This group includes those who intend to become pastors, priests, or rabbis and also those who expect to write religious education literature, write for journals of religious organizations, or serve with the health, education, and social welfare institutions of some religions. Precisely because the department approaches religion within the context of the liberal arts, its major does not duplicate the curricula of seminaries. The department directs much of its efforts to the training of persons who will teach and do research in the comparative study of religions. While teaching positions are few, opportunities in this field include junior colleges, community colleges, both private and tax-supported colleges and universities, and in some places also public high schools. The major in religion is designed to develop an understanding of several religions of the world.
Students can organize a highly individual program of study.
At least five of the eight must be at the 300 or 400 level. Majors also take four courses in related subjects. These are chosen in consultation with the adviser, who can assist students interested in such options as religion and politics or in accommodating premedical or other preprofessional programs of study. See the undergraduate catalog or the department for details on requirements for the major. The minor in religion provides a coherent and balanced set of courses, with work on general theories of religion, on Western religious traditions, and on Eastern traditions.