Religious Studies Program

Gain a better understanding of the world

We challenge students to study the religious practices, beliefs, institutions, and texts of ancient and modern societies. Through these studies, students learn about the religious phenomena that have shaped human civilizations. In addition to deep knowledge of this religious and cultural activity, our students acquire intellectual skills that serve them throughout their educational endeavors and beyond. Religion has historically shaped and continues to influence cultures and institutions worldwide. It is useful to explore spiritual traditions in order to examine ultimate religious and ethical questions.

A typical course in the department includes students from various backgrounds and academic disciplines, and it affords significant opportunity for provocative interdisciplinary discussion.

Students will graduate with the ability to reflect upon, appreciate, and be open to criticism, practices, beliefs, and institutions of other cultures as well as their own. Through this exposure, students come to better understand the world, themselves, and their place in the world.

Experiential Learning

You will experience practical aspects of religion through field work in local places of worship, including Confucian, Hindu and Sikh temples; Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhist temples; a Greek Orthodox Church; a local synagogue; and St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, which has one of the largest social help programs in the Central Valley.

Three-year degree option

You have the option to earn your bachelor’s degree in three years. Do your part to stay on track, and you could shave a year off your undergraduate work. That means significant savings on tuition and you get a jumpstart on your career.

Outstanding Student

Ziadelyn Mercado

Ziadelyn Mercado is a double major in religious studies and psychology. She is an active member of Multicultural Affairs and participates in Tea with the Women's Resource Center, Talk Better Together, and Soul Food. In studying religion, she hopes to gain a better understanding of the different kinds of religious and belief systems.

Outstanding Student

Savannah Robinson

Savannah has a passion for exploring the intersection between human spirituality and health care, especially in the community. She began developing Spanish language information on COVID-19 when she found a lack of information for Spanish-speakers.

Interdisciplinary program

The Department of Religious Studies is interdisciplinary by definition and covers content that spans the globe in a broad historical manner. Our curriculum includes an array of topics, such as:

American religious culture
Eastern and Western religious and spiritual traditions
Ethical issues of contemporary life (e.g., biotechnology and ethics)
Gender and sexuality
Media and religion
The interface of politics and religion, contemporary and ancient
Classic religious, spiritual, philosophical, mythological, magical, and political texts from Chinese, Sanskrit, Hebrew, cuneiform, Greek and Latin sources
Archaeological artifacts from the ancient world

students sitting in front of Morris Chapel

Close-knit community

Students in the Department of Religious Studies form a close-knit community. Those bonds are strengthened by the field trips they take as part of their academic studies, by celebrating each other's achievements, and by exploring the world of religious studies through dialogue and conversation.

Religious studies students have the opportunity to meet and work closely with a faculty that has in-depth expertise covering diverse aspects of the discipline. Not only do our faculty excel in their own academic scholarship, but they also excel in imparting that knowledge to students.

While Pacific does not require students to adhere to any religious faith or system of belief, many of our students find their studies enriched by working with the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life. This office works to foster dialogue, understanding, and harmony in our campus community.

Beyond the classroom

Students experience practical aspects of religion through field work in local places of worship, including Confucian, Hindu and Sikh temples; Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhist temples; a Greek Orthodox Church; a local synagogue; and St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, which has one of the largest social help programs in the Central Valley.

You will traverse Northern California with professors to explore different religions and faith systems. These out-of-the-classroom experiences deepen students understanding of their field and bring the texts and traditions they study to life. Recent trips have included the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San Jose and Stockton Cambodian Buddhist Temple.