About Religious Studies

Northwest Nazarene University’s faculty is dedicated to providing comprehensive support to Religious Studies students throughout their academic journey. They offer personalized mentorship, guiding students in exploring diverse religious traditions, engaging in critical analysis and deepening their understanding of complex theological concepts. Faculty members foster a nurturing and inclusive learning environment, encouraging open dialogue and respectful exploration of differing perspectives. Through small class sizes, students receive individualized attention and have ample opportunities for meaningful interactions with professors both inside and outside the classroom. Additionally, faculty members actively support students in pursuing research opportunities, internships and extracurricular activities that align with their academic and career goals. By fostering intellectual curiosity, spiritual growth and professional development, the faculty at NNU empowers Religious Studies students to thrive academically and personally.

To prepare yourself for a career with a Religious Studies major from NNU, consider the following:

• Deepen Your Understanding: Immerse yourself in the study of religion by taking a wide range of courses offered within the Religious Studies program. Explore various religious traditions, perspectives and historical contexts to gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
• Develop Critical Thinking Skills: Cultivate your critical thinking skills by engaging in rigorous analysis of religious texts, beliefs and practices. Learn to evaluate arguments, recognize biases and articulate your own viewpoints with clarity and coherence.
• Gain Practical Experience: Get involved in internships, volunteer work or part-time jobs related to your interests within the field of Religious Studies. Practical experience will provide valuable insights into potential career paths and help you develop relevant skills and competencies.
• Cultivate Interdisciplinary Knowledge: Explore interdisciplinary connections between Religious Studies and other academic disciplines, such as history, philosophy, sociology, psychology or anthropology. This interdisciplinary approach will broaden your perspective and make you more versatile in various career settings.
• Build Communication Skills: Hone your written and verbal communication skills through coursework, presentations and writing assignments. Effective communication is essential for conveying complex ideas, engaging in scholarly discourse and interacting with diverse audiences in professional settings.
• Network and Seek Mentorship: Connect with faculty members, alumni and professionals working in fields that use Religious Studies practices. Seek mentorship and guidance from experienced individuals who can offer insights, advice and networking opportunities to support your career aspirations.

With a Religious Studies degree from NNU, you’ll be well-prepared to pursue a fulfilling career.

A degree in Religious Studies from NNU empowers you to make a difference in your community by providing you with a deep understanding of religious beliefs, values and practices, as well as the tools to engage with diverse communities in meaningful ways.

You’ll gain cultural competency through the study of various religious traditions, and develop cultural sensitivity, enabling you to interact respectfully with individuals from different backgrounds and perspectives within your community.

Armed with knowledge of religious diversity and the ability to critically analyze complex issues, you can facilitate constructive dialogue and promote understanding among diverse groups within your community, fostering empathy, tolerance and cooperation.

A Religious Studies degree equips you with the ethical framework and moral reasoning skills necessary to advocate for social justice and address issues of inequality, discrimination and oppression within your community.

With a strong foundation in religious ethics and values, you’ll be well-positioned to engage in community service, volunteer work and grassroots organizing efforts aimed at addressing local needs and promoting the common good.

Your understanding of religious practices and beliefs can enable you to provide spiritual and emotional support to individuals facing challenges or crises within your community, offering comfort, guidance and a sense of belonging.

Whether through teaching, leading workshops or organizing educational events, you can share your knowledge and insights with others, raising awareness about religious diversity, interfaith cooperation and the role of religion in society.

By serving as a bridge between different religious and secular communities, you can facilitate collaboration, cooperation and mutual respect, contributing to the creation of a more inclusive and harmonious community environment.

Overall, a degree in Religious Studies from NNU empowers you to be a positive force for change in your community by fostering understanding, promoting justice, providing support and facilitating dialogue and collaboration across religious and cultural boundaries.

Throughout NNU’s Religious Studies program, we ask the question: What does it mean for us to love God and our neighbors better, not just in the future but now? We believe this is not just an academic exercise, but is an act of worship for us…now.