Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy
Welcome to the Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy! Here, we aren’t afraid to ask the big questions and challenge students to dig deeper to find the answers. Our courses enhance students’ critical and creative thinking to prepare you to engage with a diverse and ever-changing world. Our education in ethical reasoning and cultural literacy will help foster your intellectual, personal, and social development, as well as your ability to adapt to new environments both personally and professionally.
Programs
The Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy hosts a variety of programs and coordinates across these programs to enhance your education. While our programs can be pursued as individual majors, students often find studies in Philosophy and Religious Studies to be an excellent complementary major or minor to other programs as well. Many students have paired one or more of our programs with majors in Anthropology, English, Biology, Chemistry, Political Science, Social Work, Intelligence Studies, Criminal Justice, Interior Architecture & Design, Data Science, and Cyber Security.
Religious Studies Programs
Institutes for Community and Global Engagement
The Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy also includes two affiliated institutes—the Evelyn Lincoln Institute for Ethics and Society, and the Sennett Institute for Mercy and Catholic Studies. These institutes provide programming including lectures, panels, films, and faculty and student seminars for our university and the larger Erie community.
The Evelyn Lincoln Institute for Ethics and Society
The Sennett Institute for Mercy and Catholic Studies
Verna Ehret, Ph.D.
Chair, Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy; Professor
