Understanding the power of religion in human history and culture. Comparing religions to appreciate both their similarities and differences. Arriving at an intelligent, compassionate spirituality of your own—these are just a few of the themes we explore in Religious Studies.

In this program, you will join a community of scholars who engage in the academic study of religion from the perspectives of history, psychology, sociology, anthropology, biology, philosophy, and the arts. We look at how religion changes over time and is influenced by, and influences, other elements of culture. We examine the interactions of religion with politics and the media. We study the common themes of religions as well as their fascinating differences, which furthers the acceptance and understanding of different faiths. We prepare students to deal competently with religious issues in professions such as education, psychology, and social work. We confront the ethical issues surrounding religion. And in this intellectually challenging journey, students also look within themselves to define their own spiritual path. View the Democrat and Chronicle article dated November 10, 2010: Better Together

View Dr. Nowak's World Religions class/Service Learning Ganondagan Social Dance event:

View Dr. Nowak's World Religions class Community Read blog:

View Religious Studies Major course requirements

View Religious Studies Minor course requirements

Program Highlights

• Graduates go in to a wide a variety of careers including law, education, social work, business, ministry, and counseling. Religious Studies provides an excellent entry point for those pursuing graduate or professional education. Please see the article, Better Business, Better World.
• Close-knit community of scholars; small classes and personal attention of faculty.
• Interdisciplinary approach which studies religion from the perspective of art, literature, psychology and more.
• Majors may choose to double major in Inclusive Childhood/Middle Childhood Education and work towards teacher certification.
• Religious Studies Learning Goals