Religion/Philosophy

Why study religion/philosophy?

Religion/philosophy explores how the methods and concepts of philosophy assist in the examination of theology.

  • Combining philosophical theories with religion broadens students’ intellectual horizons and helps them question custom, prejudice and dogmatism.
  • Students think about life’s deepest religious questions and use philosophy to take positions and support them in respectful debate.
  • The department teaches from within the Christian tradition, while still questioning dogma and learning from others.
Chapel Religion at AU

Religion/Philosophy at AU

Course Descriptions

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Latest News

Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday, more than six weeks before Easter, is a “meaningful season to so many Christians.” So meaningful that Augustana’s campus pastor decided to build programming around the season — programming now known as Lenten Faith Partners.

Augustana University has added a gender, sexuality & women’s studies (GSWS) minor as of Aug. 30. The minor is another offering within the university’s list of interdisciplinary academic programs developed as part of Augustana’s strategic plan Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030.

Generously supported by Rosemarie and Dean Buntrock and in partnership with the Center for Western Studies (CWS), Augustana University is excited to announce the establishment of the Critical Inquiry & Citizenship Colloquium with Dr. Michael Sandel, the Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Professor of Government at Harvard University, as the inaugural featured speaker.

Highlights

Religion/Philosophy

Careers

Graduates pursue vocations as clergy, spiritual directors, mission workers, hospital chaplains, church music directors or camp coordinators. Religion/philosophy also prepares students for careers that require thinking, writing and communication skills, including education, law, government, communications and social services. 

Hands-On Learning

Internship opportunities include:

  • Greenpeace
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Chaplaincy at Avera or Sanford Health
  • Bioethics at Sanford Health
  • Bible or book studies at Touchmark at All Saints Retirement Community

Service learning opportunities include:

  • Lutheran Social Services (LSS) mentoring
  • Good Shepherd Center
  • Prison ministries
  • The Banquet

Many religion/philosophy students choose to present their academic research at Augustana’s Arthur Olsen Student Research Symposium.

Religion/philosophy students study away in:

  • Germany and Scotland  — focusing on pilgrimage with AU faculty
  • Alaska — focusing on nature writing with AU faculty
  • Spain and Morocco — focusing on Arab, Christian and Jewish legacies with AU faculty

Courses & Organizations

Students can complement the religion major with studies in these areas:

  • Medical humanities & society (minor)
  • Environmental studies (major and minor)
  • Visual arts

Students in this major are required to complete a senior thesis.

Religion/philosophy students often participate in:

  • Campus Ministry
  • Better Together
  • Muslim Student Association
  • Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)
  • Augie Worship Night