Religion Major

Baldwin Wallace University has discontinued the religion major and is no longer accepting applications as of spring 2024. BW will continue to offer a minor and elective courses in religion. View majors.

Undergraduate Admission

(440) 826-2222, admission@bw.edu

OVERVIEW

An exploration of the historical, cultural and ethical impacts of religion is at the core of this multi-faceted major offering rewarding career opportunities.

Baldwin Wallace's religion major is relevant and real world-focused. It fosters deep analytical thinking that enables you to assess the values, teachings and presuppositions that shape core beliefs.

Coursework encompasses spirituality, scripture, history, theology and ethics. You'll gain an understanding and appreciation of the rich diversity of religious traditions practiced around the world.

You can study religion as a pursuit of your own search for personal and spiritual development, or as a way to understand diverse perspectives across different cultures.

Religion is a career-focused major that prepares you for post-graduate or seminary studies as well as workplace opportunities. It builds skills in critical thinking, reasoning, and oral and written communication.

Personal attention, faculty collaboration and interdisciplinary opportunities are at the forefront of the program. You'll have opportunities to supplement classroom studies with self-directed exploration, including internships, independent study projects and study abroad travel.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Professor
Diplomat
Foreign correspondent
Counselor
Social service
Youth/campus minister
Clergy/religious professions

PERSONAL, PROFESSIONAL BENEFITS

Religion is at the heart of societies. Historically, it has been responsible for maintaining the status quo and has been the impetus for major changes. Studying religion offers a deeper perspective of critical issues facing mankind today. It offers students an opportunity to focus on the aspects of religion that interest them as well as reflect on their own spirituality and personal stances.

CURRICULUM

Offered as a major and minor, religion is a comprehensive area of study that spans world religions, spirituality, scripture and religion in cultural contexts. BW courses cover topics like violence and peace, contemplative spirituality, religion and literature, American religious pluralism and more.

An excellent companion field of study, religion is often chosen as a second major or minor for students interested in education, humanities, social sciences, business and international studies, among others.

The religion major prepares students to:

Convey knowledge and understanding of religion traditions and experience through critical thinking, writing and oral communication skills
Identify and interpret the ultimate questions religious traditions address
Identify facts, theories, and methods used by professionals in the field of religion
Understand and appreciate their own experience within a religious or spiritual context

STUDENT EXPERIENCES

Experiential learning bridges classroom study with real-world opportunities. You can enhance your studies through internships, co-curricular activities and other learning opportunities that include:

Lindsay-Crossman Chapel

The Chapel serves the spiritual needs of the Baldwin Wallace community through meaningful activities and services that are spiritually enriching.

Faith & Life Lecture Series

The annual event brings national spiritual leaders to campus. It is designed to nourish spiritual life and enhance the influence of the various faith traditions at Baldwin Wallace University.

In 2020, Ilia Delio, OSF, Ph.D. gave three presentations on the theme "Christianity in a World of Evolution: Exploring the Upside-Down God." To view the lectures online, visit the links below:

STUDENT CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

Athletes in Action

The student-led organization seeks to introduce students to Jesus Christ. It helps them grow in faith and encourages them to passionately live their lives in a manner consistent with belief in the God of the Bible and inspires commitment to advancing the purposes of God in the world.

Cru

This interdenominational Christian organization is for students who want to seek answers about Christianity or who want to grow in their relationship with Christ.

Hillel

This organization serves as a source of fellowship for Jewish students as well as a resource for non-Jewish students interested in learning more about Judaism. It creates an inclusive space for students through which they can participate in Jewish life and be a part of Jewish community at BW.

Muslim Student Association

Promoting a deeper understanding of Islam and Muslims is the crux of this organization. It engages the BW community in exploring Islamic cultural heritage, history, values, diversity and contributions to the world.

Newman Catholic Campus Ministry

Newman Catholic Campus Ministry is committed to helping students integrate faith and action into their daily lives through weekly Mass, individual and community spiritual development, formation of personal leadership, small group faith sharing experiences, retreats, and education for justice and community service.