Religion

Description of Major

The Department of Religion aims to provide all students with an introduction to the academic study of religion, to give them the conceptual skills to interpret religious experience in its varying manifestations, and to instill in all students a sense that religion is a fundamental dimension of human experience. A background in religion can help develop character and personal skills, which are extremely important in most job situations.

Relevant Coursework

Understandings of Religion, History of Christian Thought, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, East Asian Religion, Greek and Roman Mystery Religions, Faith, Love and Ethics, Issues in Living and Dying, Parish Service

Current Outlook
Religious life is an important part of a student's existence for many at Carthage. For those interested in continuing work in their faith, those interested in learning about other religions, or those interested in assisting with community projects, these groups fulfill a special need:

  • Christian Ministry Council
  • CUMBYA Ministries (youth ministry)
  • Catholic Fellowship Group
  • Fellowship of Christian Athletes
  • Gospel Messengers
  • Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship

Why take Religion at Carthage?
A very diverse faculty will provide you with a wide range of approaches to religious questions. All have earned Ph.D.s, publishing records, extensive involvement in professional associations and plenty of enthusiasm for teaching.

The Carthage religion curriculum is progressive in design, addressing the most pressing religious issues of the day while providing the depth and breadth in classical religious scholarship needed for effective ministry and graduate studies.

The flexibility of the Carthage religion major will allow you to customize the program to meet your interests and needs, and to readily combine it with a major or minor in other disciplines at Carthage.

With the Carthage religion department you will have ample opportunity to study outside the country for a J-term or semester. Currently programs are offered in India, the Mediterranean world and Germany.

The Carthage religion department has a fine record of landing graduates in some of the most prestigious seminaries and graduate schools in the country.

What can I do with a major in Religion?

POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
This list includes careers requiring differing degrees of education and training.

  • Religion Education Teacher
  • Hospital Chaplain
  • Youth Director
  • Grief Counselor
  • Campus Ministry
  • Professor
  • Missionary
  • Leader of a Congregation
  • Lawyer
  • Business Executive
  • Liturgical Resource Expert
  • Counseling Psychologist
  • Religious Staff Writer
  • Non-Profit Administrator
  • Development Fundraiser
  • Nursing Home Director
  • Clergy

COMPANIES EMPLOYING CARTHAGE GRADUATES OF THIS MAJOR

  • Our Savior's Lutheran Church - Education Program Director
  • St. Mark Lutheran Church - Youth Director
  • Trinity Lutheran Church - Youth Ministry Intern
  • Bethany Lutheran Church - Teacher's Aid
CARTHAGE MAJORS HAVE PURSUED GRADUATE STUDIES IN
  • Theology
  • Divinity