The Religious Studies and Ethics Department examines the impact of religion on local, national, and global communities. In true liberal-arts form, its approaches includes the theological, comparative, philosophical, historical, ethical, literary, scriptural, psychological, socioeconomic, and anthropological. We teach religious studies not as an isolated, esoteric field of study, but rather as a deeply integrated field requiring an invaluable tool set that merges elegantly with other academic disciplines, from the humanities and social sciences to the arts and hard sciences.

Religious Studies and Ethics fits beautifully within the College’s mission and Core Values. The program’s curriculum opens hearts and minds to new ideas while preparing students for a variety of careers by nurturing a range of skills. These skills include critical and creative thinking, competency in oral communication, confidence reading a range of texts, analytical writing, and leadership and role modeling within communities. In studying religion and ethics, students engage critically, compassionately, and cross-culturally with the major issues facing individuals, cultures, and the world.

Courses are offered on Christianity, Bible, Judaism, Islam, Native American religion, Tibetan and Himalayan religions, and Chinese religions. Our global focus includes the West, the Middle East, the Far East, Latin America, and indigenous peoples. Students in Religious Studies and ethics courses learn through seminar discussions, lectures, role-playing, film analysis, individual reading, writing, student collaboration, and internships focused on social service and action.

Religious Studies and Ethics graduates have pursued careers in law, medicine, education, social justice work, counseling, art, business, and government. The department also offers preparation that may lead to a career in ministry or religious education, and courses prepare students to enter seminary or divinity school directly upon graduation.