Religious Studies

Purdue University in West Lafayette

The religious studies major offers students the opportunity to investigate how different religious traditions of the world seek and understand Ultimate Reality, how this understanding influences human action and belief about the world, and how historical contexts influence religious thought and practice. By learning about the different religious traditions of the world and their historical contexts, students cultivate a critical appreciation of diverse religious traditions.

Students have the opportunity to study from the interdisciplinary perspective of English, history, philosophy, sociology, and anthropology. Such an interdepartmental approach is designed to help students tailor the program to their special interests. 

All liberal arts majors prepare students with the skills identified as contributing to managerial success:  communicating and listening well, possessing insights into others, creative/critical thinking, problem solving, and the ability to make connections across complex ideas.