Program Highlights
Off-Campus Studies
Studying off campus is an ideal way to experience another culture firsthand. Explore religious topics in their natural setting.
Meaningful Research
Gain in-depth knowledge about a topic that interests you. Collaborate with knowledgeable and experienced religion faculty.
Pre-ministry Studies
Are you interested in serving faith communities? At Luther, you’ll work closely with the religion department to prepare for your vocational interests in ordained parish ministry, youth ministry, chaplaincy, Christian education, or pastoral counseling.
What You’ll Learn
Luther’s religion major can provide you with the flexibility to design a program based on your interests and goals. Studying religion can equip you for a role in professional ministry, healthcare, education, law, journalism, political science, or other related fields.
Religion Major
As a religion major, you’ll take eight 4-credit courses and complete a “Reflection and Synthesis” eportfolio requirement. The core of the religion major includes four categories:
- Texts: explore the ongoing interpretation of foundational religious texts.
- Traditions: learn about the history and formation of particular religious traditions or sub-traditions.
- Issues: study contemporary issues of public concern.
- Interactions: examine cross-cultural or interfaith issues.
Religion Minor
As a religion minor, you’ll take five four-credit courses, one each from the Texts, Traditions, Issues, and Interactions categories, and one course 300-level or higher.
Whether you choose a major or minor, studying religion will prepare you to be a global citizen in a diverse and changing world.
Careers and Outcomes
A Luther religion major is a great foundation for professional ministry. A religion major also prepares you for other careers including:
- Pastor/youth minister
- University/college professor
- Communication and creative media
- Teacher
- Health care
- Lawyer/legal assistant
- Project manager/business executive
A Flexible Degree
At Luther, you can design your religion major/minor based on your interests and vocational goals.
For instance, studying religion can help you prepare for a career in journalism. With a religion major, you’ll gain fundamental research and communication skills. You’ll also discover how current issues and events often intersect with religion and ethics.
How does studying religion benefit a career in healthcare? A religion major/minor gives you the ability to provide a holistic approach to treatment. You’ll have a deeper understanding of why it’s important to take care of the diverse spiritual needs of your patients.
How can studying religion help with a career in government? The US government seeks employees with a religion background in agencies such as the State Department or CIA. Understanding the role of religion often benefits the process of formulating foreign policy.