Philosophy & Religion

Diverse Career Paths, Applied Ethics, Global Religious Literacy

The Philosophy & Religion program at Queens cultivates within students a broad awareness of deep philosophical and ethical questions and the relevance of religion to intersecting fields, such as politics, history, and social justice. Students in our program explore critical issues in solving ethical dilemmas posed by modern technologies, engaging across religious difference, and the role of human interpretation in conceptions of the divine.

Our program develops critical skills that are relevant to diverse career paths, such as interfaith competence in engaging with diverse religious communities, a deep understanding of the ethical dilemmas facing the fields of healthcare, technology, and government, and fluency with textual analysis. Our faculty has combined philosophy and religion into one thought-provoking track for you to discover ideas, arguments, and practices that allow you to see the world from different perspectives. Students who major in Religion and Philosophy will find broad application to other fields, including law, public policy, education, health care, and, of course, religious vocational training.

Meet Philosophy & Religion Alumni

“Philosophy taught me to think programmatically, deconstructing concepts and worldviews the same way you break apart a computer program into its constituent parts. Communication is also important; it doesn’t matter how great your algorithms are if you can’t communicate why they matter.”
– Joseph Hines ’22

“The ethical skills I gained in philosophy classes enabled me to become a leading figure in transforming healthcare in Saudi Arabia. As an integrative medicine physician and deputy director at a major hospital in the country, I have critically analyzed and challenged the existing reductionist economic model.” – Reham Garash

“Being in interfaith spaces taught me so much about the under-the-surface dynamics at play that impact partnerships. The national and international focus of the interfaith studies minor gave me unparalleled crash courses in negotiation, running meetings and conferences, dealing with translation and interpretation issues, and creating long-lasting partnerships.”
– Emily Sears Hickman ’21

Program Highlights

• The Philosophy and Religion program can put your learning into action by fostering collaborations with the Belk Chapel, participating in the annual ethics bowl, and serving on local medical ethics committees.
• Minors include Bioethics, Ethics, Interfaith Studies, Jewish Studies, Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Philosophy, and Pre-Ministry.
• You’ll have opportunities to expand your horizons through study abroad experiences.
• The possibilities to analyze information, solve compelling problems, and hone communication skills are limitless, as students activate their learning in Charlotte, one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S.

Co-Curricular Opportunities

Theta Alpha Kappa

Queens University of Charlotte is a member of the national Theta Alpha Kappa (TAK) Religion Honors Society. Established in 1976 with over 350 chapters, TAK “is the only national honor society dedicated to recognizing academic excellence in religious studies and theology for undergraduate and graduate students” (Theta Alpha Kappa website).

Annually, the Religion department inducts new students in the Religion Honors Society who meet the following criteria:

• Undergraduate students must have a 3.5 GPA (on a 4-point scale) in at least 12 semester credit hours (or 18 quarter credit hours) of relevant coursework in religious studies and/or theology,
• a 3.0 GPA overall in at least three semesters (or five quarters) of residency, and
• a class rank within the top 35%.

Last year’s inductees were Farris Wolf Hamzeh, Dominick Nelson, Maggie Dineen and Sheelove Knowles.

In addition, the Philosophy and Religion department recognized three students for their academic excellence: Clarke Lawson, Isabella Nead, and Maria De Siqueira Betto. Annually (used to be bi-annually), the Religion department awards the TAK undergraduate achievement award to one student who has demonstrated overall academic excellence, public service, or as an encouragement award toward continued excellence. Previous TAK Undergraduate Achievement Awardees:

• Isabella Nead, 2026
• Clarke Lawson, 2025
• Eleanor Williamson, 2023

Davies Fellowship

The Belk Chapel Davies Fellowship offers experiences for students who are committed to exploring religious and spiritual life at Queens and beyond. As Belk Chapel Davies Fellows, students learn in both academic and co-curricular (outside of the classroom) settings, serve as campus leaders, engage in community outreach, and reflect together on faith-based or philosophical values that shape their lives.

A stipend of $2,000 ($1,000 per semester) is offered to Davies Fellows. Students applying for the Davies Fellowship will demonstrate intellectual curiosity and academic commitment; the ability to build relationships and community across world-view differences; a commitment to serving the wider social good; and an authentic openness to exploring and reflecting on personal and spiritual values.

Ethics Bowl

The Queens Ethics Bowl team provides invaluable opportunities for students. Beyond honing research and presentation skills, participants gain exposure to over 60 professionals serving as judges and moderators, spanning diverse fields like law, healthcare, and finance.

Best Essay Awards

The Department of Philosophy and Religion recognizes a best paper in Religion and a best paper in Philosophy each year. The students who win these awards each receive a $50 cash award.

In the spring of 2025, Isabella Nead won the “Best Essay in Religion” award for her paper, “Paul’s Pause to Women in the New Testament.” Maria De Siqueira Betto won the “Best Essay in Philosophy” award for her paper, “Ethical Considerations of In-Utero Gene Editing.”

Meet Your Professors

Your Degree in Action

Philosophy and religion graduates go on to careers in:

• Religious leadership
• Law
• Clinical ethics consulting
• Counseling
• Journalism
• Data science
• Business
• Medicine

Selected Courses

• Religions in a Global Context (REL 110) 
• Philosophy Through Film (PHL 120) 
• Faith and Feminism (REL 300) 
• Thinking Through Technology (PHL 365)

Program Contact