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About Us

The Department of Religion & Philosophy prepares students to live in the twenty-first century by providing a person-centered education that examines how religion and philosophy shape culture, ethics, and social structures. The department embraces the college’s New York City location and encourages you to take advantage of all that a global city has to offer. You will explore the power and persistence of religion and philosophy in a global context through classes that prepare you in whatever field you choose, with special opportunities for those interested in law school and graduate studies in the humanities. Our students produce high-quality scholarship, attend conferences, and hold internships that prepare them for leadership at the university, in the broader academic community, and the world at large.

I am eternally grateful for the education and mentorship I received at Manhattan, especially within the Religious Studies department. They taught me to think critically, ask tough questions, speak up, and never take no for an answer. These lessons have been the foundation of my journey, fueling my passion for the work I do every day.

Ireland Twiggs '21, program manager at Co-operation Ireland

Majors & Programs

  • Peace and Justice Studies

    In a world marked by conflict and injustice, a major, double major or minor in Peace and Justice Studies enables students to develop knowledge and skills that can prepare them for careers in nonprofit leadership, social work, public service, law, conflict resolution, faith-based organizing, and international politics. As an interdisciplinary program, students take courses from across the university and are expected to pair what they learn from the classroom with experiences in the community.  Our New York City location, just a few miles away from the United Nations, offers students several opportunities to get directly involved with long standing partners, including local nonprofits in the Bronx and international organizations working for peace and human rights. The program embodies in a special way Manhattan University’s Lasallian commitment to advancing social justice and we are proud to be among the first universities in the world to offer this as a major.  Many students get directly involved on issues related to peace and non-violence with our Dorothy Day and Holocaust, Genocide and Interfaith Centers.

  • Philosophy

    For 2,000 years, philosophy has been the foundation for a liberal arts education. The study of philosophy examines knowledge, truth, reality and existence. Philosophy prepares students to be citizens of the world and step into professional lives that utilize critical thinking and communication skills, a willingness to have one’s ideas challenged, and the ability to ask questions that change how people think. Philosophy majors have among the highest scores on tests like the GMAT, MCAT, LSAT, and have the highest earning potential of any field in the humanities.

  • Religious Studies

    Religious Studies at Manhattan University is an interdisciplinary academic major that takes advantage of our New York City location to explore important topics using different approaches, including sociology and theology. Some courses look at specific religions, while others address topics across multiple traditions including bioethics, environmental justice, spirituality, gender, science, social justice, and New York City. Generally, the 200-level courses relate in some way to the Catholic tradition, while the 300-level courses focus on religious traditions.