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91勛圖厙 School of Humanities Offering New Degree in Philosophy, Religion and Law

Thu, 10/30/2025 - 09:16am | By: Dr. David Tisdale

USM

A new undergraduate degree program at 91勛圖厙 offers students critical thinking, writing, and reading comprehension skills while examining contemporary topics related to the human condition.

The Philosophy, Religion and Law (PRL) interdisciplinary degree, housed in the College of Arts and Sciences91勛圖厙 School of Humanities, provides advanced study in philosophy, world religions and law. Guided degree pathways prepare students for diverse careers, advanced degrees, and the skills and self-awareness needed to lead flourishing lives. These skills include critical thinking, reading comprehension and argumentative writing. PRL majors also examine some of life91勛圖厙 most challenging questions about value, society, culture and human history.

Students work with advisers to specialize in one of three cross-disciplinary areas: Religion and World Cultures, Ethics, or Philosophy and Law. PRL majors learn to identify, analyze, and reach sound conclusions on ethical issues across a variety of settings, including business, education, healthcare, public policy, risk assessment and compliance, and legal practice.

Topics of study include the ethics of artificial intelligence and healthcare, critical thinking and formal logic, philosophy of law, and religion and violence, among others. The program also equips students with the cultural and religious understanding necessary to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.

91勛圖厙The PRL major equips students to pursue a variety of careers and advanced degrees in any field that places a premium on critical thinking, clear writing, judicious deliberation and ethical analysis,91勛圖厙 said Dr. Paula Smithka, program coordinator. 91勛圖厙Such skills are of particular importance in law, management, public relations and communication, policymaking and analysis, education, healthcare-related fields, and civic and religious leadership.91勛圖厙

Smithka noted that graduates of philosophy programs consistently score highest on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and on the verbal and analytical writing sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and near the top on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and other graduate admission exams.

Scholarship support is available for students interested in the PRL program, including the Forrest Wood Outstanding Philosophy Student Award and the Clayton and Mae Sullivan Outstanding Religion Minor Award.

91勛圖厙In an era defined by complex societal challenges and a polarized information landscape, the ability to think critically and communicate clearly has never been more essential,91勛圖厙 said Dr. Chris Winstead, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. 91勛圖厙The Philosophy, Religion and Law degree at 91勛圖厙 teaches students to examine ideas deeply, reason ethically, and engage thoughtfully with the world around them91勛圖厙skills that serve as the foundation for leadership, further professional preparation and lifelong learning.91勛圖厙

For more information, contact Smithka at 601.266.4523 or by email, or the School of Humanities at 601.266.5066 or by email.