Learn more about UPIKE and why it is the right choice for you.
See if UPIKE is a good fit for you and take the next steps in becoming a student.
The vision for the College of Dental Medicine is to be known and respected for service, innovation, clinical excellence and interprofessional education.
We are practitioners of the healing arts defining the standard for excellence in optometric education and vision care.
Our D.O. medical school is nationally ranked and recognized for a reputation of excellence in rural medicine and family healthcare. UPIKE’s osteopathy program gives you a clear path to success in the medical field.
Explore our online undergraduate and graduate programs and learn more about earning your degree at UPIKE.
The Religious Studies major provides you with opportunities for hands-on, experiential learning, service, collaboration, and leadership. Whether you aspire to enter fields like pastoral ministry, education, healthcare, or public service, a degree in Religious Studies can strongly support your goals.
As a religious studies major at UPIKE, you’ll explore profound questions that shape the human experience. In your study, you can choose from two tracks:
The Religion and the World track guides you to a deeper understanding of the academic study of religion, fostering an appreciation of religious diversity and meaningful engagement with the world’s religions. Courses like Bible and Trauma, Science and Religion, and Finding Your Way will engage you in interdisciplinary learning and equip you with the tools to navigate a complex world.
The Bible and Ministry track combines biblical study with practical ministry training to prepare you for meaningful leadership in a changing world. Courses like Spiritual Leadership, Preaching and Teaching for Ministry, and Caring for Others will prepare you to serve others in your church and community.
Our society is focused on the question, “What do you want to be or do?” In the Religious Studies program, we supplement that career focus by also asking you, “What kind of person do you want to be?” and “What problems in the world would you like to solve?” In the classroom, faculty may lecture from time to time, but you’ll usually be engaged in active learning by: Traveling to diverse religious sites and conferences Dialoguing with people of many faiths Practicing ministry skills like preaching, leading worship services Developing skills in listening to and caring for others Participating in service projects and mission trips Discussing contemporary issues Researching and collaborating on research topics of your interest Growing in your own spirituality and faith tradition
REL 383 Religion and Science Discuss the ways in which religion and science interface through dialogue, discussion, and exploration of a variety of perspectives. REL 322 Spiritual Leadership Think theologically and practically by exploring effective ministry practices and engaging in the practical application of preaching, teaching, worship leading, and pastoral care. REL 240 Yoga Students will engage in the philosophical teachings and physical postures of Yoga.
After earning a degree in Religious Studies from UPIKE, you’ll be able to analyze literature from a variety of perspectives, formulate and present oral and written arguments, and respect opposing points of view.
Chaplain Christian Educator Nonprofit Leadership Law Counselor Pastor Youth Ministry Theologian Journalism Volunteer Coordinator Community Organizer Public Relations Museum/Archival work Peace CorpS Foreign Service/NGO work
Big Sandy Community Technical College Instructor Pastor, Elkhorn City Church Northern Kentucky University, Salmon P. Chase College of Law Pickens Presbyterian Church Pikeville Medical Center University of Pikeville Vanderbilt University Divinity School
“When I began my studies at UPIKE, I was unsure of what I wanted to major in. As an “undecided” student, I was told I needed to complete two religion courses. I fell in love with the subject matter and declared my major as Religious Studies right away. I loved how many of the classes contained elements of other subjects I was passionate about like history, philosophy, anthropology and theology. As someone who grew up in the Christian tradition, something I’ll forever be grateful for that I received from the Religious Studies program at UPIKE is the knowledge of other religions and the importance of interfaith dialogue. I’ll never forget the value of interfaith panels, guest lectures from Sikhs in the community and opportunities to visit the local Mosque. In my own life, this has taught me the invaluable skill of ‘holy envy’ – being able to look at the different religious traditions of my neighbors and friends with generosity, curiosity and appreciation while seeking to see the good in them. I now feel a real connection to that group of Presbyterian ministers who founded the university in 1889 and share their thought that education is a vehicle of reforming the church and that the more we know about the world, the more we can know about God.” SCOT ROBINSON /CLASS OF 2016 /MASTERS IN DIVINITY STUDENT /VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY DIVINITY SCHOOL
“When I began my studies at UPIKE, I was unsure of what I wanted to major in. As an “undecided” student, I was told I needed to complete two religion courses. I fell in love with the subject matter and declared my major as Religious Studies right away. I loved how many of the classes contained elements of other subjects I was passionate about like history, philosophy, anthropology and theology. As someone who grew up in the Christian tradition, something I’ll forever be grateful for that I received from the Religious Studies program at UPIKE is the knowledge of other religions and the importance of interfaith dialogue. I’ll never forget the value of interfaith panels, guest lectures from Sikhs in the community and opportunities to visit the local Mosque. In my own life, this has taught me the invaluable skill of ‘holy envy’ – being able to look at the different religious traditions of my neighbors and friends with generosity, curiosity and appreciation while seeking to see the good in them. I now feel a real connection to that group of Presbyterian ministers who founded the university in 1889 and share their thought that education is a vehicle of reforming the church and that the more we know about the world, the more we can know about God.”
SCOT ROBINSON /CLASS OF 2016 /MASTERS IN DIVINITY STUDENT /VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY DIVINITY SCHOOL
Associate Professor of Religious Studies(606) 218-5008