Exploring Beliefs, Inspiring Action
Studying Religion & Philosophy at LaGrange means more than reading ancient texts — it means wrestling with the questions that matter most. What do we believe? How should we live? What do we owe each other? With flexible coursework, close faculty mentorship, and a program you can shape around your own goals, you'll build the critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and cultural literacy that open doors across careers and callings.
Whether you're headed toward ministry, graduate school, nonprofit leadership, or a career in education or public service, this major gives you the intellectual foundation — and the practical skills — to get there.
What You'll Study
Religion & Philosophy at LaGrange is a 30-credit-hour program you can complete in as few as six semesters, available as a major or minor. The program blends coursework in world religions, theology, ethics, and philosophy, allowing you to tailor your studies to your interests and career path with guidance from award-winning faculty.
Highlights of the program include:
- Flexible coursework you shape around your personal interests and career goals
- Individualized mentorship from award-winning faculty in small, discussion-based classes
- Internship opportunities aligned with your career path — in ministry, education, nonprofits, and more
- Access to the Candler 3+3 pathway, a partnership that allows you to earn your bachelor's degree and a Master of Divinity from Emory University's Candler School of Theology in just six years
LaGrange is also one of only nine colleges in the nation — and the only one in this region — authorized by the United Methodist Church to offer certification programs in Christian Education and Youth Ministry. Graduates of this program have completed coursework equivalent to a full graduate-level program, according to the denomination's Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
A four-year course progression is available to help you plan your path through the major.
"This program taught me more about world faiths than I could have imagined, prepared me for a career in either public service or private ministry, and provided me with the resources I need to succeed."
Where You'll Go
A Religion & Philosophy degree is more versatile than you might expect. LC graduates have gone on to graduate study at Duke, Emory, and Vanderbilt, and work across a wide range of fields:
- Ministry and Pastoral Leadership
- Youth and Community Outreach
- Nonprofit Leadership and Philanthropy
- Education
- Theology and Academic Philosophy
- Graduate and Divinity School
- Business and public service roles grounded in ethics and critical thinking