to become extremely successful. Why have they been so successful?
- Successful people are more than merely technically savvy.
- Successful people are able to critically, creatively and empathetically work with others.
- Philosophy and Religious Studies teaches you the skills you need to engage, participate and explore in a diverse environment that are necessary to be successful in any line of work.
This skill set can take you anywhere. Test scores prove that Philosophy majors do learn the skills they need to be a problem solver – whether it is in the chosen field or something completely different.
According to the 2014 Educational Testing Service, Philosophy majors outscored many other majors on the GRE test. The average LSAT score for Philosophy majors was equal to Economics and greater than all the other majors listed, according to the 2014 Law School Admission Council. Even for business, Philosophy majors scored fourth highest out of thirty majors for the GMAT.
So what’s the difference between Philosophy and Religious Studies?
B.A. in Philosophy
- You can follow a general track, or focus on Applied Ethics or Legal, Political and Social Philosophy (which is recommended for those students who would eventually like to practice law.)
- Flexible major with a low number of credit hours, which allows for more electives or a second major.
B.A. in Religious Studies
- Flexible major with a low number of credit hours, which allows for more electives or a second major.
- Can focus one’s studies on Abrahamic Religions or other religions or topics
- Religious Studies is recommended for someone who plans to attend Divinity School.
The department does many faculty-led study abroad programs that students have the option to participate in. Past trips have been to China, Spain, Germany, Ireland, France and the Netherlands.
FAQ:
What kinds of internships can I do with one of those majors?
We’ve had students intern with the Institutional Review Board doing research projects, and we’ve had students who worked with the local community about the ethics of hospitality in Jacksonville and how to make it a better place for tourists. Students also intern with nonprofit organizations around Jacksonville.
Is studying abroad required?
It is not required but highly encouraged. Not only are trips through UNF extremely affordable, but also they are a great way to expand your knowledge. The program offers a number of faculty led study abroad trips, but students can also work with the International Center to do a longer trip or go to a different place.
Are there any clubs I can join to get more involved with these majors?
Yes! There is a Philosophy Club and Religious Studies Club on campus. They meet weekly and are active all over campus. Both clubs offer different events, discussion times, movie nights and other campus activities. The Philosophy Club sponsors the Undergraduate Research Conference every year held at UNF.
What do students in your program do after graduate?
Many go on to Graduate School. Some have taken internships or part-time jobs at law firms in preparation for Law School. We’ve even had students who graduated and created their own culinary business.
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If you have any further questions you can contact Dr. Haney at mhaney@unf.edu. You can view the entire webinar by clicking here!
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