Announcements & Updates, Faculty
Religion
Religion is everywhere. Learn to see it.
Religion is woven into culture — in the stories we tell, the values we hold, the communities we create, and the institutions that shape our lives. At Denison, you will study religion as a human phenomenon through rigorous academic inquiry.
Krista Dalton
,Associate Professor, Chair of Religion Department
Jodi Weibel
,Academic Administrative Assistant
What you’ll study as a Religion major
Study religion as an academic field of inquiry. You’ll develop the analytical and communication skills to examine religion in history, culture, politics, ethics, and everyday life with curiosity and intellectual openness.
Analyze religion as a human and cultural phenomenon
Using historical, literary, philosophical, and social scientific methods, students examine religion as a complex human phenomenon that both reflects and transforms cultures across time and place.
Interpret sources critically
Students will interpret religious texts, practices, material culture, and lived traditions using appropriate historical, literary, ethnographic, and theoretical approaches, recognizing the complexity and diversity within religious communities.
Apply the study of religion to contemporary questions
Students will use the academic study of religion to interpret contemporary issues, demonstrating how religious ideas and practices inform public life, ethical debates, cultural expression, and global politics.
Why study religion at Denison?
Study religion where it happens
You’ll examine religion not only in sacred texts but also in everyday life — from social media and sports to immigration, healthcare, climate activism, and public policy. Our courses emphasize lived religion and give you tools to understand how religion is embedded in the world.
Think beyond the classroom
Religion at Denison is rooted in the liberal arts, connecting the study of religion to politics, history, literature, anthropology, environmental studies, philosophy, and the arts. You’ll learn to draw insights across disciplines and apply them to today’s most pressing social questions.
Learn through close mentorship
As a small department, Denison offers close faculty mentorship, discussion-based classes, and opportunities to pursue original research. You’ll work closely with professors who know your interests and help you develop the analytical, writing, and communication skills valued across many careers.
National honor society: Theta Alpha Kappa
Join Theta Alpha Kappa, the national honor society for students who excel in the academic study of religion. Membership recognizes your achievements, connects you with a nationwide community of scholars, and provides access to scholarships, awards, and other academic opportunities. If you’ve distinguished yourself in your religion coursework, consider taking the next step by becoming a member.
Jobs as a religion major
The academic study of religion develops highly transferable skills that employers and graduate schools value: critical analysis, persuasive writing, intercultural communication, ethical reasoning, and the ability to understand complex problems from multiple perspectives. You’ll graduate prepared for careers in law, public policy, education, healthcare, business, nonprofit leadership, journalism, and beyond. See where our grads land.
Career communities
Religion majors often join one or more of our career communities. Some common communities include the Nonprofit, Education, & Government, and Marketing, Sales, & Communication communities.
Career Exploration
Through the Knowlton Center for Career Exploration and its training center, Denison Edge, career coaches help you prepare for the next step after college, and industry experts help you acquire specialized skills and certifications.
Beyond the Classroom
Internships
Explore career paths through an internship (or two!). Denison religion majors have interned with Accenture, The Ronald Reagan Institute, Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, and Community Refugee and Immigration Services.
Study Abroad
Study in your chosen region to enhance your language skills and cultural agility while building your career network. Conduct research during a semester abroad or complete a summer internship in another country.
Summer Scholars
Delve into independent research through our Summer Scholars program. All Summer Scholars receive a stipend and a housing allowance plus supplemental funds for research expenses.
What's Happening
Awards & Honors
Tait Ferguson ’23: President’s Medalist
Lectures & Discussions
The Palestinian Question: Presentation by Raef Zriek
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Study Abroad
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Career Exploration
Career Exploration