Southern Miss School of Humanities Offering New Degree in Philosophy, Religion and Law
Thu, 10/30/2025 - 09:16am | By: Dr. David Tisdale
A new undergraduate degree program at The University of 麻豆传媒色情片 offers students critical thinking, writing, and reading comprehension skills while examining contemporary topics related to the human condition.
The Philosophy, Religion and Law (PRL) interdisciplinary degree, housed in the College of Arts and Sciences鈥� School of Humanities, provides advanced study in philosophy, world religions and law. Guided degree pathways prepare students for diverse careers, advanced degrees, and the skills and self-awareness needed to lead flourishing lives. These skills include critical thinking, reading comprehension and argumentative writing. PRL majors also examine some of life鈥檚 most challenging questions about value, society, culture and human history.
Students work with advisers to specialize in one of three cross-disciplinary areas: Religion and World Cultures, Ethics, or Philosophy and Law. PRL majors learn to identify, analyze, and reach sound conclusions on ethical issues across a variety of settings, including business, education, healthcare, public policy, risk assessment and compliance, and legal practice.
Topics of study include the ethics of artificial intelligence and healthcare, critical thinking and formal logic, philosophy of law, and religion and violence, among others. The program also equips students with the cultural and religious understanding necessary to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.
鈥淭he PRL major equips students to pursue a variety of careers and advanced degrees in any field that places a premium on critical thinking, clear writing, judicious deliberation and ethical analysis,鈥� said Dr. Paula Smithka, program coordinator. 鈥淪uch skills are of particular importance in law, management, public relations and communication, policymaking and analysis, education, healthcare-related fields, and civic and religious leadership.鈥�
Smithka noted that graduates of philosophy programs consistently score highest on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and on the verbal and analytical writing sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and near the top on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and other graduate admission exams.
Scholarship support is available for students interested in the PRL program, including the Forrest Wood Outstanding Philosophy Student Award and the Clayton and Mae Sullivan Outstanding Religion Minor Award.
鈥淚n an era defined by complex societal challenges and a polarized information landscape, the ability to think critically and communicate clearly has never been more essential,鈥� said Dr. Chris Winstead, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. 鈥淭he Philosophy, Religion and Law degree at Southern Miss teaches students to examine ideas deeply, reason ethically, and engage thoughtfully with the world around them鈥攕kills that serve as the foundation for leadership, further professional preparation and lifelong learning.鈥�
For more information, contact Smithka at 601.266.4523 or by email, or the School of Humanities at 601.266.5066 or by email.