The historic tradition of the liberal arts is to enrich learners with a heightened sense of responsibility and autonomy. The integrative Religious Studies & Philosophy department trains students to be critical and independent in their thinking as well as centered on larger human purposes for which we work, love and interact with others. In an age overwhelmingly centered on technological progress, efficient and convenient outcomes, and material satisfaction of desires, focusing on the individual's spiritual and intellectual life provides a foundation and meaningful context for your life in our global community.

While the predominant orientation of this program is towards enriching your sense of purpose and commitment to values of social justice, care for others, and dignity for all, we also realize your need to enter the workplace with skills and practices which facilitate successful career choices. In today's job market, employers find a host of qualified candidates with training suited to complete tasks and activities. However, employers increasingly seek candidates with the following skills: critical thinking, analytic writing, cultural understanding and sensitivity, communicative empathy and intellectual initiative. Our program focuses upon these marketable skills.

Finally, our integrated department is just that- a mutually-enriching and critical dialogue between two disciplines that are central to the liberal arts at a Catholic institution. In keeping with the tradition of such institutions, faith and reason are taken as valued standpoints from which to approach academic work and community life. Thus, our name reflects neither hierarchy nor dependency of one discipline upon the other. Rather, students will grapple with problems, themes and questions from shared and distinctive standpoints.

All students at Avila are required to take three courses within our department. We offer a wide variety of choices which are taught from a range of perspectives. Visit the links on the left to learn more about us.