Religion provides orientation and direction for individuals and communities, societies and cultures. The study of religion engages enduring questions about the meaning of life in a context of liberal arts learning. While discovering the history, thought, and practice of various traditions, you will explore and clarify your own world view.
The study of religion also informs everyday life, because religion plays a central role in topical issues such as international conflict and peace processes, shifting gender relationships, and protection of the environment. Rooted in the rich Lutheran educational legacy, the study of Religion at PLU encompasses diverse religious traditions from around the world.
You will find teachers committed to excellence in teaching. In addition to your classroom learning, field work and service learning opportunities are available. You will be encouraged to study abroad or work side by side with a faculty member in important research.
You will join in broad and lively conversations with an ecumenical community of teacher-scholars at PLU. You will find a rigorous program that focuses on mature conversation, thinking and writing. The faculty of the department is committed to thoughtful inquiry essential to a life of faith.
PLU’s extensive, balanced and creative religion curriculum is among the best in the Pacific Northwest. The wide range of faculty expertise is complemented by small classes. Our faculty will work with you to design a personalized major, double major or minor around your educational goals. Your faculty adviser will work closely with you in considering graduate school or seminary.
The study of religion prepares you for fields requiring critical, contextual and creative thinking, ethical decision-making and working with people. It allows you to learn and practice the interpretive approaches of several disciplines during your university career. As the diversity and pluralism of our world become more intensely part of our daily lives, the study of religion offers you insightful and nuanced understanding of individuals, communities and complex issues.
Career paths chosen by recent graduates in religion:
The Bachelor of Arts degree in religion allows flexibility and presumes that you will take advantage of individual advising in designing your major program. The major requires 32 semester hours with 12 hours in upper division courses and a minimum of eight hours in each of the two main areas of study:
In addition, students participate in the Research in Religion Seminar and the Capstone Seminar. Participants work with the entire department to shape a substantial research project and present their work publicly. Transfer students must take at least 20 hours at PLU.
There are two options:
First, the religion minor requires 16 semester hours, with eight hours in each of the two main areas of study mentioned above. Transfer minors under this option must take at least eight hours at PLU.
Second, the religion minor taken under the Teacher Education option is intended primarily for parochial school teachers enrolled in the School of Education. This minor requires 24 semester hours, with at least eight hours in each of the two lines. Transfer minors under this option normally take 16 hours in residence. Courses taken to satisfy the General University Requirement in religion (eight hours) may be applied toward either minor option.