Study the world’s religions in the world around you.
The Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies encompasses two disciplines that share a commitment to pursuing the fundamental questions of human existence and to examining the various ways in which the traditions of philosophy and religion have answered these questions.
Religious Studies provides the perfect focus for a liberal arts education as we explore religious worlds through a study of the scriptures, traditions, beliefs and practices of religious traditions from around the world.
We learn about thoughts and practices of people from around the world through a study of literature, cultures and social movements. We take an engaged approach to the study of religions. Courses often include visits to temples, churches, mosques and historical sites. We develop complex understandings of traditions and practices by observing them in relevant contexts.
Students build skills applicable to almost any career. They learn to read texts closely and well. They learn to think about practices and beliefs that may be foreign to them and often look at their own practices and beliefs with a scholar’s attention to understand those traditions more fully. They learn to write and communicate well. And they hone their skills in research and analysis. Some students go onto careers in religious communities and serve as a pastor or youth minister. Others pursue careers as varied as education, advocacy, commerce, journalism and human resources.
