The Religious Studies Department at Nazareth College is a community of scholars who engage in the academic study of religion, educate one another about religion, and promote the public understanding of religion. Faculty members of the department pursue their own specialized and constructive study of religion, direct the learning of students, and contribute to the broad civic conversation about religion. Student members of the department may follow a rigorous major program of study in order to become proficient in the field of Religious Studies, or complete a minor program in Religious Studies in order to complement a major in some other field, or take a limited number of courses in specific areas of personal interest.

The Department understands its subject matter to be all of the religious traditions of the world and regards religion as a vital, experiential dimension of human culture to be appreciated in its many expressions and various social-historical contexts. The Department holds that the study of religion is properly interdisciplinary, comparative and employs a host of methodological approaches.  The personal benefits of religious study are many, including the opportunity to investigate questions of human identity, purpose, and meaning; to appreciate the importance and power of religions in the lives of individuals and communities; and to cultivate a mature, intelligent faith coupled with compassionate understanding of the faiths of others.

Program Offerings

• Religious Studies
• Religious Studies with Inclusive Childhood Education