Religious Studies
Bachelor of Arts
Religion matters — and has an unparalleled influence on human history, practices, social movements, and perspectives.
Religious studies courses give you the skills you need to tackle life's big questions and challenges, to thrive as a creative problem-solver, and to become an agent for positive change. Strengthen your cultural, social, and spiritual awareness to enhance your effectiveness in any career, including education, law, health fields, the arts, social work, business, or ministry. Work with peers and partners on campus, including in interfaith, Jewish, Islamic, and Catholic studies.
Highlights
Go deeper with Naz conferences and cutting-edge Solidarity and Social Justice Retreats
This flexible program enables adding a second major
Naz faculty-led study abroad options include India, Cambodia, Turkey, Israel, Italy, Germany, & Poland
Partner with agencies and religious groups working with marginalized populations to transform oppressive social structures
Career Paths
- Educator
- Interfaith relations leader
- International business executive
- Mediator; conflict resolution facilitator
- Public or social service leader
- Chaplain
Internships
- Center for Holocaust Awareness and Information
- Saint's Place, refugee resettlement
- Rochester Catholic Diocese Chaplaincy
Graduate Schools
- Brown University
- Duquesne University Law School
- Fordham University
- Notre Dame University
- Yale University Divinity School
99%
of new Nazareth grads are employed or in grad school within six months of graduation
2,285
high-impact experiential learning experiences completed by the undergraduate class of 2025
$1,500
Our SPARK Grant provides $1,500 for you to pursue an internship, research, or study abroad. SPARK details »
Areas of Study
- Cross-cultural & Interfaith Awareness: Courses involve sustained study of global traditions, bringing cultural awareness to students' lives and career paths, preparing them to relate responsibly and authentically with future students, patients, clients, business partners, and colleagues from different backgrounds.
- Ethics & Social Justice: Courses pursue questions of ethics and explore systems that sustain and ameliorate social challenges such as racism, sexism, homophobia, colonialism, economic disparity, and environmental destruction, offering students the skills needed to advocate for equity and justice.
- Spiritual Wisdom & Well-being: Courses explore contemplative philosophies and practices to learn how spiritual traditions can facilitate informed self-discovery and human understanding, paving the way for students to thrive as compassionate, effective leaders in their fields.
Want to teach?
For elementary school (birth to grade 6): You can double major in religious studies and in inclusive early childhood/childhood education, for a curriculum that includes both religious studies and teaching younger children, preparing you to get teaching certification.
Program Director
Alumni Spotlight
“Religious studies at Nazareth University brings meaning and purpose to any career path by pushing you to think deeply about your values, your impact, and the kind of work you want to do in the world, to find profound purpose in what you do. What truly sets the program apart is the people. The faculty and staff create a supportive, inspiring environment, and the relationships I built made my experience at Naz unforgettable.
“My religious studies major shaped the way I approach both my career and patient care. It sparked a passion for holistic medicine and led to my acceptance into a graduate program focused on integrative, whole-person care. The perspective I gained allows me to connect with people from all backgrounds and support their overall wellness in a meaningful, human way.”
— Elena Ruzekowicz ‘25, who majored in religious studies and biomedical sciences, plans to pursue a physician assistant master’s degree at the Southern California University of Health Sciences.