Religious Studies
The religious studies major sparks curiosity of religions globally, encompassing Christianity and other religious traditions.
About Our Religious Studies Degree
General Information
B.A. students in Religious Studies at Valpo must complete the general-education requirements for the B.A. This University-wide core strengthens communication and critical thinking skills while introducing global cultures and traditions. Note that six of these credits also fulfill theology and ministry major requirements, (e.g. THEO 200 and a 300-level THEO course).
The religious studies major at Valpo helps you understand the world – and yourself – on a deeper level. The curriculum explores religions globally, encompassing Christianity and other religious traditions, with courses in history, philosophy, sacred texts, and more. Students of all backgrounds are invited to examine the complex nature of religion and its role in our interconnected world today. By studying different faiths and engaging with life’s big questions, you’ll gain insight into who you are and how you see the world, as well as cultures around the globe.
The study of religion is indispensable to understanding our complex, globalizing, and intersectional world. The Department of Religious Studies encourages students to explore and engage with religion as a lived, cross-cultural, and comparative discipline through an interdisciplinary approach that integrates anthropological, historical, philosophical, theological, and sociological perspectives. Through this lens, students critically and compassionately examine Christian and other religious traditions, cultures, and philosophies, broadening their understanding of both their own beliefs and those of others.
Students also benefit from experiential learning opportunities in collaboration with the University’s Division of Calling and Spiritual Life, where service, leadership, and vocational discernment intersect. This collaboration emphasizes the importance of service and leadership as core components of Valparaiso University’s Lutheran education, allowing students to explore how these values shape their sense of calling and contribute to the broader community.
With a degree in religious studies, students can pursue a variety of career paths filled with meaning and purpose:
Professional Church Work (with B.A. in Religious Studies)
- Church youth minister
- Deacon or deaconess
- Director of Christian education
- Parish worker for evangelism and outreach
- Private agency representative (e.g., Lutheran Volunteer Corps, Young Adults in Global Mission, Jesuit Volunteer Corps, Youth for Christ, Board for Youth Ministry)
Religious Studies and Another Field of Study
- Church music director or organist
- Global service in education, social work, health care, and more
- Religion-focused librarian, journalist, or media producer
- Social worker in a faith-based agency
- Teacher in church-affiliated schools
Preparation for Advanced Studies
- Graduate study in religious studies, theology, or other related disciplines
- Seminary training for ordained ministry
religious studies
Program Rankings & Highlights
Student Discovers Calling Through Alumni Connection
The Rev. Joshua Burkholder ’02 and David Rojas Martinez’s paths first crossed because of a stained glass window, but it was a shared adoration of Lutheran liturgy that forged the friendship that would shape Martinez’s future.
The Chapel of the Resurrection
A Way Station of Wonder, A Haven of Hope
Before coming to Valpo, the words “In Luce Tua Videmus Lucem” most likely would have been lost in translation – literally – for those of us who don’t speak Latin (so…most of us). Since coming to Valpo, however, you may now know those words to mean “In Thy Light We See Light.” …
Meet Our Faculty
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religious studies
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