BA in Religious Studies in Chicago United States | DePaul University

The Department of Religious Studies provides DePaul students with a chance to explore religion through scholarly inquiry. This field examines not just sacred scriptures, myths, ceremonies, spiritual encounters, and teachings, but also how political, social, and economic factors influence these elements within faith communities. Utilizing various academic approaches, religious studies encourages students to explore global traditions in their full cultural richness. Due to the subject's intricate nature, faculty incorporate methodologies from numerous disciplines—including anthropology, art history, biblical studies, economics, environmental studies, ethics, gender studies, history, linguistics, literature and literary criticism, political science, philosophy, psychology, sociology, and theology—in their research and teaching. In addition to textual analysis, students can examine religious expression through film, video, music, visual and performing arts, and digital media. The program prioritizes developing strong writing abilities, critical thinking skills, and effective verbal communication. Beyond standard coursework, students may pursue advanced learning through options like senior thesis projects, independent research, international study programs, internships, and community engagement initiatives both domestically and abroad.