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At Capital, Religion majors explore topics that include world religion, religion and culture, and history. Students develop an understanding of a variety of religions and learn how to discuss religion in meaningful ways. They are supported by dedicated, full-time faculty members who specialties include biblical literature, feminist thought, and indigenous religions.

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Religion

While many of Capital’s Religion students have an interest in Ministry Studies, an equally strong group of students pursue the academic study of religion more generally, developing interests in world religions, religion and literature, history, and theology. Capital students often pursue a second major, including English Literature, Creative Writing, Psychology, Business, and Art Therapy. Religion faculty also administers the Pre-Seminary program at Capital, in which students from any major may work toward admission to seminary programs and employment in a wide range of professional ministry settings. Graduates are participating in ordained ministry nationally and internationally, and they're working in a wide variety of programs and occupations, demonstrating the value and flexibility of Capital’s religion program.

What can you do with a degree in this academic area?

  • Graduate school in Religious Studies, Philosophy, or Ministry
  • Ministry
  • Non-profit Management
  • Corporate Manager
  • Chaplain
  • Church Musician
12:1

Student to Faculty Ratio

1830

Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University Founded

1:1

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Experiential Learning

With campus located just minutes from Columbus, students have the opportunity to network with professionals and work with local communities during their time at Capital. Religion graduates are accomplished critical thinkers and writers, work well independently and in teams, are flexible and able to think creatively, and are committed to lives of service. Students are well prepared for graduate school or seminary or to enter the job market immediately upon graduation.

Program Philosophy

As a Religion major, students develop:

  • An understanding of the nature of religion, of the sacred, and of major religious traditions, including Christianity;
  • The ability to carry on disciplined, critical dialogue about varied understandings of religion and religious questions;
  • An understanding of how religion shapes and is shaped the social, historical, and cultural contexts of which it is a part;
  • The ability to think critically and to articulate and defend their own ideas;
  • The ability to think creatively and to work both independently and as part of a community with common goals; and
  • The capacity to think critically about life and work in a way that honors their own abilities and needs and those of their community.
Youth Ministry and Christian Education and Worship Ministries

The Youth Ministries and Christian Education and Worship Ministries degrees prepare students for service within congregations and other settings. The programs combine classroom learning with the hands-on practice of ministry. Students have the option to concentrate on one or both tracks. Capital students begin with required Religion courses, and then with an advisor, they select classes in Youth Ministry and Christian Education or Worship Ministries. Ministry majors may choose a second major to develop a complementary interest like business or modern language.

Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University

A regional and ecumenical, inclusive seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University equips and forms faithful, wise and courageous leaders. Students explore faith, grow in knowledge, and participate in practical ministry training. Trinity’s mission is to form leaders for Christ’s church at work in the world. Trinity is the proud home of Hamma Library, two beautiful chapels, large courtyards, the Promise of Life Holocaust Remembrance Sculpture, large conference spaces, and ample classrooms and offices.

Sample Classes

  • Ministry in Congregations
  • Global Awareness
  • Christian Worship
  • Quantitative Reasoning
  • African American Religions
  • Synoptic Gospels
“The academic study of religion is different than going to church. When speaking about faith, we preface that faith is the 'lens' we are looking through. This is really important because we have so many students of various faiths or religious traditions on campus. A college setting is good preparation for how to speak respectfully and to ask questions in a way that offers validity.”

-Moriah Reichert, Religion, Class of 2019

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