Central Washington University

What you'll study

This programme combines core courses in philosophy with courses in religious studies to give students both analytic tools and broad cultural knowledge. You will study classical and contemporary philosophy, logic and critical reasoning, and the history of Western and non-Western thought alongside courses on the world’s religious traditions, scripture, ritual, and religion in society.

• Core philosophy modules: Introduction to Philosophy, Logic and Critical Thinking, Ethics, Philosophy of Mind, History of Ancient and Modern Philosophy.
• Core religious studies modules: Introduction to Religious Studies, World Religions, Sacred Texts, Religion and Society, Comparative Religion, Indigenous and Pacific Northwest religious traditions.
• Interdisciplinary and applied options: Religious Ethics, Philosophy of Religion, Political Philosophy, Gender and Religion, Religion and Law, Environmental Ethics.
• Skills and capstone: Research methods in the humanities, writing-intensive seminars, a senior seminar or capstone project, and opportunities for internships or supervised independent study.

The programme is structured to satisfy university general education requirements while allowing students to pursue a focused major pathway. Electives within the department and courses from history, anthropology, sociology, political science and English are commonly taken to round out students’ interests and career aims.

Entry requirements

Applicants typically need a high-school diploma or equivalent and completion of college-preparatory coursework, including English and social studies. Central Washington University evaluates admission on a holistic basis, taking into account academic record, course rigour and other achievements. Transfer students with prior college credit are welcomed; credits are assessed for transfer into the major.

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or prior study in English. Mature applicants or those with non-traditional backgrounds should contact admissions for guidance about pathways and preparatory coursework.

Career prospects

Graduates with a degree in Philosophy and Religious Studies develop strong analytical, communication and ethical reasoning skills valuable across many fields. Common career paths include:

• Education and academic pathways, including secondary teaching (with additional certification) and graduate study in humanities, theology, philosophy or religious studies.
• Public service and government roles that value critical thinking, policy analysis and intercultural competence.
• Non-profit and community organisations, including roles in advocacy, programme coordination and interfaith work.
• Professional fields such as law, journalism, business, and human resources, where argumentation, research and ethical judgement are important; many graduates pursue law school or professional degrees.
• Religious and pastoral vocations, chaplaincy or counselling pathways (which typically require further professional training).

Alumni often combine the degree with internships, study abroad experiences or additional training to specialise for particular careers.

Why study at Central Washington University

Central Washington University offers a close-knit liberal-arts environment with small class sizes and accessible faculty who specialise in philosophy and religious studies. The department emphasises active discussion, writing, and mentorship, which helps students develop transferable skills in reasoning and communication.

Students benefit from interdisciplinary links across humanities and social sciences, opportunities for undergraduate research and a capstone experience. CWU’s location in Washington state provides access to diverse cultural organisations, internships and community partnerships, and the university supports study-abroad programmes and service-learning that complement classroom study.

Advising and career services at CWU help students plan pathways to graduate study, teacher certification, professional programmes or direct entry into the workforce, making the programme a practical foundation for a wide range of future options.