As a department, Philosophy and World Religions focuses on socially-relevant theorizing. We employ theory from the disciplines of Philosophy and World Religions to understand and address social issues that concern our most fundamental values. Although our department covers a broad range of topics within our two fields, we are focused on two overlapping clusters of topics that emphasize our mission: theories of identity; and addressing social crisis.

Theories of Identity

Forms of identity have always been crucial to human self-understanding and community. We employ theorizing to contribute to our understanding of: Queer and Trans identity; Gender theory and Feminist ethics; theories of race; and other forms of cultural and religious identity.

Addressing Social Crisis

This is an age of transformation and crisis. We employ theorizing to address urgent social topics: environmental ethics and sustainability; biomedical ethics; political legitimacy and forms of institutional reform; and the social impact of AI, automation and other technological innovations.

Programs in Philosophy and World Religions

The Department provides two 30 s.h. majors: in Philosophy and World Religions. We offer minors in Philosophy, World Religions and Ethics. And we offer Certificates of Undergraduate Study (CUGS) in Philosophy, World Religions, Asian Philosophy and Religion and Ethics. (For more details, see our programs pages for Philosophy and World Religions.)

Philosophy and World Religions majors excel on all the graduate school admissions tests: GRE, LSAT, GMAT, and MCAT. Our programs are especially well suited for those interested in law, government, public policy, publishing, journalism, business management, advertising, environmental advocacy, science policy, health care management, and social work. Our alumni are currently working in law, educational leadership, Homeland Security, university teaching, business management, public policy, university administration, and many other fields.

The Department of Philosophy and World Religions is located on the 2nd floor of Laurel Hall (south side). (856-256-4075)

For inquiries about Philosophy, please email philosophy@rowan.edu.

For inquiries about World Religions, please email religion@rowan.edu.

For updates on news and events in the department, follow us on Instagram!