Religious Studies
You don’t have to be religious to study religion. Knowing what people believe, and why, can help teachers in the classroom, patients in a hospital or clients in businesses.
If the varied ways in which humans have imagined and attempted to communicate with the sacred scriptures, rituals and ethics engages you, we invite you to consider a major in Religious Studies at UNI.
Maybe you have observed that when humans confront the big questions of life, they may turn to the world's religious traditions and answers. Perhaps you have been intrigued by the many gods and goddesses of the Hindu tradition, the rituals of fasting or pilgrimage, or the Buddhist concept of evil. If so, a major in Religious Studies might be for you.
Top Program
You don't have to be religious to study religion. A religion major will make you stand out to employers!
In-Demand Skills
The critical thinking, writing, and speaking skills you develop in the Religious Studies major set you up for success in any career you pursue.
Career Prep
We’ll help you translate your major into the skills employers want in our Senior Seminar.
Discover the Religious Studies major at UNI
Hear from our students and professors about how a major or minor in Religious Studies at the University of Northern Iowa can open doors both professionally and personally. From understanding global cultures and belief systems to building critical thinking, empathy, public speaking, and conflict resolution skills — our program equips you for any career path. Hear from passionate students and professors about the impact this department has had on their lives, work ethic, and worldview. Whether you're double majoring or exploring something new, Religious Studies offers a meaningful and empowering academic experience.
The Study of Religion Club (STORC)
STORC is a student organization that is aimed towards creating a welcoming and open environment for the discussion of religion as it relates to topics like popular culture, current events, and society in an academic setting. We meet on various Tuesday and Wednesday evenings for a variety of events! For more information you can find us on Facebook @STORC.UNI or email us at uni.storc@gmail.com to be added to our email list!
Find out More About the Religious Studies
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Contact us directly at:
Department of Philosophy & World Religions
University of Northern Iowa
Bartlett Hall 1089
Cedar Falls, IA 50614
Phone: (319) 273-6221
Email: michael.graziano@uni.edu
Careers
Majoring in the study of religion lends itself to a number of different career choices. Our grads have gone on to professional training in:
- Law
- Higher education
- Counseling and social work
- Medicine
- Ministry
- Business (particularly international business)
- Journalism
Others have moved directly into the job market, taking up positions in:
- Government, foreign service, or the Peace Corps
- Non-profit agencies
- Marketing and management
- Museums and the arts
- Publishing
Courses
- New Testament and Early Christian Writings
Introduction to the history and ideas of the New Testament, taking into account both its relationship with the Israelite/Jewish religious traditions from which it emerged and the political, social, and cultural influences of its neighbors (particularly Persia, Greece, and Rome).
/ Religion and the Public Schools
This course focuses on the role of religion in public education and how it has been lived, legislated, and adjudicated in complicated (and sometimes contradictory) ways.
- Religion & Politics
Students will familiarize themselves with the ways religion shapes aspects of public life, such as elections, public activism, policy-making, civil service, and civic discourse.
Careers
Majoring in the study of religion lends itself to a number of different career choices. Our grads have gone on to professional training in:
- Law
- Higher education
- Counseling and social work
- Medicine
- Ministry
- Business (particularly international business)
- Journalism
Others have moved directly into the job market, taking up positions in:
- Government, foreign service, or the Peace Corps
- Non-profit agencies
- Marketing and management
- Museums and the arts
- Publishing
Courses
- New Testament and Early Christian Writings
Introduction to the history and ideas of the New Testament, taking into account both its relationship with the Israelite/Jewish religious traditions from which it emerged and the political, social, and cultural influences of its neighbors (particularly Persia, Greece, and Rome).
/ Religion and the Public Schools
This course focuses on the role of religion in public education and how it has been lived, legislated, and adjudicated in complicated (and sometimes contradictory) ways.
- Religion & Politics
Students will familiarize themselves with the ways religion shapes aspects of public life, such as elections, public activism, policy-making, civil service, and civic discourse.
Interested in Graduate School in Religion?
Students preparing for ministry or for graduate professional education in theology or religious studies, regardless of major, are advised to consult with the department head, Susan Hill, who will help them plan an undergraduate program appropriately designed for their professional interests.
Three-year degree pathway
This major is offered as part of UNI’s Three-Year Pathway initiative, giving motivated students the opportunity to complete their bachelor’s degree in just three years by following a structured plan of study. This option is ideal for students who enter UNI with prior college credit (through AP classes and dual enrollment), as well as high-achieving students who are ready for an accelerated academic pace. Students must meet program eligibility requirements, including appropriate placement scores for some majors, and may transition to a traditional four-year pathway at any time. For more information, contact our department at michael.graziano@uni.edu