Philosophy | University of Montevallo

Overview

The Philosophy and Religious Studies Minor at the University of Montevallo offers students the opportunity to take courses that are focused on the most meaningful and puzzling questions we face as human beings: What is there? What should be? How can we find out? More specific questions that arise include:

Do I know anything for certain?
What are the limits of my knowledge?
Is the world I experience with my senses the real world or has it already been interpreted by my mind?
What is the nature of beauty?
How does natural beauty differ from artistic beauty? What is Divine Beauty?
How do I live the most ethically significant life I can lead?
What is happiness and is it possible for us to attain?
What is the nature of God?
How do beliefs based on faith differ from those based on reason?
What is the history of the Bible? Who wrote it? How do scholars interpret its meanings?
What is the role of religious belief in contemporary society?
How do my religious beliefs compare with those of other religious traditions around the world?

Core Concepts

Wisdom
Truth
Knowledge
The Good

"“Before taking my first philosophy course at Montevallo, I often felt frustrated with my educational experiences and disconnected from the future I was expected to make for myself. Until that point, I struggled to feel a connection between learning and my inner world; there was little room for curiosity, exploration and passion. However, after my first philosophy class–and the many that followed–I came alive. I became more curious about and dedicated to my artwork and felt that there might actually be a future where I could align my convictions and curiosities with my work. That newfound passion and sense of agency led me to pursue a master’s in Social Design and has ultimately led to my current work in my dream job. Studying philosophy has helped me to not only cultivate my own principles, but to continue to shape and live in accordance with them.”"
— Sarah Dunn ‘13

Minor Requirements

To get the minor in philosophy and religious studies students need only to complete any 6 courses (18 hours) in philosophy (PHIL) or religion (REL)

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Student Advising

Career Opportunities

Career-Ready Graduates

Graduates of the Philosophy and Religion program will be equipped to:

Think Critically and Logically about Complex Ideas
Read and Interpret Difficult Texts
Communicate Effectively Both in Writing and Speech
Understand the History of Human Thought

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Scholarships & Aid

Student Aid

The University of Montevallo Student Aid Office is here to assist UM students and families with the financial aid process. We invite you to review the information provided on our webpages and contact us with questions and for assistance.

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Scholarships

All entering freshmen and transfer students admitted to UM by the scholarship priority deadline will be included in the scholarship evaluation for merit-based scholarships. In addition to merit-based awards, scholarships are also available based on financial need, leadership, community service, choice of major, and other miscellaneous criteria.

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