Why Study Religion at K?
Religion is a powerful and dynamic force, influencing our society and world in diverse and complex ways. With small classes, close faculty mentorship, and research opportunities, K is an ideal school to study how religion affects the human experience.
As a religion student, you will learn what it means to define a faith tradition, the history and beliefs of different religious groups, and the methodologies used to study religions. Given how deeply intertwined religion and society are, you will further study how religions reflect, change, and are changed by the economic, cultural, and political contexts in which they are practiced. Through this close examination, you will gain a firm foundation in religious studies: the ability to critically examine sacred texts, research religious influences, and effectively communicate your knowledge to diverse audiences.
You will gain these skills through both tradition- and culture-based courses, such as Religion and Masculinity in the U.S.; Islam in South Asia; Religion, Bollywood, and Beyond; and sex and the Bible.
In tradition-based classes, you will explore the history, texts, and beliefs of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism as well as other faiths. Whereas in your culture-based courses, you will dive deep into specific questions and methods, including religion and science, sexuality studies, gender and feminist studies, material culture, transnationalism, and the commodification of religion.
For a comprehensive understanding of religion and religious experiences, you will examine these themes and traditions from multiple angles: theology, history, linguistics, sociology, anthropology, and philosophy.
The critical thinking, communication, and knowledge of religions you will gain during your four years with the department will prepare you for a variety of careers. Notably, alumni have gone on to become religious leaders, scholars, lawyers, counselors, programmers, and business professionals.
What can you do with a Religion degree?
Below are some of the careers, employers, and graduate schools of our religion alumni.
Careers
- Social Worker
- Attorney
- Librarian
- Religious Leader
- Teacher/Professor
Employers
- Big Brothers Big Sisters
- AmeriCorps
- Catholic Charities
- Jewish Family Services
Graduate Schools
- Harvard University
- University of Chicago
- University of Michigan
- George Washington University
- Western Michigan University
Program Spotlights
Learn from the experts with personalized mentorship
You will benefit from learning from our stellar faculty, who are all experts in their field and represent the diversity of religious scholarship: historical, textual, and ethnographic studies. While proud of their research, K is a teaching-first institution, and our professors take immense pride in the close mentorship they develop with students. Outside of class, office hours, and advisor meetings, our faculty exemplify this kinship through their annual dinner celebrations for new majors and graduating seniors.
Ask big questions as you pursue your own research
All K students conduct meaningful research for their Senior Integrated Project [SIP]. As a religion student, you have the chance to expand upon the ideas you found most interesting in your classes or start a new line of inquiry into a topic of your choice. However, you are not alone in your research; you will receive one-on-one guidance from a professor and participate in peer workshops throughout your SIP process. In the end, we will celebrate all your hard work at the Religion Department SIP Symposium, where you will present your findings to your professors, classmates, friends, and family.
Take a deep dive into religious studies at the Armstrong and Thompson lectures
The Armstrong and Thompson lectures are each annual events where the College invites leading scholars to present their research to the campus community. These lectures provide you with the opportunity to learn about aspects of religious studies you may not be exposed to in your courses. For example, the 2022 Thompson lecture “Undrinking the Kool-Aid: Mis/remembering Peoples Temple” features Dr. Megan Goodwin sharing her research on cults and bad religion as we explore the popular misremembrances of the so-called Jonestown Massacre.
Meet the Current Departmental Student Advisor
Megan Hybels
Major: Religion
Minor: History
Best Adjective to Describe You: Thoughtful
What is the best thing about being part of this department?
Conversations with fellow religion students are amazing, you learn so much from your peers, inside the class and outside.
What is your biggest piece of advice to first-years and sophomores about getting connected to this department?
Attend religion department lectures! They are always very interesting and the department loves doing dessert bars.
What drew you to the department?
I originally took a Buddhism class as an elective in my freshmen year without giving it much thought, and without prior interest in religion. I was instantly hooked by the fascinating readings and lively class discussions and knew I had to take more classes in the department!
What is your favorite thing about K?
I love the open curriculum and the chance to take so many classes outside of my major or minor. The language requirement had initially seemed like a chore, but I am so glad I ended up taking classes in German, I found a great community in those classes and the language skills have proven super helpful in other courses.
What is your Senior Integrated Project [SIP]?
My SIP is going to be about psychiatry and Catholicism in mid-century America. I am interested in looking at how relics and devotional objects were used to treat mental illnesses.
What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
I am super interested in attending divinity school!