Major in the Study of Religion

The Study of Religion examines how religion shapes the most fundamental convictions and attitudes of a culture, in this country as well as around the world. thus it provides understanding both of our own culture and of cross--cultural relationships, making it possible for students to live and work creatively and responsibly in a diverse global civilization among many contrasting ways of life and world views. this major explores ancient scriptures, historical developments, and recent movements, all of which portray how persons face the deepest problems of a changing world--problems that have to do with life and death, freedom and authority, meaning and loss, hope, suffering, and tragedy. The Study of Religion also develops critical reflection on contemporary religion, including social and moral matters having to do with good and evil, right and wrong, healing and harm, brokeness and reconciliation. With its special focus on the profound dilemmas of value and meaning in life, the Study of Religion fosters skills and perspectives for success in a range of employment situations, as well as preparing for graduate and professional study towards counseling, the ministry, teaching, and community leadership.
36 credit hours
Fact: Today's college graduates may change careers three to six times in their lifetimes.
Fact: Ten years after graduation a majority of students will be employed in a position not related to their college major.

Liberal Arts: In a rapidly changing world, what major will constitute a sound investment in your future and serve you well in a rapidly changing job market? Increasingly, studies indicate that a major in a liberal arts discipline is the best investment you can make in your future. When speaking of "liberal arts," we refer to fields such as art, music, philosophy, and religion. Thirty eight percent (38%) of today's CEOs majored in the liberal arts. At AT&T, a study shows that social-science and humanitites graduates move into middle management faster than engineers and keep pace with business and engineering counterparts in reaching the top levels of management.

Why do majors in the liberal arts do so well? Why does a study by Northwestern University indicate that major companies plan to increase their hiring of liberal-arts graduates by 20% in the near future? A degree in a liberal arts discipline provides valuable expertise in the world because skills most valued in the college graduate by a prospective employer are the same ones cultivated by students who major in a liberal arts discipline: skills in research, communication, decisionmaking, and analysis. Students who study in the liberal arts do not receive career-specific training that may be outdated within five to ten years of graduation. Instead, they "learn how to learn:" they develop skills that perepare them to master new skills at a rapid pace, to assess novel situations quickly, and to process information efficiently, accurately, and with an eye to creative sythesis.

The Study of Religion: Why may the study of religion be the best liberal arts major for you? In our diverse global economy that requires persons to work creatively and responsibly to develop perspectives and skills for living, the study of religion prepares you for a diverse future. As it readies you for cross-cultural understanding and life in a global economy, you learn skills in reflection, decision-making, and analysis that are valued in today's job market. Your expanded cultural awareness, when combined with skills in research, communication, and analysis, will prepare you to assert leadership in your chosen field of work, to move flexibly in a rapidly changing world, and to deveop job-skills that will last a lifetime.

Minor in the Study of Religion

21 credit hours

The Study of Religion: Why may the study of religion be the best liberal arts major for you? In our diverse global economy that requires persons to work creatively and responsibly to develop perspectives and skills for living, the study of religion prepares you for a diverse future. As it readies you for cross-cultural understanding and life in a global economy, you learn skills in reflection, decision-making, and analysis that are valued in today's job market. Your expanded cultural awareness, when combined with skills in research, communication, and analysis, will prepare you to assert leadership in your chosen field of work, to move flexibly in a rapidly changing world, and to deveop job-skills that will last a lifetime.


Department of Philosophy and Religion
Jerome P. Soneson, Acting Department Head
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls IA. 50613-0501
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Page last updated December 21, 2004 by the Department Webmaster.