Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other.

Degree Overview

Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other (CIP 38.9999) is an interdisciplinary humanities field focused on exploring humanity’s deepest questions about meaning, truth, ethics, belief, and existence. This classification includes flexible or specialized programs that integrate philosophical inquiry with the academic study of religion in ways that do not fit neatly into a single traditional major. Rather than treating philosophy and religion as isolated subjects, this degree examines how systems of thought, belief, and values shape individuals, cultures, and societies across time and place.

For a degree search site, this CIP code represents intellectual depth, cultural literacy, and ethical reasoning. In a world defined by rapid technological change, cultural diversity, and moral complexity, the ability to think critically about values and belief systems is increasingly important. Philosophy and Religious Studies appeals to students who want to understand how humans make meaning, justify beliefs, and resolve ethical questions—and who want transferable skills that remain relevant across careers and generations.

What Is a Philosophy and Religious Studies Degree?

A Philosophy and Religious Studies degree is an interdisciplinary academic program that combines philosophical reasoning with the scholarly study of religion. Programs under the “Other” designation typically allow students to design customized pathways that integrate topics such as ethics, metaphysics, religious traditions, political thought, and cultural analysis.

Rather than training students for clergy or a single profession, this degree emphasizes:

• Critical examination of ideas and arguments
• Comparative study of religious traditions and worldviews
• Ethical reasoning and moral philosophy
• Analysis of belief systems and meaning-making
• Historical and cultural context for ideas

Universities offer this degree to:

• Develop students’ critical thinking, ethical judgment, and analytical writing
• Prepare graduates for diverse careers and advanced study
• Support interdisciplinary exploration across humanities and social sciences
• Foster cultural, religious, and philosophical literacy

This degree is especially valuable for students who enjoy discussion, reading, writing, and deep intellectual engagement.

What Will You Learn?

Students learn how philosophical arguments and religious traditions address fundamental human concerns—such as morality, justice, suffering, purpose, and knowledge. You’ll study how ideas shape societies and how belief systems influence behavior, institutions, and history.

Core Skills You’ll Build

Graduates typically develop skills such as:

• Critical and logical reasoning—evaluating arguments and assumptions
• Ethical analysis—examining moral dilemmas and value systems
• Comparative thinking—analyzing diverse philosophical and religious traditions
• Analytical reading—interpreting complex and abstract texts
• Clear writing and argumentation—presenting ideas precisely and persuasively
• Cultural and religious literacy—understanding belief systems in context
• Intercultural communication—engaging respectfully with differing worldviews
• Synthesis and interpretation—connecting ideas across disciplines

These skills are highly transferable and valued in professions that require judgment, communication, and ethical awareness.

Topics You May Explore

Because this is a flexible “Other” classification, coursework varies by institution, but commonly includes:

• Ethics and Moral Philosophy: right and wrong, justice, and responsibility
• Logic and Critical Thinking: argument structure and reasoning
• World Religions: comparative study of major global traditions
• Sacred Texts and Interpretation: analyzing religious writings
• Philosophy of Religion: belief, faith, reason, and doubt
• Political and Social Philosophy: power, rights, and governance
• Religion and Culture: rituals, symbols, and social practices
• Metaphysics and Epistemology: reality, knowledge, and truth
• Religion, Ethics, and Contemporary Issues: technology, bioethics, and globalization

Many programs culminate in a capstone paper or research project that integrates philosophical and religious analysis.

What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?

A Philosophy and Religious Studies degree does not lead to a single occupation. Instead, it provides a strong intellectual foundation for many careers that value analysis, communication, and ethical reasoning. Outcomes often depend on experience, internships, or further education.

Common career paths include:

• Law and Legal Fields: lawyers, legal analysts, policy advisors
• Education and Teaching: secondary or postsecondary education (with credentials)
• Public Policy or Government: research, analysis, or administration
• Nonprofit and Advocacy Work: community engagement and ethics-driven roles
• Business and Consulting: strategy, ethics, and decision-support roles
• Journalism, Writing, or Media: analysis and communication
• Human Resources or Diversity Roles: ethics and cultural competency support
• Graduate or Professional School Path: law, philosophy, religious studies, or public policy

Graduates often excel in roles requiring nuanced judgment and principled decision-making.

Where Can You Work?

Graduates work in sectors that value critical thinking and ethical insight:

• Educational institutions
• Government agencies and public service
• Nonprofit and advocacy organizations
• Corporate ethics, compliance, or strategy teams
• Media, publishing, and communications
• International organizations and NGOs
• Religious or interfaith organizations

This degree supports long-term career flexibility and leadership development.

How Much Can You Earn?

Earnings vary widely based on industry and additional education.

Typical ranges include:

• Entry-level analytical or communication roles: often $45,000–$65,000
• Mid-career professionals in policy, business, or education: commonly $65,000–$100,000
• Law, consulting, or senior leadership roles: can exceed $120,000+

Philosophy and religious studies graduates who pursue professional degrees often see strong long-term earning potential.

Is This Degree Hard?

Philosophy and Religious Studies is considered intellectually demanding. It requires sustained reading, careful writing, and comfort with ambiguity. Students are evaluated on the strength of their reasoning, interpretation, and argumentation rather than memorization.

The difficulty lies in deep thinking, open-minded analysis, and defending ideas clearly and logically.

Who Should Consider This Degree?

This degree may be a strong fit if you:

• Enjoy asking deep “why” and “how” questions
• Like reading, writing, and structured discussion
• Are interested in ethics, belief systems, and meaning
• Want versatile skills applicable across careers
• Plan to pursue law, education, policy, or leadership roles

How to Prepare in High School

To prepare for a philosophy and religious studies program:

• Take history, literature, and social science courses
• Practice analytical writing and critical reading
• Participate in debate, discussion, or ethics-related clubs
• Explore world religions and philosophical ideas independently
• Develop curiosity and comfort with complex ideas

Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other (CIP 38.9999) is a degree for students who want to understand how humans think, believe, and decide what matters. It provides a powerful intellectual foundation—logic, ethics, and cultural insight—that prepares graduates to navigate complexity, lead thoughtfully, and contribute meaningfully in an interconnected world.