Religion
The study of religion will equip you for the complexities of both public and personal life, with deep attention to the intersections of culture, history, politics, ethics, justice, conflict, and peace—as well as questions of life and death, happiness, and what it means to lead and to serve.
Through faculty-mentored research, service and experiential learning, and a flexible curriculum, you will gain a deep understanding of the complex role that religion plays in the world today.
Explore interfaith perspectives
Our religion program provides a solid grounding for you to engage with diverse religious traditions both locally and globally. Courses include themes or topics across multiple religious traditions, as well as in-depth studies of specific religious traditions, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Indigenous lifeways.
Customize your degree
You will be able to construct your own individualized emphasis that will prepare you for a variety of careers or further study. The major is structured to allow for double majoring, and popular combinations include political science, philosophy, environmental studies, communication, sociology, and more. Our religion minor is also a great complement to many Cal Lutheran academic majors.
Gain hands-on experience
You will have opportunities to pursue internships, experiential learning, and independent studies, allowing you to explore areas of potential career interest. This program supports the liberal arts emphasis of the university and prepares you to understand and negotiate the myriad complexities of religion in our world today, including spaces in business, local government, social services, education, medicine, administration, sales and environmental advocacy.
At a Glance
Degree Type
Bachelor of Arts
Department
School/College
College of Arts and Sciences
Next Steps
Interested in this major? Here's what you can do next:
With challenging and relevant courses, outstanding faculty, small class sizes, and an emphasis on hands-on learning, the religion program will position you to succeed in your chosen career.
Degree requirements
Find out what it takes to earn a degree in religion and explore the courses.
Highlighted Courses
Get familiar with some of the courses you might take in this major.
Food and the Environment
See descriptionRLTH 381: Religion
See descriptionRLTH 300: Religion
See descriptionIdentity and Vocation
See descriptionRLTH 351: Global Ethics
A variety of issues have arisen which need to be examined from global perspective: political repression, social change, terrorism and war, economic globalization, immigration, human rights, health, and the environment. This course examines these issues from the perspectives of global religions, ethics, social theory, and social movements
See descriptionRLTH 349: Queer Theology
This seminar course seeks to ask and respond to the theological questions within the context of queer theory. Moving beyond LGBTQ liberation theology, it seeks to (dis)integrate traditional understandings of the divine and consider the theological implications of identity, particularly by dis-/e-/rupting binaries such as good and evil, female and male, straight and gay, divine and human.
See descriptionRLTH 334: The American Religious Experience
The course traces the historical role(s) of religion in the United States of America from Native American religious traditions, through the dominance of Christianity in its multiple expressions, to the modern-day reality of pluralism. Themes include but are not limited to the relationship between religion and politics; the importance of the U.S. as a land of (religious) opportunity; religion and money; pluralism as a religious idea and/or challenge; and social frameworks such as class, sports, gender and sexuality.
See descriptionRLTH 384: Religion and Ecological Ethics
Religion and ecological ethics is the challenging work of 1) gaining clarity about our positions, attitudes, and assumptions with respect to "the environment" by drawing from the disciplines of both religious and philosophical ethics; 2) developing rigorous ways to think about complex issues such as climate change, environmental injustice, ethical treatment of animals, farming and food justice, and others; and 3) outlining practical approaches to local/global issues and short/long term actions.
See descriptionRecommended Minors
Want to add even more value to your degree? Consider one of these minors to gain a unique combination of skills and perspectives.
- Gender and Women’s Studies
- History
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Environmental Studies
- Communication
- Political Science
- Theatre Arts
- Music
- Legal Studies
- Global Studies
- Journalism
- Philosophy
- Public Health
We offer hands-on opportunities that give you the freedom to explore your passion through real-world work and prepare for a fulfilling career.
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Student Research Grants
The Louis W. and Gladyce Foster Family Foundation fellowship awards allow students to engage in research that is full-time, faculty-mentored, novel, and presentable outside the university. The quality of mentoring from faculty member is vital as the goal of these fellowships is to advance students in their professional and personal development.
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Study Abroad
Cal Lutheran offers a range of options for study abroad, from semester programs to short-term travel seminars.
Benefits of studying abroad include:
- Gain international perspective
- Build proficiency in a language
- Learn to navigate a different environment
- Develop intercultural awareness
- Enhance your resume for jobs
I help students develop the capacity to critically examine global social issues and explore how they can personally contribute to a more just, beautiful, and sustainable world.
Victor Thasiah
Assistant Professor
Students majoring in religion graduate from Cal Lutheran prepared for a wide variety of pursuits, including graduate school, seminary, and employment in many different fields. In addition, Lutheran students are eligible for the Associate in Ministry program for lay persons who are certified by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Potential Careers
Archivists
Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.
See descriptionCurators
Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.
See descriptionLibrarians and Media Collections Specialists
Administer and maintain libraries or collections of information, for public or private access through reference or borrowing. Work in a variety of settings, such as educational institutions, museums, and corporations, and with various types of informational materials, such as books, periodicals, recordings, films, and databases. Tasks may include acquiring, cataloging, and circulating library materials, and user services such as locating and organizing information, providing instruction on how to access information, and setting up and operating a library's media equipment.
See descriptionPhilosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses in philosophy, religion, and theology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
See descriptionClergy
Conduct religious worship and perform other spiritual functions associated with beliefs and practices of religious faith or denomination. Provide spiritual and moral guidance and assistance to members.
See descriptionDirectors, Religious Activities and Education
Coordinate or design programs and conduct outreach to promote the religious education or activities of a denominational group. May provide counseling, guidance, and leadership relative to marital, health, financial, and religious problems.
See descriptionFundraisers
Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.
See descriptionEducation Administrators, Postsecondary
Plan, direct, or coordinate student instruction, administration, and services, as well as other research and educational activities, at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and junior and community colleges.
See descriptionLooking for more career paths? Search these related areas to discover more options.
Employers
Some of the organizations our graduates work for include:
- Americorps
- Christian Ministry in the National Parks
- Community Lutheran Church
- Crossroads Community Church
- ELCA Division for Global Mission
- Grace Lutheran Church
- Lamb of God Lutheran Church
- Lutheran Social Services
- Trinity Lutheran University
- Westlake Lutheran Church
Graduate Schools
Our alumni have pursued advanced degrees at:
- Bethel Seminary
- Champlain College
- Claremont School of Theology
- Fuller School of Psychology
- Fuller Theological Seminary
- Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago
- Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary
- Princeton University
- Washington State University
- Yale University
This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Some occupations listed above may require a related graduate degree.
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After you graduate from Cal Lutheran, you receive free access to Career Services for life, as a valued member of our alumni family.
of Cal Lutheran graduates find a job or enroll in graduate school within nine months
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