Department for the Study of Religion
Our Mission
- Introduce the methodologies of religious studies as an academic discipline
- Advance the profession of religious studies through a commitment to scholarly research, publication, interpretation, and discussion
- Cultivate an understanding of religious pluralism, including non-religious perspectives, in order to create global citizens in a religiously diverse world, and
- Promote informed public dialogue about religion and its influence on society and culture.
Why major in religious studies?
The academic study of religion is central to the creation of a community of world citizens. Our program is designed for students who live in a pluralistic society and who wish to investigate the role religions play in human life and society. Because religion has contributed to the human story of almost every culture, it is difficult to understand human behavior or to interpret world events without grasping how religion has helped to shape them. Read more about the major.
Announcements
Congratulations to Roy Whitaker, this year’s recipient of the Excellence in Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity Award for Tenured Faculty. The award is given annually: one for a probationary faculty (tenure-track) and one for a tenured faculty (at the associate or professor level). Recipients receive money in support of their scholarship and are selected based on continuous record of research activity; quality of publishing venues; grants/awards; and national and international impact and reputation for tenured faculty. Learn more about the awards.
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