The academic study of religion seeks to describe and interpret the nature of religion and the variety of religious worldviews. In doing so, it draws on the disciplines and interdisciplinary methodologies of the humanities and social sciences. The study of religious worldviews approaches religion comparatively in a cross-cultural context. Moreover, it tries to understand the multiple dimensions of religion: religious texts, myths, doctrines, and rituals; religion and ethics, religious institutions and religious experience.

The study of religion explores the changes religious traditions have undergone over time. In addition, it is interested in the economic and intellectual contexts within which religions have unfolded. This includes an examination of various critiques of and challenges to traditional religions.

The academic study of religion is open, that is to say unhampered by the boundaries and limiations that have been the norm in the denominational or doctrinally oriented teaching of religious worldviews.

All courses in religious studies involve learning how to think and write about the varieties of religious phenomena and experience. Because religious worldviews have been such a fundamental feature of human existence, their systematic exploration widens students' perspectives on issues of race, culture and gender, even as it opens students to deeper insights into the human condition.

The Department of Religious Studies offers a major leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies.The Department also offers a Teaching Minor in Religious Studies for students majoring in Education. Since the study of religion touches many different disciplinary areas, religious studies are a useful preparation and intrinsic component of any liberal or professional education.