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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 program takes a deep dive into these questions and more.

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About This Program

  • Our Secular Studies program is the first of its kind in the nation; Pitzer 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. 
  • Pitzer College 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. 
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At a Glance

Degree Awarded

  • Bachelor of Arts

Field Group

Secular Studies

Program Type

Area of Study

Secular Studies and Our Values

Pitzer’s core values are woven throughout all our academic programs. Learn how our Secular Studies program addresses the values of interdisciplinary learning and social responsibility.

Interdisciplinary Learning

"Interdisciplinary 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.

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17+ Secular Studies Courses

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

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Social Responsibility

“African 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 Pitzer students complete Social Responsibility praxis field work before graduation.

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Pitzer Voices

“My 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 Pitzer Professor

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Phil Zuckerman

Pitzer’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. 

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Secular Studies Program Details

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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 “secular” and the “religious” are often related concepts/phenomena. 

Learn More

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

Secular Studies Field Group
Next:

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

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Secular Studies Faculty

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Scot A.C. Gould

  • Professor of Physics
Azamat Junisbai

Azamat Junisbai

  • Professor of Sociology
  • Sociology Field Group
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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
  • Associate Dean of Faculty
  • Secular Studies and Sociology Field Groups

Contact

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

(909) 607-4495

Scott Hall 211

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