In the Department of Religious Studies, students study the religious systems of the world in their socio-historical contexts and critically examine the phenomenon of religion as it relates to issues of personal meaning and international affairs. Religious Studies courses are cross-cultural in scope and multi-disciplinary in nature. Students study all forms of expression of the religious life -- myth, art, meditation, ritual, ideas, festivals, mysticism, etc. -- from individual experience to world religions like Buddhism and Judaism and in small-scale societies like the Lakota of North America or the Semai of Malaysia. The Department of Religious Studies does not consider religious beliefs or practices to be right or wrong, but seeks to understand the ways that religion provides people with meaning in their lives and serves important social functions. The Religious Studies program is designed to prepare students for a wide range of career paths by developing abilities that are highly sought after in all professions, such as critical thinking, problem solving and effective oral and written communication. In addition, Religious Studies majors and minors learn information that is highly valuable to the contemporary world such as how to deal with differences in beliefs, cultural practices and contrasting points of view by studying world religions. Students who have earned a bachelor's degree in Religious Studies pursue a range of careers and graduate studies including ministry, social work, education, social action and business.

Upon completion of the program, students will have: Studied a broad range of the world's religious systems and traditions and learned about their various influences on human cultures, societies, histories, and personal values. Gained informed familiarity with the beliefs and practices of more than one religious and spiritual tradition. Learned to compare and contrast diverse religions and their cultural contexts through an emphasis on religious traditions, or on religions in relation to the arts and humanities, or on religions in relation to the social sciences. Developed skills in critical thinking and open inquiry, clear and thoughtful oral and written communication, informed analysis, and creative expression. Addressed issues of social responsibility by exposure to other ways of thinking about core social issues.