Religious Studies
Major or Minor in
Religious Studies
Are you curious about how different people's beliefs and values influence their actions? Do you wonder how belonging to different communities, religious and otherwise, shapes the way people think about themselves? How different teachings or stories that people consider sacred generate meaning and purpose in their everyday lives? Religious studies majors at Linfield seek answers to questions like these, and they strive to understand how different persons (religious and otherwise) have answered them.
As a religious studies major at Linfield
you might take:
See how women are depicted in the Bible or other religious literature and examine the various roles women play in religious traditions. (RELS 342)
Women in Religion
See how women are depicted in the Bible or other religious literature and examine the various roles women play in religious traditions. (RELS 342)
Learn about the significance of pilgrimage in several religious traditions and go on your own sacred journey. (RELS 320)
Pilgrimages: Sacred Journeys
Learn about the significance of pilgrimage in several religious traditions and go on your own sacred journey. (RELS 320)
Learn how to read religious texts as literature while you explore many types of Buddhist literature from past-life stories to enlightenment poems. (RELS 373)
Buddhist Narrative
Learn how to read religious texts as literature while you explore many types of Buddhist literature from past-life stories to enlightenment poems. (RELS 373)
Religious studies at Linfield
Beyond the classroom
-
In our program, expert faculty will help you choose courses tailored to your personal interests and encourage you to go beyond the classroom.
expand for image context information -
Gain firsthand experiences in our local community with trips like a Friday prayer at a mosque in Portland or a Shabbot service at a synagogue in Salem.
expand for image context information -
Participate in evening devotions at a Hindu temple or meditation at a Tibetan Buddhist temple.
expand for image context information
-
Internships provide invaluable hands-on experience and further develop your professional skills. Religious studies majors at Linfield have found internship placements in organizations such as Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon.
expand for image context information -
Take your studies around the world! Study abroad in programs designed specifically for religious studies majors.
expand for image context information
Life After Linfield
You will leave prepared for a career in areas such as:
Religious Institutions
- Pastor
- Spiritual Director
- Chaplain
Administrative Services
- Regional Director
- Onboarding Specialist
- Vice President of Corporate Operations
Estimate wage: $75.5k
Estimate of what Linfield religious studies alumni could be making based on their current ages, occupations and geographic locations.
Potential wage: $89.1k
The potential wage is based on the average wage for the occupations.
Top career paths
The top five education-to-career paths of Linfield religious studies alumni include:
- Pastor
- Development and volunteer coordinator
- Assistant Director
- Onboarding Specialist
- Spiritual Director
View more career outcome information
Request more information
Have questions about religious studies at Linfield? Reach out! We'd love to connect with you.
Gennie VanBeek
Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences
Renshaw Hall
503-883-2238
gvanbeek@linfield.edu
Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences
Renshaw Hall
503-883-2238
gvanbeek@linfield.edu