Academics
Helpful resources for student success
Undergraduate
The major and minor programs in Western Michigan University's Department of World Religions and Cultures are designed for those who, religious or not, want to know more about religion, the role and significance of religion in societies today and in the past, and the ways academics think about and analyze religion and related concepts. Students and instructors will:
- Examine the concept of religion as well as specific religions from around the world and throughout history.
- Analyze religion as a part of culture and in relation to other parts of culture.
- Study components of religions like myths, rituals, doctrines and institutions.
- Compare, evaluate and employ academic definitions and theories of religion.
The comparative religion major and minor provide a solid foundation for graduate study in religion and related fields. Many students combine a major in comparative religion with another major from within the humanities or social sciences.
Online courses
The Department of World Religions and Cultures offers both a major and minor that can be taken fully online.
Graduate
Download or view our graduate programs flyer.
Master of Arts in Comparative Religion
The Master of Arts in Comparative Religion is designed to provide students with:
- A strong foundation of knowledge of religious traditions
- The principal classical works in the field of comparative religion
- The central issues of theory and method that underlie the study of religion
- Foundations of teaching world religions
Graduate Certificate in Spirituality, Culture and Health
The Graduate Certificate in Spirituality, Culture and Health provides students with:
- A cultural understanding of the body, illness and health
- An understanding of the impact of culture, spirituality and religious belief of patient-provider relationships
- Competence to act in a consulting role within their organization
Master of Arts in Spirituality, Culture and Health
The Master of Arts in Spirituality, Culture and Health provides students with:
- A cultural understanding of the body, illness and health
- Practical tools for addressing religious, spiritual and cultural diversity in health and human services settings
- An advanced understanding of the impact of culture, spirituality and religious belief on patient-provider relationships
- An advanced understanding of the process of healing in the context of the current health care and human services environment in the United States
4 + 1 Program with Kalamazoo College and Grand Valley State University
The Department of World Religions and Cultures will now offer two 4+1 graduate programs! We have partnerships with the Department of Religion at Grand Valley State University as well as the Department of Religion at Kalamazoo College. Under these programs, students majoring in religion at these schools will be able to transfer up to 12 credit hours of work towards their master's degree in comparative religion at Western Michigan University.
- 4+1 Graduate Program with Grand Valley State University
- 4+1 Graduate Program with K College
Careers
The programs in comparative religion also provide knowledge and skills relevant to and useful in a large and growing range of careers and professions.