Religion grapples with our deepest questions about the meaning of life and how we are to live. Undergraduates in the Religious Studies program at The University of Toledo explore how the world’s religions answer these questions and how religion shapes the world’s political and cultural landscape.
Toledo is known for its rich, diverse religious communities. UToledo’s Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies is one of the country’s only departments to have community-funded endowed chairs in Catholic, Islamic and Jewish studies.
UToledo also is one of the first programs to offer a concentration in Religious Diversity. This concentration builds on our faculty's expertise in the field. Students study what happens when different religions encounter each other and how to make these encounters an opportunity for growth and understanding.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES BACHELOR’S DEGREE CONCENTRATIONS
- Catholic Studies
- Interreligious Studies
- Islamic Studies
- Philosophy of Religion
Top Reasons to Study religious studies at UToledo
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One-of-a-kind community partnership.Toledo has been nationally recognized for its religious diversity. UToledo is one of the only Religious Studies departments in the country with three endowed positions funded by the local community. This allows us to employ esteemed faculty in Islamic studies, Catholic thought and Jewish biblical studies.
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Choose your focus.Students can work with a faculty adviser to create individualized programs and focus on their areas of interest.
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Service learning.Service learning is a highlight in Religious Studies courses. Students observe how religion effects positive change in Toledo and visit congregational spaces in all the major traditions. They may take part in community projects, such as joining a religiously diverse team of UToledo students to mentor at-risk, inner-city youth.
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World-class, well-rounded faculty.UToledo’s professors are global leaders in their areas of expertise (Islamic, Jewish and Catholic studies, as well as philosophy of religion and religious diversity). All of our professors conduct, present and publish research.
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Career-planning seminar.UToledo religious studies majors take a professionalization seminar to help them plan how to put their religious studies degrees to work. They do some soul-searching about their path and craft resumes, writing samples and more.
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UToledo’s Center for Religious Understanding.Housed in the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies. The center promotes religious education and interreligious understanding through lectures, dialogues and small-group forums.
What jobs can I get with a religious studies degree?
Graduates from UToledo’s Religious Studies bachelor’s degree program are valued by employers for their:
- Knowledge of diverse religious and cultural traditions.
- Comfort and ability to work with people from all backgrounds.
- Strong leadership and analytical skills.
UToledo Religious Studies graduates go on to graduate school, seminary, or find work in areas including:
- Social work and not-for-profit agencies
- Teaching in high schools, colleges and universities
- Religious ministries (clergy, youth leaders and clergy associates)
- Journalism
- Business
- Law
- Health care
- Public and political service
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
At UToledo, we take you beyond the textbooks and the four walls of a classroom. These real-world experiences are what help our graduates gain professional skills and land jobs.
Internships
UToledo’s Religious Studies majors work with local, national and international organizations, including UToledo’s Center for Religious Understanding.
Students intern as teacher aides in religious school settings, and as pastoral associates and youth pastors.
Internships help you:
- Gain practical experience
- Build your resume
- Refine your skills
- Cultivate contacts
Research
UToledo is known for its undergraduate research opportunities. Start as early as your freshman year. Work with faculty who enjoy collaborating with students.
Our Office of Undergraduate Research can:
- Connect you to faculty mentors and projects
- Help you find funding
- Help you present your research at conferences and other events
Study Abroad
Travel, experience new cultures and meet new people — all while earning college credit.
UToledo's Education Abroad Office can help you find the perfect opportunity. You can apply for grants, scholarships and financial aid to help fund study abroad.
- Semester at Sea
- Short-term, summer and faculty-led trips
- Direct exchange programs with other universities
- Teach English abroad
- Global health program (med student clerkships)
- Rocket Kids (work with youth around the world)
Rocket Kids Semester
The Rocket Kids program offers University students a fall, spring or summer semester internship providing recreational programming to U.S. military youth while experiencing the world in locations such as Germany, Italy, Belgium and The Netherlands.
Rocket Kids interns will gain practical experience in programming, leadership, health and wellness, creative arts, performing arts, cultural and literary arts, team and individual sports, adventure and outdoor recreation and STEM education.
On-campus and Part-time Jobs
- Learn skills that prepare you for a career after graduation.
- Build your resume.
- Earn money.
If you want to work, there are plenty of opportunities on campus and at businesses near campus. If you demonstrate financial need, you may qualify for the federal work-study program.
Student Organizations
Our most successful students get involved.
UToledo has 400+ student organizations that will help you:
- Make friends.
- Build your resume.
- Network.
- Be a leader.
- Serve your community.
- Have fun!
Tuition and Scholarships
Most new students don't pay full price. 94% of new UToledo students receive scholarships or other state and federal aid.
Keep in mind: Your cost will vary by college, program and a host of other options. This is the average amount full-time students pay per year.
Tuition and Fees
Living Expenses (Housing & Food)
per year
How to pay for collegeInternational Student - How to Pay for College
Honors College
The Jesup Scott Honors College at The University of Toledo offer our best and brightest the resources and opportunities needed to unlock your fullest potential. Whether you aspire following graduation to cure disease, innovate technology, advance statecraft, redefine markets, or express creatively, together we can fuel vibrant and promising tomorrows.
Honors students come from a variety of countries, backgrounds and cultures. While we may bond over a tough class, our differences make us blossom.
Benefits of Honors
The Honors College is a community of academically gifted students from all majors on campus. Students take unique Honors classes taught by dedicated Honors faculty and complete an Honors thesis or capstone project in their major, earning the Honors medallion at graduation within their normal program of study. Honors students are challenged to think more deeply and broadly about what they learn. With special academic, cultural, and professional development opportunities, their education extends beyond the classroom.
Honors students can also choose exclusive housing in the Honors Academic Village or the historic McKinnon, Scott and Tucker Halls.
Explore more about what the Honors College can offer you as a budding professional, inquisitive scholar, and engaged person.
Visit Campus
A campus visit is the best way to figure out if UToledo is a great fit for you.
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