Religious Studies

Religious studies allows you to consider a variety of human experiences, intellectual pursuits and ritual practices within different cultural and historical contexts. This program includes multiple methodological and theoretical perspectives used in the humanities and social sciences. By journeying through seminal texts, rituals, art forms, myths, ethics, philosophies and experiences of the sacred, you arrive at a deepened understanding of religion in the world. Religious studies courses help you develop a deeper awareness of your own cultural location, values and practical commitments. This deepened self-understanding empowers you to live and act with greater purpose, clarity and confidence in your personal and professional life.

Paths of Study

Areas of Study

Introductory Studies in Religion
Biblical Studies
Studies in Asian Religions
Studies in Islam
Studies in Religious Ethics
Studies in Western Religious History and Thought
Studies in American Religion
Judaic Studies

Applied Learning

Courses

Tailor studies to your interests – from Poets & Prophets (RELG 303) to New Religions in America (RELG 347).*
Research

Work with a professor on independent research for a deeper exploration of a single topic.
Student Activities

Attend visiting speaker sessions, brown bag seminars and the annual Hans Teifel lecture in religion and ethics.

Outcomes

Religious studies alumni are notably competent and compassionate as responsible global citizens of the world. Students leave the program with a deeper empathy for others having developed the ability to communicate complex ideas accessibly to diverse audiences and a deeper understanding of the relationship of religions to the political, cultural, economic and legal spheres of human life, at both the national and international levels. Many pursue a wide range of careers including medicine, law, divinity, teaching, government and international service as well as business.

Talk to Us

Want to learn more? Our current students and faculty want to connect with you.

Department of Religious Studies

Location

Wren Building Room 315

Map & Directions

Contact Us

Get an inside look: Contact a current religious studies major
Ask the faculty: Contact the Department of Religious Studies