Religious Studies takes you to other cultures, traditions, and worlds. You’ll develop a global perspective that’s fundamental to understanding ethics, ways of living, belief systems, and rituals in civic, civil, and spiritual space throughout history.
| Available as | Degree | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Majors, Minors | Bachelor of Arts | 4 years |
Why major in Religious Studies?
Are you curious about how religion shapes cultures, societies, and human experience? The Religious Studies major at Gettysburg College invites you to examine the world's major religious traditions—such as Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Indigenous spiritualities—through a rigorous academic lens. Here, you'll study religion not as a practitioner, but as a scholar, learning how belief systems evolve, influence behavior, and interact with social and historical forces.
Religious Studies graduates have found success in medicine, law, business, nonprofit organizations, government, education, and graduate studies.
Curriculum
The academic study of religion provides all the benefits of any other liberal arts humanities major, and the department offers a diverse curriculum. Religious studies courses train students in inter-cultural communication and critical thinking--that is, objective, informed, and balanced insight and analysis. In this increasingly globalized world, we work with people from many different cultures in our careers, and it is imperative that we be able to communicate with one another. Our courses acquaint students with the cultures, societies, and histories of the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, Europe, and the Americas. They implicitly train students to re-evaluate their own most deeply held values and beliefs. Faculty specialize in different geographic regions, time periods, and methodologies, and we bring the breadth of our global experience into the classroom.
Major in Religious Studies
Nine courses are required for the major in Religious Studies. At least four courses must be at the 200-level; at least two courses must be at the 300-level or above. Majors and minors are encouraged to take Religion 101 early in their careers, though it is not a requirement for the major. Students are encouraged to take courses that examine varying religious traditions and religion in varying regions and contexts.
Minor in Religious Studies
Six courses are required for the Religious Studies minor. At least one must be at the 200 level, and at least one must be at the 300 level or above. One of the six may be taken outside the department, but may not be in the student's major.
Why choose Religious Studies at Gettysburg College?
Choosing to study religious studies at Gettysburg College offers students a dynamic and diverse curriculum that explores global cultures and religious traditions. With faculty specializing in various regions and methodologies, students gain a broad understanding of religion's role in society, both past and present. This comprehensive approach prepares students for careers in a globalized world, emphasizing critical thinking, open-mindedness, and communication skills. Gettysburg's religious studies program also offers a flexible structure. Majors can explore courses in various geographic and cultural contexts, while the small class sizes foster close relationships with faculty. Students can further enrich their experience through study abroad opportunities, senior capstone projects, and potential cross-disciplinary learning.
Start your journey today. Apply now or request more information to discover how Religious Studies at Gettysburg College can prepare you for a thoughtful, impactful, and globally informed career.