The Religion major educates students in the ideas and practices of the worlds enduring religious traditions in a comprehensive and nonsectarian way. Religion has been, and remains, a powerful force in shaping the world, having profound influences on art, literature, history, and social institutions. Understanding such a complex phenomenon requires students to utilize a variety of methods, to read carefully and critically, to think clearly, and to write convincingly—skills they will use for the rest of their lives. 

A major in religion requires 12 courses within the department. The 3 introductory courses (REL 2050, REL 2060, and REL 2070) should be completed as soon as possible, while the senior seminar (REL 4930) should be taken near the end. Of the remaining 8 courses, 5 are guided electives (one course in each area: American Religion, Biblical Studies, East Asian Religions, South Asian Religions, and Western Religions) and 3 are open electives. At least one of the guided or open electives must be at the 4000 level.

Graduates follow a variety of career paths. A few go on to the graduate study of religion; some go directly into the job market in non-technical fields, others pursue a professional career, such as ministry, law, counseling, social services, even medicine.

Religion Minor

A minor in Religion is available for students unable to fit the major into their program. It consists of 3 introductory courses (REL 2050, REL 2060, and REL 2070) plus 4 open electives.

Religion Honors Program

Students with a GPA of 3.5 or better in Religion may substitute an Honors project for the Senior Seminar. An Honors project involves independent study with a faculty mentor. It will usually extend over two consecutive terms and earn six hours of credit upon its successful completion. The project will normally culminate in the writing of a major research paper (25-30 pages) or a series of related shorter papers during the second term and an oral defense of the project with the Department faculty.