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Secular Studies

What does it mean to live a secular life? Why do some people reject religion? What impact does secularism have on society? Our interdisciplinary Secular Studies major takes a deep dive into these questions and more.

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ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ Our Secular Studies Major

  • Our Secular Studies major is the first of its kind in the nation; ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ is the only higher education institution to offer an undergraduate degree in this subject concentration.
  • Secular Studies is an interdisciplinary program. Make connections via different subject matter with faculty from a variety of departments, including Sociology, History, Philosophy, Political Studies, and Science.
  • ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ has been recognized as a trailblazer in the study of the field by the American Humanist Association, winning its Award for Philosophical Diversity in 2016.
  • The Freedom from Religion Foundation endowed the program with $300,000 to support student research and travel. 

All academic programs and faculty welcome every student regardless of identity, background, or belief. Admission and course participation are based solely on academic interest, performance, and declared major.

At a Glance

Degree Awarded

  • Bachelor of Arts

Field Group

Secular Studies

Program Type

Area of Study

Secular Studies and Our Values

ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄β€™s core values are woven throughout all our academic programs. Learn how our Secular Studies major addresses the values of interdisciplinary learning and social responsibility.

Interdisciplinary Learning

β€œInterdisciplinary learning expands the mind’s intellectual horizons. It makes you a better thinker and citizen.”

Phil Zuckerman

Professor of Sociology and Secular Studies

5 Disciplines Represented

Secular Studies faculty represent five subject matter disciplines.

View Secular Studies Faculty
17+ Secular Studies Courses

Choose from classes in History, Sociology, Physics, Political Studies, Philosophy, and more.

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Social Responsibility

β€œAfrican American humanism deals with issues like police brutality, systemic racism, discrimination in healthcare, and expanding access to healthcare, contraceptives, and safe-sex awareness, which all disproportionately affect Black women.”

Anonymous '26

Secular Studies major

100% Service Engagement

All ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ students complete Social Responsibility praxis field work before graduation.

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ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ Voices

β€œMy degrees in Secular Studies and Religious Studies have instilled in me a passion for building communities around art, writing, performance, and spiritual and personal expression.”

William Holt '13

Religious Studies and Secular Studies major

Get Involved

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Research

As a Secular Studies student, there are many ways to assist faculty who are doing research within the discipline. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to secure funds from the Freedom of Religion Foundation endowment to explore your own research projects in the subject. 

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Travel Opportunities

Funding exists for students to attend various academic conferences and annual meetings of the Secular Student Alliance, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit national organization. 

Meet a ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ Professor

View Faculty Profile

Phil Zuckerman

ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄β€™s Secular Studies program is led by Professor Phil Zuckerman, an internationally renowned scholar. Learn more about what Secular Studies is and what motivates his passion for his academic work in the subject. 

View Faculty Profile

Secular Studies Major Details

Secular Studies focuses on investigating the culture of non-religious people and communities.  This program emphasizes the meanings and impact of politcal, philosophical, public, and private secularity.  

What You Will Learn

  1. How to compare and contrast different forms of political secularism in various countries and societies around the world.  
  2. How to analyze key developments of secular thought and ideology over the course of history. 
  3. How to articulate (as well as critique) fundamental philosophical justifications for atheism, agnosticism, naturalism, and humanism.
  4. Gain a firm grasp of the demographic patterns and trends of secularity. 
  5. How to connect the ways in which the β€œsecular” and the β€œreligious” are often related concepts/phenomena. 

Learn More

Visit the Secular Studies Field Group page for more information and resources. 

Secular Studies Field Group
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Students wishing to develop a self-designed major in Secular Studies should consult with Prof. Phil Zuckerman concerning a proposed plan of study.

Secular Studies Faculty

View All ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ Faculty
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Scot A.C. Gould

  • Professor of Physics
Azamat Junisbai

Azamat Junisbai

  • Professor of Sociology
  • Sociology Field Group
ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ philosophy professor Thomas Lambert

Thomas Lambert

  • Assistant Professor of Philosophy
  • Philosophy Field Group
headshot of Adrian Pantoja wearing a white collared shirt, red tied, and black blazer

Adrian Pantoja

  • Professor of Political Studies/Chicano Studies
  • Political Studies Field Group
  • Chicanx-Latinx Studies Field Group
portrait of Andre Wakefield

Andre Wakefield

  • Professor of History
  • History Field Group
portrait of Phil Zuckerman

Phil Zuckerman

  • Professor of Secular Studies and Sociology
  • Secular Studies and Sociology Field Groups

Recent Secular Studies News

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Featured

Zuckerman Spars with NYT Columnist on Faith and Secularism

ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄ Professor Phil Zuckerman and the New York Times’ Ross Douthat Tackled the Nature of Belief in a Recent Public Conversation

Related Programs

History

At ΒιΆΉΤ­΄΄, the study of history is an invitation to unravel the intricacies of our worldβ€”its political boundaries, economic systems, social structures, and cultural practices

  • Bachelor of Arts

Sociology

As a Sociology major, you'll belong to a vibrant community of scholars studying the structure of groups, organizations, and societies and the impact of various dynamics on groups and individuals

  • Bachelor of Arts

Philosophy

Our Philosophy major explores timeless questions and problems and prepares you for a wide variety of career paths shaping our world

  • Bachelor of Arts

Contact

portrait of Phil Zuckerman
Phil Zuckerman
  • Professor of Secular Studies and Sociology
  • Secular Studies and Sociology Field Groups

(909) 607-4495

Scott Hall 211