Why Religious Studies?
Religion is a social phenomenon that has great influence on human experience. Across the world history, religious values have, on the one hand, given human meaning and these traditions have laid the foundation for human relations as documented in human rights, democracy, social justice movements, interfaith interaction, tolerance and piece. On the other hand, religious ideologies have fueled conflict and encouraged insecurities such as acts of terrorism and ethnic cleansing, leading to dislocation and migration of populations and in some cases economies and general welfare of people have been destroyed. The study of religion enables one to understand origins and complex relationships in human relations. The academic field of religion is the most interdisciplinary field with direct relevance to the world we live in.
The Religious Studies concentration in the Multidisciplinary Studies major:
- Complements many professions, including business, counseling, education, foreign service, or social work. This program’s graduates have successfully moved into a variety of fields
- Provides excellent preparation for theological schools and various forms of ministry, including ancillary institutional functions such as education, finance, music, publishing, and recreation
- Creates a strong foundation for graduate work in preparation for research and teaching
- Informs students in their quest for meaning in life by probing the big issues in human life and action
- Allows students to combine their study of religion with a major or minor in another program, enabling them to broaden their educational experience and acquire a more immediately marketable skill
- Helps students to think analytically and communicate effectively
- Enhances cultural awareness, which is increasingly vital in our ever more interconnected world.
These skills are transferable to many career fields. In our ever more culturally diverse world, this training will serve students well in the 21st century. The program has many graduates who have gone on to successful work in various professions.