Religion
Making Sense of Some of the Most Complex Concepts Imaginable
Challenge yourself by exploring the field of study that serves as an intersection for every idea in every discipline that exists. The Religion major seeks to explore the spiritual complexities of today's world while providing a multi-dimensional, layered approach to the understanding of religion and its profound concepts.
Catawba’s Religion major develops strong critical thinking skills and strengthens your awareness of diversity and the various viewpoints present in our multicultural society. Inspiring faculty and small class sizes foster thoughtful discussion, perhaps challenging long-held perceptions and beliefs in the spirit of exploring complex topics with respect and an open mind.
The Religion & Philosophy Department’s purpose is to introduce a broad range of students to religious and philosophical dimensions of human existence and to encourage these students to develop a greater depth of knowledge and commensurate skills in our disciplines.
Program Highlights
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Experiential Opportunities
Catawba’s Religion majors have opportunities to gain real-world, hands-on experience by completing internships as youth directors, assistant music directors, children’s ministers, mission program associate directors, camp or retreat ministry center staff.
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Lilly Center
Through Catawba’s Lilly Center, Religion majors have opportunities to engage in theological and ministerial pursuits. Several programs geared towards assisting students include: The Year of Inquiry Program, the Retreat Leadership Corps, Catawba Outdoor Adventures, Volunteer Catawba, and the DISCOVER Program.
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Ranked #4
Catawba College is ranked fourth among Best Regional Colleges in the South by U.S. News. Our reputation of being a quality, accessible private college precedes us.
Molly Sue Harmon ’19Something that I am very passionate about is the United Nations and the advocacy that it offers for religious injustice and human rights violations. I hope to one day use my education to be an advocate for justice in religion and human rights for the UN.
Program Details
Experiential Opportunities
Experiential Opportunities
Catawba’s Religion majors have opportunities to gain real-world, hands-on experience by completing internships as youth directors, assistant music directors, children’s ministers, mission program associate directors, camp or retreat ministry center staff.
On-Campus Involvement
On-Campus Involvement
Religion majors interested in serving during on-campus Chapel services are invited to join the service leadership teams. Other opportunities to assist with these services or other religious services in the life of the college, such as Commencement Weekend’s Baccalaureate Service, are also available.
Net Price Calculator
Net Price Calculator
Estimate your share of college costs and how much financial aid you may be eligible to receive
Our calculator is designed to give you an early indication of what type of financial aid you may qualify for if you were attending Catawba College as a first-year, transfer, online, or graduate student.
Outcomes
Outcomes
Careers - In employment fields that incorporate and synthesize several perspectives, Religion majors thrive and excel in jobs like these:
- United Church of Christ Pastor
- Canon Lawyer
- Counselor
- Adult Day Care Manager
- Missionary
- Food Bank Director
- Family Life Center Manager
- Church Outreach Editor
- Church Musician
- College Professor
Graduate Schools - Religion majors routinely score the highest on these standardized tests, including the LSAT (Law Schools Admissions Test), MCAT (Medical College Admission Test), and GRE (Graduate Record Examination). Professional schools routinely seek students from the humanities and social sciences, particularly those with challenging majors like Religion. Grad schools enrolling our graduates include:
- Duke Divinity School
- Yale Divinity School
- UNC-Greensboro
- Wake Forest Divinity School
- Wesley Theological Seminary
- Vanderbilt University
Catawba College has received a $500,000 grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc. The grant will fund the Catawba Clergy Network’s continued efforts to enrich the lives of clergy and help them thrive in their service.
Catawba College is bringing Kate Bowler, bestselling author, to campus as part of their Clergy Days programming on October 26th. Bowler will provide the keynote address at 11 am in the Omwake-Dearborn Chapel on Catawba’s campus. The event is free and open to the public.
2023 Catawba College Awards Ceremony Honors Students, Faculty, and Staff for Achievement and Service
Catawba College held its annual Awards Convocation on Thursday, April 20 in Omwake-Dearborn Chapel. Dr. Constance Rogers-Lowery, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, thanked all of the award recipients who have demonstrated the qualities upon which Catawba College was founded: scholarship, character, culture, and service.
