---
title: "Department of Religion and Philosophy"
url: "/academics/kakos/departments/religion-philosophy"
type: page
date: 2026-04-30
updated: 2026-10-02
---

# Department of Religion and Philosophy

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.

 

 [ Visit Manhattan University ](/admissions/visit) 

 [ Explore Kakos School of Arts and Sciences ](/academics/kakos) 

 

  Image

       ![Statue of Aristotle a great Greek philosopher](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-05/religion-philosophy-3200x2000.jpg?h=1cb48fc4&itok=1ZKEn2tS) 

 

 

    ## **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.

- ![lady of justice statue with sun behind her](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-06/justice-peace-3000x2000.jpg?h=c6980913&itok=ck_IBt6N)
    
    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.
    
    [Explore the Peace & Justice Studies B.A. / Minor Program](/academics/programs/peace-justice-studies)
- ![The Death of Socrates painting](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-06/philosophy-3000x2000.jpg?h=c6980913&itok=_Nt0B5x9)
    
    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.
    
    [Explore the Philosophy B.S. / B.A. / Minor Program](/academics/programs/philosophy)
- ![Bible study concept showcasing peace, hope, spirituality and religion](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-10/religious-studies-3000x2000.jpg?h=c6980913&itok=oLiQM2L1)
    
    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.
    
    [Explore the Religious Studies B.A. / Minor Program](/academics/programs/religious-studies)

 

    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.

    Image

       ![Dorothy Day accepting a medal](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-05/DD-accepts-DLS-Medal-May-19%2C-1975-2.jpg?h=a9575592&itok=54hlUS2Q) 

 [The Dorothy Day Center ](/academics/centers-institutes/dorothy-day-center)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.

   Image

       ![Photo inside the Library showing the The Holocaust, Genocide and Interfaith Education Center wall.](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-06/centers-3000x2000.jpg?h=c6980913&itok=NXMzXLez) 

 [The Holocaust Genocide and Interfaith Education Center ](https://www.hgimanhattan.com)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.

         Image

       ![Aerial photo of Manhattan University](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-03/drone-2025-3200x2400.jpg?h=9b8bd6ff&itok=xYR2ar43) 

## 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.

 [Visit Manhattan University](/admissions/visit)

[Apply Today](/admissions/apply)

[Request Information](/admissions/request-information)

 

  Image

       ![Aerial photo of Manhattan University](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-03/drone-2025-3200x2400.jpg?h=9b8bd6ff&itok=xYR2ar43)