Career Options

Our Recent Graduate’s Careers

Recent religious studies graduates have begun careers in fields such as:

More Graduate Career Profiles

Brent Hege ‘98, Instructor, Department of Philosophy and Religion, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN.

“My religion major did prepare me well for graduate study in theology and religion. But more importantly, it prepared me to be a more informed, more sympathetic, and more responsible citizen of the world.”

Benjamin Stoltenberg ’01, PeaceCorps Volunteer in Albania.

“If you are considering a liberal arts education, focusing on the backbone of history and humanity, Religion, is one of the only ways to gain knowledge of that broad cross-section of the humanities in one discipline.”--Sara (Kushnick) Gorfinkel ’02, Director of member services and committee coordination for the Family Philanthropy and Corporate Grantmaking divisions at The Council on Foundations, Washington, DC.

Benjamin Stoltenberg ’01, PeaceCorps Volunteer in Albania.

“My Religion major provided me with the diverse background in multiple subjects
that continues to help me in working with different cultures around the world.”

James Barra ’07, Student, The University of Pennsylvania's School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, PA

“The religion major necessarily exposes the student to unique histories, cultures, and beliefs. It promotes openness and compassion through rigorous study rather than fluff.”

Jennifer Robinson ’05, Attorney, Philadelphia, PA.

“I still enjoy being a Religion major because so many people are so misinformed when it comes to religion, and I really like having a better understanding so that I can teach other people what I know, or win arguments if they are being stubborn! Obviously, given my profession, winning arguments is something I highly value!”

Katie Poticher ’05, Student, Master of Divinity degree program, Princeton [NJ] Theological Seminary.

“As someone preparing for some kind of Christian ministry, I have found that the diversity of Gettysburg’s religion curriculum was helpful for expanding my worldview and helping me to ask important questions that I’ll be striving to answer throughout my life.”

Katie Poticher ’05, Student, Master of Divinity degree program, Princeton [NJ] Theological Seminary.

"As someone preparing for some kind of Christian ministry, I have found that the diversity of Gettysburg’s religion curriculum was helpful for expanding my worldview and helping me to ask important questions that I’ll be striving to answer throughout my life. "

Traci Manning ’07, Park Ranger, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Harpers Ferry, MD.

“Majoring in Religion challenged me to think critically about social situations, culture, and world issues with the ability to wrap my thoughts into both written and spoken forms of communication.”

Karen Goodall, RN, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD.

“First and foremost, being a religion major widened my perspective and reminded me to be open-minded at all times. The course of study introduced me to new cultures, new religions, and new ways of thinking about and perceiving the world. I learned to respect and appreciate the religions, cultures, and peoples of the world through their religious texts and documented experiences through history.”

Kim Westermann ’00, Habitat for Humanity, Raleigh, N.C.

“Without a doubt my Gettysburg education and specifically my religion major prepared me to think both critically and compassionately about people's deepest held beliefs.’

James Barra ’07, Student, The University of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, PA

“Every [dental school admissions] interviewer with whom I spoke asked about my religion major, and one went so far as to say, ‘This sets you apart. If you get in here, this will be why!”

Amanda Adair ’08, Special Projects Coordinator in the Development Office of Gettysburg College

“The professors in the Religion department were truly amazing, and constantly pushed me to challenge myself and become a more confident student and a poised speaker. I am grateful to them every time I have to make a speech or give a presentation.”

Karen Cook ’99, Ph.D. candidate in Musicology, Duke University, Durham, NC.

“My time in the religion department hasn’t only informed my career, but also my life -- studying different religions and traditions forces one to think outside the box, to learn how to deal with people and literature that is unfamiliar or even disturbing, to read between the lines, to think analytically and critically, and ultimately to rethink one’s own worldview. I can’t think of any better preparation for today’s world.”

Curran Geist ’02, Program Manager, The Simon Wiesenthal Center - New York Tolerance Center, New York, NY.

“The Religion Major helped me develop both professional and personal skills that allowed me to thrive in the field of diversity training. It has helped me gain a deeper appreciation for people’s unique backgrounds as well as giving me the critical thinking skills to succeed in a high-paced job. I highly encourage other students to choose this Major because of the huge impact it has had on my life.”

Axel Kaegler ’08, Student, Master of Divinity degree program, Princeton [NJ] Theological Seminary.

“The Religion Department provided me with a wonderful staff of professors who challenged me academically, but in a thoughtful, present and encouraging way. Members of the department took time out of their schedules to take me aside, get to know me, and speak with me. They were real guiding lights in helping me sort out not only my immediate academic work, but also what possibilities would open for me after graduation.”

Lauren Passell ’06, Assistant Editor, Parenting magazine, New York, NY.

“Unfortunately, I don’t get to apply what I learned studying the Gospel of John or the Book of Revelation to my work at Parenting magazine. But having that religious studies background, I think, has made me a more interesting person.”