Department of Religious Studies

We extend a warm welcome to the Department of Religious Studies, an academic field exploring religion and religious thought from various perspectives and methodologies. interdisciplinary exploration of religion.

Our teaching is focused on the Bible, but research integrates various fields, including anthropology, history, literature, medicine, philosophy, psychology, and sociology. We uphold a high standard of religion, viewing it as a significant aspect of human history, culture, and society. Our focus includes the interplay of religion with race, class, ethnicity, and nationality.

We draw from various academic disciplines, including anthropology, history of religion, philosophy, psychology, and sociology.

Students are encouraged to analyze beliefs and practices through a diverse array of evidence, such as texts, films, art, architecture, material culture, music, and performances,. Our aim is to cultivate students' abilities to engage meaningfully in local, national, and global contexts as culturally informed citizens and empathetic professionals. By examining how various individuals and groups derive purpose and meaning, we provide an academic platform for students to confront some of life’s most urgent questions.

Religious studies programs often examine major world religions, such as Christianity, Judaism, and Buddhism. The study of religion helps to understand societies and cultures worldwide by examining religious practice and thought in different political, geographic, and historical contexts. 

Here are some common degrees offered by the religious department:

Undergraduate Degrees:

1. Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies

2. Bachelor of Theology 

3. Bachelor of Science in Religion

4. Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies

5. Bachelor of Arts in Ministry

6. Bachelor of Arts in Theological Studies

Graduate Degrees:

1. Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

2. Master of Theology 

3. Master of Arts in Religious Studies

4. Master of Arts in Theology

5. Master of Arts in Ministry

6. Master of Science in Religious Education

Specialized Degrees:

1. Bachelor/Master of Arts in Interfaith Studies

2. Bachelor/Master of Arts in Jewish Studies

4. Bachelor/Master of Arts in Christian Studies

Certificate Programs:

1. Certificate in Ministry

2. Certificate in Theological Studies

3. Certificate in Biblical Studies

4. Certificate in Spiritual Direction

5. Certificate in Religious Education

Doctoral Degrees:

1. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Religious Studies

2. Doctor of Theology 

3. Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)

4. Doctor of Divinity (D.D.)

Other specialized degrees:

1. Bachelor/Master of Arts in Chaplaincy

2. Bachelor/Master of Arts in Youth Ministry

3. Bachelor/Master of Arts in Missions

4. Bachelor/Master of Arts in Worship Studies

5. Bachelor/Master of Arts in Christian Counseling

Religious studies graduates can pursue a variety of careers, including:

Ministry and Faith-Based Organizations

1. Churches, synagogues, mosques, temples

2. Denominational headquarters

3. Missionary organizations

4. Faith-based non-profits (e.g., World Vision, Catholic Charities)

5. Religious publishing companies

Education

1. Seminaries and divinity schools

2. Universities and colleges (religion departments)

3. Bible colleges

4. Theological schools

5. Religious education programs

Counseling and Social Services

1. Pastoral counseling centers

2. Hospices and hospitals (chaplaincy)

3. Mental health clinics

4. Substance abuse treatment centers

5. Social services agencies (e.g., Catholic Social Services)

Community and Non-Profit

1. Community centers

2. Food banks and pantries

3. Homeless shelters

4. Disaster relief organizations

5. Interfaith organizations

Government

1. Military chaplaincy

2. Prison Chaplaincy

3. Government agencies (e.g., State Department, USAID)

4. Public policy organizations

Media and Communications

1. Religious broadcasting networks

2. Christian publishing companies

3. Faith-based media outlets

4. Religious newspapers and magazines

Healthcare

1. Hospital chaplaincy

2. Healthcare organizations (e.g., Catholic Health Association)

3. Bioethics centers

4. Palliative care programs

Academia and Research

1. Universities and research institutions

2. Theological libraries and archives

3. Research centers (e.g., Pew Research Center)

Other

1. Youth organizations (e.g., YMCA, Boy Scouts)

2. Senior citizen centers

3. Retirement communities

4. Funeral homes and bereavement services

Some specific job titles for religious degree holders include:

1. Pastor/Minister

2. Chaplain

3. Director of Religious Education

4. Youth Minister

5. Missionary

6. Non-profit Executive Director

7. Professor of Theology/Religion

8. Counselor/Therapist

9. Social Worker

10. Community Organiser