Make a Difference in a Diverse World.
The religion minor provides you with an understanding of the religious traditions of the world. Through the study of religious practices, sacred texts, religious history, spirituality, theology and ethics, you will learn to think across disciplines and cultures.
You will have the opportunity to study with a diverse core of deeply qualified and broadly experienced faculty with specialized expertise in religious difference, cultural approaches to the study of religion, religion and ecology, religion and sexuality, and ethics.
Students also explore a variety of religious traditions in the company of experienced faculty and Spiritual Life staff.
Learn More About This Program
Why study religion at SU?
- Studying religion helps you understand diversity
- Studying religion prepares you for any job that works with people
- Studying religion pairs well with other programs
- Studying religion teaches you to read and think critically in a context that respects difference
- Studying religion prepares you to communicate effectively, especially in writing
- Studying religion equips you with the skills to have difficult conversations about the most important things in life, even with those with whom you disagree
Shenandoah University’s College of Arts & Sciences is your direct connection to a classic, broad-based education to satisfy both your intellectual curiosity and career goals. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, small classes and individualized learning opportunities, we put students at the center of all our decisions and events.
We blend the liberal arts with pre-professional courses and hands-on learning to prepare you for careers in the natural sciences, the social sciences and the humanities. You’ll learn through small, engaging classes and relationships with faculty mentors; hone your skills to solve problems; and learn to use creativity and critical thinking to make informed decisions.
Internship Possibilities
The Career & Professional Development staff helps Shenandoah students search and apply for internships related to their career goals. Internships differentiate you as an applicant in your future job searches, provide hands on experience in your field, allow you to sample different career paths, and help you find a specific position that fits your passion before graduation.
Internships for religion students have included ones as a student chaplain at Winchester Medical Center and as a community project organizer, as well as work with local churches.
Career and Salary Possibilities
Career and salary examples for religion students (overall average salary $83,799):
- Clergy/ministry ($49,197)
- Law and legal work ($179,622)
- Postsecondary teacher ($73,809)
- Management ($117,479)
- Elementary/middle school teacher ($51,902)
- Physician ($224,695)
The latest data on programs like Shenandoah’s can be found at https://datausa.io/profile/cip/religious-studies
Career & Professional Development provides a comprehensive range of services and resources to assist Shenandoah students in their career search. Services offered include resume and cover letter building, mock interviews, and professional dining etiquette workshops.
Learning Support
Learning support services are available to all students in every course at Shenandoah. Free peer tutoring with a student who has previously succeeded in the course is available for any course across the university. The Writing Center is available for every stage of the writing process from thesis development to proofreading and bibliography assistance. The Math Enrichment Center is available for math and science assistance. Professors and academic advisers across the university also have office hours and open door policies to ensure Shenandoah students succeed academically.
Join the Honors Program
The Honors Program is a multidisciplinary Honors Program for students who are curious, creative, self-motivated, and eager to engage in their education and community.
Not only do Honors Program students partake in honors courses that emphasize collaboration, service, and communication, but they will also have the opportunity to develop aspects of the program based on their own interests and goals. By participating in the Honors Program you will acquire the tools, knowledge and experiences necessary to make meaningful contributions to your community – whether it be globally, locally, or specific to your life’s work. You will have access to unique courses, exciting experiences and a community of peers and faculty who never stop asking questions and striving for excellence.
Application Information
Shenandoah University works on rolling admissions and accepts applications throughout the year. Applications are reviewed individually and holistically.
Submit your application, review required admission materials, and find our admissions standards.
Meet the Faculty
You’ll have the opportunity to study with a diverse core of deeply qualified and broadly experienced faculty with specialized expertise in spirituality and ethics.
Study Abroad
Make studying abroad the highlight of your college experience! Whether you go for a year, a semester, or just a few weeks. You will never forget learning in another culture! The Center for International Programs is here to help you plan your study abroad experience. Start your planning early to ensure the courses you complete abroad count toward your degree and you graduate on time.
The religion program has offered Global Experiential Learning courses in Senegal and the Dominican Republic in recent years.
Global Experiential Learning (GEL) Program
The Global Experiential Learning (GEL) Program offers Shenandoah students a short-term, faculty-led, study-abroad experience for academic credit. These credit-bearing programs are offered winter break, spring break, and during the summer. If a course is not within your major, it might be used as an elective.
Study Abroad
Shenandoah University is a member of the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), a global network of 300 universities. This partnership allows students to study for a full semester or year at other member campuses abroad. By working closely with their academic advisors and the study abroad advisor, students can take classes taught in English abroad while receiving Shenandoah credit.
Shenandoah University also maintains direct partnerships with several universities around the world. These relationships allow students from SU to study abroad as exchange students and students from these universities to study at SU. All partner universities offer courses taught in English.
Religion Abroad Course Catalog
