Religious Studies

The Minor in Religious Studies offers students the opportunity to study the full spectrum of humankind’s religious heritage from an interdisciplinary perspective. Religion is an individual as well as a social phenomenon and the curriculum takes the students through both realms. Basic value questions are investigated from the viewpoint of religion, of disciplines looking at religion and of the individual in a pluralistic, unsettled world. More than half the minor is individually selected in consultation with an advisor, though the courses must represent the different dimensions of the religious experience as listed on the "Courses" page. Students may choose to focus their course combination in the minor on a specific religious tradition such as Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism; on a particular issue common to different religions; or on a particular culture or historical period.

As an interdisciplinary minor, religious studies can be taken in conjunction with any major.

Career Outlook

The religious studies minor provides an excellent background for those considering the ministry, social work, counseling, politics, law, or teaching at any level. As a help in shaping a person's view of the meaning and purpose of life, it can be of lasting value whatever one's career.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Understand aspects of the full spectrum of humankind’s religious heritage from an interdisciplinary perspective.
2. Investigate basic value questions from the viewpoint of religion, of disciplines looking at religion, and of the individual in a pluralistic, unsettled world.