Religious Studies
The religious studies major sparks curiosity of religions globally, encompassing Christianity and other religious traditions.
About Our Religious Studies Degree
The religious studies major at Valpo helps you understand the world – and yourself – on a deeper level. The curriculum explores religions globally, encompassing Christianity and other religious traditions, with courses in history, philosophy, sacred texts, and more. Students of all backgrounds are invited to examine the complex nature of religion and its role in our interconnected world today. By studying different faiths and engaging with life’s big questions, you’ll gain insight into who you are and how you see the world, as well as cultures around the globe.
There are 40+ religious studies courses available for undergraduate students at Valpo, exploring religions globally. Learn more about the religious studies major requirements.
With a degree in religious studies, students can pursue a variety of career paths filled with meaning and purpose:
Professional Church Work (with B.A. in Religious Studies)
- Church youth minister
- Deacon or deaconess
- Director of Christian education
- Parish worker for evangelism and outreach
- Private agency representative (e.g., Lutheran Volunteer Corps, Young Adults in Global Mission, Jesuit Volunteer Corps, Youth for Christ, Board for Youth Ministry)
Religious Studies and Another Field of Study
- Church music director or organist
- Global service in education, social work, health care, and more
- Religion-focused librarian, journalist, or media producer
- Social worker in a faith-based agency
- Teacher in church-affiliated schools
Preparation for Advanced Studies
- Graduate study in religious studies, theology, or other related disciplines
- Seminary training for ordained ministry
Valpo offers many ways for students to grow in leadership, service, and faith. Students who are interested in ministry can participate in the weekly Christian Formation and Leadership Symposium and apply for the University’s Allen Scholars Program. Religious studies students are also regularly selected for internships through the Calling and Purpose in Society (CAPS) Fellows Program, organized by Valpo’s Institute for Leadership and Service. These opportunities help students deepen their faith, develop practical skills, and prepare for lives of purpose and leadership.
Students in religious studies at Valpo have rich opportunities for experiential learning, supported by the University’s long-standing foundation of lived faith. With campus partners such as the Division of Calling and Spiritual Life, students are invited to observe different ways of worshipping, leading, and serving. Students visit places of worship in the local community, such as a Hindu temple, an Orthodox church, or an Islamic center. Workshops on meditation, prayer, and other religious practices offer insight into religion as a lived experience. Campus programming, including panels and conferences, also provides opportunities for interfaith dialogue.
religious studies
Program Rankings & Highlights
The Chapel of the Resurrection
A Way Station of Wonder, A Haven of Hope
Before coming to Valpo, the words “In Luce Tua Videmus Lucem” most likely would have been lost in translation – literally – for those of us who don’t speak Latin (so…most of us). Since coming to Valpo, however, you may now know those words to mean “In Thy Light We See Light.” …
Religious Studies
Meet Our Faculty
Our religious studies faculty members are called to help students understand their own beliefs and those of others. Professors at Valpo bring a variety of expertise in the field and provide personalized mentorship to help guide students on their journey to a career that shines with purpose.
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
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