Programs

The Department of Religion is a department within the Humanities Division presenting an area of study and research which students may choose as the focus of their liberal arts education. The Department of Religion is comprised of four fields: Biblical Studies, Historical Studies, Theological Studies, and Studies in World Religions.

The Religion Department offers both major and minor programs. These programs have led many students to fulfilling careers in ministry or to further training in a seminary or divinity school. Many students choose religion as their primary major, and others choose it to complement another major. Majors that are especially popular in combination with religion are psychology and sociology, though art, biology, english and virtually every other major have been joined with religion at one time or another.

Religion major

The religion major program requires 32 credits. It includes 16 credits in the introductory courses in Religion (220, 240, 260, and 280) and 16 credits at the 300 and 400 level. Three of the four fields of religion must be represented among the four courses at the advanced level, and one of these must be a 400-level religion seminar. One of the advanced level courses may be an independent study. Religion 100 does not count toward a major.

Contracted religion major

Students with special interests and objectives may apply to the department for a “contracted religion major” which consists of the 16 credits at the introductory level (220, 240, 260, and 280) and 16 credits of advanced work in Religion appropriate to the academic and vocational interests of students.

Religion minor

A minor consists of a minimum of 20 credits, including three courses at the 200 level and two courses at the 300 or 400 level. The minor must include one 400 level Religion seminar. Religion 100 does not count toward a minor.