Religion is a central source of meaning, purpose, and creativity in human cultures, while also a source of conflict and controversy. Through Salem’s religion program, students explore specific religious traditions past and present and how they inform history, politics, science, literature and art. Drawing on diverse theories and methods, students cultivate skills of critical inquiry and close textual interpretation. The department encourages students to become well-informed, globally aware, and tolerant thinkers, adept at research, analysis, writing, and speaking. Such skills are in high demand by employers, as well as by graduate and professional schools.
The study of religion is the investigation of the universal human quest for a meaningful existence and experience of transcendence. This involves an examination of the beliefs and practices of the various religions of the world, the individual spiritual journey, and the role of religion in society and culture.
What can you do with a religion major? You may head for seminary or a graduate program in religion; be a double major who takes religion as a support for or a complement to another major; or be a student in the education program who chooses religion as your required academic major.
When you complete your religion major, you will be able to conduct research in religion and present in both oral and written form the results of your research. This means that you will be able to:
A major in religion requires a total of nine courses including RELI 360 and one other 300-level Religious Studies class. At least five of these, including RELI 360, must be completed at Salem.
The minor in religion requires the completion of five courses including either RELI 360 or another 300-level Religious Studies class. RELI 270 is excluded. Students must take at least three of these courses at Salem.
Moravian Archives
Baptist Hospital Chaplain Services
Hospice Care
The study of religion is the investigation of the universal human quest for a meaningful existence and experience of transcendence. This involves an examination of the beliefs and practices of the various religions of the world, the individual spiritual journey, and the role of religion in society and culture.
What can you do with a religion major? You may head for seminary or a graduate program in religion; be a double major who takes religion as a support for or a complement to another major; or be a student in the education program who chooses religion as your required academic major.
When you complete your religion major, you will be able to conduct research in religion and present in both oral and written form the results of your research. This means that you will be able to:
A major in religion requires a total of nine courses including RELI 360 and one other 300-level Religious Studies class. At least five of these, including RELI 360, must be completed at Salem.
The minor in religion requires the completion of five courses including either RELI 360 or another 300-level Religious Studies class. RELI 270 is excluded. Students must take at least three of these courses at Salem.
Moravian Archives
Baptist Hospital Chaplain Services
Hospice Care
See our Academic Catalog for all of our course offerings.