Religion
Undergraduate Major & Minor College of Liberal Studies
Bachelor of Arts
About:
In a world where most social and political conflicts contain a religious dimension, it becomes increasingly necessary to have a better understanding of religion’s diversity and influence in regional, national, and global life. When you study religion at PLU, you’ll discover the history, thought, and practice of various traditions while exploring and clarifying your own worldview.
You’ll find professors committed to excellence in teaching, who will work with you to design a personalized major, double major or minor around your educational goals, and you’ll have opportunities for hands-on learning in research, field work and service learning. Through your study, you’ll be well-prepared for career fields that require critical, contextual and creative thinking, ethical decision- making and working with people. PLU religion graduates make significant contributions to the community as lawyers, school teachers and college professors, lay and ordained religious leaders and leaders in local and global agencies devoted to healthcare and the environment.
Skills you'll gain from this program:
- Critical Thinking and Analysis — Develop reading, writing, and research skills to evaluate evidence, question religious concepts, and craft compelling arguments. You'll be equipped to question and explore religious concepts and practices.
- Communication Skills — Cultivate powerful public speaking skills, giving you the confidence to share your beliefs and engage in meaningful conversations with people across diverse religious and cultural landscapes.
- Cultural Competency — Learn to connect with people from diverse cultural and faith backgrounds, fostering mutual respect and understanding in today’s world.
- Cross-Cultural Engagement — Navigate religious and cultural diversity by exploring how values and beliefs shape communities, and practice building dialogue across differences.
Graduates from the last 5 years: Their jobs
- Legal Intern, Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
- High School Studies Teacher, Issaquah School District
- Program Coordinator, Triage Cancer
- International Client Service Specialist, Veracast Communications
- Second Lieutenant, US Army
- Recruiter, YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties
- Overcome 2 BeCome, Owner
Graduates from the last 5 years: Their graduate programs
- Master of Arts in History, Washington State University
- PhD in Religious Studies and Juris Doctor (dual law school program), Northwestern University
- Law School, University of Washington
- Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, University of the Cumberlands
- Master of Social Work, Pacific Lutheran University
- Master of Science in Clinical Psychology, Eastern Michigan University
- Master of Theological Studies, Emory University
It’s FREE to apply to PLU
When you're ready, we're here. Apply now and fulfill your potential!
Get Startedof religion majors who applied to graduate school have been accepted and received scholarships
Double major
All religion majors at PLU pair their degree with another field, letting you explore multiple passions and boost your future opportunities
Study Away
Religion students have spent semesters studying in Oxford, Greece, China, Namibia, Scotland, Australia, Nepal, Trinidad and Tobago, and the PLU January term Religion study away classes (taught by PLU professors) in Greece and Mexico are some of the most popular programs at PLU!
Diverse Experience
You can take classes in environmental ethics, religion and medicine, the religions of Asia, feminist theology, Luther, Native American traditions of the Pacific Northwest, to name just a few!
