Pikeville College - Academic Affairs

Why Should I Major In Religion?

Religious studies are a way of organizing the oldest and deepest human concerns about the meaning of life. Religion courses at Pikeville College take students deeper into the Christian religious heritage and provide the chance to study other religious traditions as well. Classes such as World Religions and Mythology offer an introduction to ways of understanding beyond the Western tradition, while surveys of Jewish and Christian scripture and the history of Christianity (particularly in Europe and the United States) provide an overview of the religious traditions of the West. Courses concerning religion and individual experience, religion and society, ethics and law and contemporary religious thought pay particular attention to the role of religion in American life.

What can I do with a religion degree from Pikeville College?

As with most liberal arts degrees, with a degree in religion you can move into many fields. Religion majors learn how to analyze literature from a number of perspectives, to formulate and present both oral and written arguments and to respect opposing points of view. These skills are useful in many careers. More specifically, the study of religion provides an understanding of how current religious traditions and practices have been created not only by spiritual concerns but also by historical, sociological and economic forces. It helps students to achieve a sensitive understanding of different cultures and beliefs while better understanding and appreciating their own. For all of these reasons, the religion programs are designed to stand alone or to be taken in conjunction with other majors or minors.

Religion Careers*:

• Chaplain
• Christian Educator
• Counselor
• Journalist
• Pastor
• Professor
• Teacher
• Theologian
• Writer

The study of religion can also lead to other careers in conjunction with other fields. We encourage religion majors to participate in designing a program that meets their personal and professional needs.

*Some of these careers require additional education or experience.

Religion at Pikeville College

The Religion program is offered through the Division of Humanities. The academic study of religion stresses the historical, ethical, spiritual and cultural bases of a society’s system of beliefs.

Religion Major: This program is designed for individuals who are interested in the study of religion for personal, academic, or professional goals. It consists of an 18-hour core and two options: Biblical and Comparative Studies. Students will choose to pursue one of these, taking at least four electives from that option, at least one course from the other option and two more courses from either option.

Religion Degree Options

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Art (B.A.)

Religion Faculty

James C. Browning
Carol S. Grizzard