FAITH IN FOCUS
Religious studies majors and minors examine religious beliefs, institutions, and practices using approaches from the humanities, arts, social sciences, and sciences. This is your opportunity to understand new dimensions of the human experience. It may help you better understand your faith (if you have one) or understand the powerful ways religions shape our world. Religious studies, combined with appropriate courses in other fields, provides an excellent background for any professional career—including law, engineering, medicine and health care professions, journalism, social work, and others—and for graduate studies in a number of fields.
Degrees
Religious Studies (B.A.)
Major
Religious Studies
Minor
A Great Fit For
- Naturally curious and helpful individuals.
- Anyone interested in innovation or the pursuit of new information and ideas.
- Those wishing to engage in thoughtful discussion and new perspectives.
- Students who wish to further develop their writing, reading, research, and communication skills.
- Those who want to help people understand themselves and others.
THE MORINGSIDE DIFFERENCE
Internships
Opportunities exist for students to take on internships both on and off campus in a variety of Morningside departments and services, local and national nonprofit and community organizations, churches, religious organizations, and more.
Travel
You will have the opportunity to travel regionally, nationally, and even internationally for professional conferences, industry field trips, or May Term courses. Travel grants and special scholarship eligibility may be available.
Research/Active Learning
Research is encouraged and celebrated in Religious Studies; majors pursue independent research in an individual capstone project. You may choose to study alongside a professor and participate in events such as the Morningside University Palmer Research Symposium. Visit local congregations, churches, synagogues, mosques, and sacred sites. Discuss important religious issues at Religious Studies Club. Learn from visits from religious leaders, service and social justice groups, and nonprofit organizations.
FEATURED COURSES
REQUIRED
An introduction to religious variety and to the academic study of religion.
ELECTIVE
Survey of ethical approaches, including a variety of Christian perspectives, and discussions of specific contemporary issues.
ELECTIVE
This course will help students explore the relationship of religion and food and develop your skills in ethical reasoning and application. We use food as an entry point to religious studies and ethical issues around food and food production. Through readings, in-class presentation, and hands-on experiences, we will investigate case studies from different cultures and historical periods. We will explore aspects of food ways such as cooking, farming, sacrifice, and display as they relate to belief and practices. This class will challenge you to move beyond easy notions of culture, religious authority, and identity and consider your own assumptions, ethics, and values.
ELECTIVE
Study of church-state relations in the United States, perspectives on the public role of religion, and activism on social and political issues by religious leaders and groups.
WHY STUDY AT MORNINGSIDE?
13:1
student/faculty ratio so you’re assured a quality education focused on you
99%
employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation
65+
majors & pre-professional programs available
Related Majors & Minors
Still looking for the right fit? Check out some additional program options that we think might interest you or are often paired with this program. You can also view the programs page to keep exploring your options.
Explore Related Programs
MEET THE FACULTY
Next Steps
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Financial Aid
Financial aid is available. Learn how you can qualify.
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