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

12:1

Student-to-faculty ratio
18

Average class size

Possible Careers

Clinical Research Coordinator

Gabrielle Alter, 2019 | University of Michigan

College Access Coordinator

Brittany Gordon, 2015 | Ninde Scholars Program

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

At Alma, you'll benefit from one-on-one mentorship from our dedicated faculty. Meet your professors.

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.

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.