Kakos School of Arts and Sciences
Department of Religion and Philosophy
Where big questions about culture, ethics, meaning, and justice shape how you engage the world.
Explore how religion and philosophy shape culture, ethics and social structures through a person-centered education built for life in the twenty-first century. Develop moral and creative problem-solving skills to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Go deeper on major issues related to peace and justice. Prepare yourself for law school, graduate work, or careers in social action while taking full advantage of everything a global city offers through research, internships, and community-engaged learning.
Degree Program Offerings for the Department of Religion and Philosophy
Manhattan University's Religion and Philosophy department offers three undergraduate pathways, each available as a major or a minor. Review the programs below.
Undergraduate
Peace & Justice Studies B.A. / Minor
Examine structural injustice, the causes of violence, and the movements working toward peace and social justice. One of the first programs of its kind in the world, it pairs rigorous study with hands-on work alongside nonprofits and international organizations.
Undergraduate
Philosophy B.S. / B.A. / Minor
Engage the most significant thinkers in history while sharpening the logic, ethics, and argumentation skills that define a liberal arts education. Small, discussion-driven classes led by published faculty prepare you for law, business, public service, and graduate study.
Undergraduate
Religious Studies B.A. / Minor
Explore the world's religious traditions and the questions that cut across them, from bioethics and environmental justice to gender, science, and spirituality. New York City, one of the world's most religiously diverse cities, is part of the classroom.
Our Centers
Centers and Institutes
The Dorothy Day Center and the Holocaust Genocide and Interfaith Education Center are staffed by department faculty and open to students for research, internships, and events with visiting speakers.
The Dorothy Day Center engages students on peace, social justice, and Catholic social teaching, with an exhibit devoted to Dorothy Day. Students research justice issues in New York City and beyond, hear from guest speakers, and network with peace activists and religious leaders through the organization working toward her sainthood, housed in the center.
The Holocaust Genocide and Interfaith Education Center works to eradicate human suffering, prejudice, and racism through education. Its courses focus on interfaith dialogue, genocide prevention, and peace, and a library exhibit teaches the history of the Holocaust. Student interns support museum curation, archive tours, and survivor testimonies.
Prepare for the Real World
At Manhattan University, your education is built around who you are and where you want to go. Whether you’re ready to apply or just starting to explore, take the next step when you’re ready — we’re here to help.