Religious Studies
Study how religion shapes people’s everyday lives.
Many people view religion in terms of beliefs, prayers, texts, communities and rituals. However, it can also be about bodies, money, power, the environment, death, family and gender. As a religious studies minor, you’ll:
- Explore classic ethical dilemmas and examine how global religious cultures address these questions.
- Learn how individuals and communities have interpreted sacred texts throughout history.
- Investigate how religion interacts with themes such as race, ethnicity, nation, diaspora, imperialism, borders and more.
At A Glance
-
12:1Student-to-faculty ratio
-
18Average class size
Possible Careers
Study how religion shapes people’s everyday lives.
Many people view religion in terms of beliefs, prayers, texts, communities and rituals. However, it can also be about bodies, money, power, the environment, death, family and gender. As a religious studies minor, you’ll:
- Explore classic ethical dilemmas and examine how global religious cultures address these questions.
- Learn how individuals and communities have interpreted sacred texts throughout history.
- Investigate how religion interacts with themes such as race, ethnicity, nation, diaspora, imperialism, borders and more.
Get to Know Religious Studies
Meet the Faculty
Community Engagement
The Center for College and Community Engagement (3CE) offers students opportunities to engage and grow in partnership with the local community. Find out how you can get involved.
Explore the Curriculum
Learn more about the fundamental courses that will offer a roadmap for your academic growth and expertise development.
Explore
Student & Alumni Spotlights
No one describes the Alma experience better than those living it. Explore their stories, in their own words, below.
I never planned to do a Religious Studies minor, but after taking one class, I fell in love with it. Religious Studies teaches me so many new things and ways of seeing the world, and the faculty are very knowledgeable and attentive to your personal interests for class and research opportunities.
Some of my favorite classes I've ever taken were from Alma's religious studies program! I learned so much about the world around me and how people make sense of their places in it. It's so much more than just learning about religion; I learned how to engage critically with text, analyze and critique historical narratives, challenge my own preexisting beliefs and biases, and embrace different worldviews. My religious studies classes pushed me and helped me develop as a thinker, writer, reader, student, and also as a human being.
I never planned to do a Religious Studies minor, but after taking one class, I fell in love with it. Religious Studies teaches me so many new things and ways of seeing the world, and the faculty are very knowledgeable and attentive to your personal interests for class and research opportunities.
Some of my favorite classes I've ever taken were from Alma's religious studies program! I learned so much about the world around me and how people make sense of their places in it. It's so much more than just learning about religion; I learned how to engage critically with text, analyze and critique historical narratives, challenge my own preexisting beliefs and biases, and embrace different worldviews. My religious studies classes pushed me and helped me develop as a thinker, writer, reader, student, and also as a human being.
Develop a global perspective.
As a religious studies minor, you will pursue transdisciplinary modes of inquiry. You also reflect upon how systems of oppression — such as racism, colonialism, patriarchy and queer/trans antagonism — impact people’s lived experiences of religion.
Thanks to this broad lens, the religious studies minor pairs well with almost every major offered at Alma. Many of our students major in political science, English, philosophy, sociology and psychology. Others opt for education, women’s and gender studies, and healthcare administration.
What You Need to Know
Through our program, you’ll build critical thinking, research, ethical reasoning and analysis skills. You’ll also develop a high degree of empathy and sensitivity to different worldviews. This prepares you for success in a wide range of career paths.
Students interested in religious studies often go on to careers in ministry, education and social services. Others embark on work or advanced study in fields such as law, medicine and business.
Get Connected
Student Organizations
Foster connections with like-minded peers — and find friends for life — in one or more of our 100+ student organizations.
