Religion Department

Welcome to the Department of Religion.

Studying religion challenges you to think about important questions like: What is the purpose of life? What do sin, grace, and death mean? What happens after we die? By exploring these topics through the works of great thinkers, you'll gain valuable insights.

A degree in religious studies prepares you for careers that value reading, writing, and critical thinking. We welcome students from all backgrounds who are ready to engage with different religious traditions. Our goal is to understand and tackle global issues, helping create a fairer world.

This field combines ideas from the arts and sciences, encouraging curiosity and creativity. You’ll develop practical skills that you can use in many areas of life. Join us to explore these meaningful questions and make a difference!

Our curriculum helps student strengthen their communication skills and realize their own unique style of leadership. The skills gained in our degree programs and courses are transferable and relevant to many areas of study and work.

Reflect on the interrelatedness of religion and culture.
Interpret the nature of religious experience, Christian and otherwise.
Cultivate problem-solving skills, learn to work in teams, develop empathy, and gain a deep understanding of the human experience in all its diversity.
Develop important interpersonal, decision-making, and leadership skills.
Communicate effectively in oral and written form.

As students prepare to graduate, we offer personalized career development which includes mock interview sessions, business etiquette dinners, resume and cover letter writing seminars and so much more.

Undergraduate Programs of Study

Religion classes at Thiel develop students’ abilities to understand complex issues and assess alternative explanations by engaging profound ideas and great minds from the past and present. Our professors are active scholars and with our small class sizes, students can receive personal attention.

Majors, Minors, and Certificates

Religion has always been a central part of societies around the world. It influences key areas like political power, economic systems, social classes, gender roles, marriage, work, and even conflict. Essentially, religion shapes the way communities function and affects individual beliefs and behaviors.

Our program includes courses on the history, texts, beliefs, practices, and institutions of both eastern and western religious traditions. We also focus on how religion interacts with society and encourage comparative studies of different faiths.

You’ll enjoy learning from some of the top instructors at Thiel.

Religion (B.A.)
Theology & Youth Ministry (B.A.)
Pre-Ministry (minor)
Religion (minor)
Religion (certificate)

Experiential Learning and Campus Activities

Religion students can join Theta Alpha Kappa, the national honor society for religious studies and theology. The honorary boasts more than two hundred chapters nationally in four-year educational institutions ranging from small religiously affiliated colleges such as Thiel to large public research institutions.

History majors also can be inducted into Chi Alpha Epsilon, National Honorary for Academic Achievement and The National Society of Leadership and Success.

In their junior or senior year, many students take advantage of study abroad opportunities to broaden their perspectives and deepen their practical knowledge. These hands-on learning opportunities ensure students are equipped with the vital experiences that position them to start their career or pursue graduate education.

Learn more about the clubs and activities for education majors.

Career Opportunities

Studying religion is essential to the liberal arts and prepares students to pursue graduate degrees and for diverse careers, including journalism, law, business, education, and roles in nonprofit and religious organizations.