The religion major prepares students for the graduate study of religion leading to careers in college teaching and research, as well as the ministry. Because of its flexibility, the religion major is suitable as a second major. Both the major and the minor effectively complement majors in history, sociology, English, or philosophy. Through these courses, students may begin to understand the complexity of individual religious traditions and the religious communities supporting them, as well as the comparability of religions across cultures. In addition to focused research into a selected topic, projects include a component on methodologies in the study of religion, with instruction from members of the department faculty.
All projects culminate in the creation of a final research essay.
At least two of the six course units must be taken at the 300 level or above.