Saint Michael's College

What you'll study

The Religion programme at Saint Michael’s College combines historical, textual and comparative study with contemporary and applied perspectives. Core elements typically include courses in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and the New Testament, Christian theology, and introductions to major world religions such as Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. Students also study methods and theories in the academic study of religion, including philosophy of religion, religious ethics, and anthropology or sociology of religion.

• Scripture and Texts: foundations in biblical literature, hermeneutics and textual interpretation.
• Historical Theology: development of Christian doctrine, historical movements and figures in Christianity.
• Comparative and World Religions: cross-cultural study of beliefs, rituals and institutions.
• Religion and Society: courses on religion’s role in politics, education, law and social change.
• Philosophy and Ethics: questions of meaning, morality and theological argumentation.
• Research and Capstone: seminars and a senior integrative project or paper that develop research skills and independent analysis.

Students can tailor the programme with electives in areas such as pastoral studies, interreligious dialogue, religion and the arts, or community engagement. Opportunities for internships, campus ministry involvement and study abroad are commonly used to apply classroom learning to real-world contexts.

Entry requirements

Admission to the Bachelor’s in Religion follows the college’s undergraduate entry procedures. Typical applicants present a completed secondary-school qualification or equivalent, a transcript demonstrating steady academic performance, and a personal statement describing interests and goals. Saint Michael’s values strong writing and critical thinking skills; recommended supporting material can include one or two letters of recommendation and examples of academic work.

The college considers applicants holistically. Standardised test scores may be optional depending on institutional policy; transfer applicants should supply college transcripts and statements of prior coursework. Mature applicants or those with professional experience are encouraged to contact admissions to discuss equivalent preparation.

Career prospects

A degree in Religion from Saint Michael’s College prepares graduates for a wide range of careers both inside and outside religious institutions. Common pathways include roles in education, non-profit and community organisations, social services, journalism, public policy, and cultural heritage institutions. The programme also provides a strong foundation for graduate study in religious studies, theology, divinity, ethics, law, social work or education.

• Chaplaincy or ministry (usually after additional professional training)
• Non-profit programme management, advocacy and community outreach
• Teaching or further study in secondary and higher education
• Cultural institutions, museums and archival work
• Public service, international development and diplomacy
• Publishing, journalism and communications

Why study at Saint Michael's College

Saint Michael’s College offers the Religion programme within a small, residential liberal arts setting that emphasises close faculty mentoring and small seminar-style classes. The college’s Catholic heritage informs a commitment to ethical reflection and service but the curriculum is academically open and inclusive, welcoming students from diverse religious and non-religious backgrounds.

Students benefit from accessible faculty who are active researchers and teachers, experiential learning options such as internships and service placements, and opportunities to engage in campus ministry and community projects. The intimate campus environment fosters interdisciplinary collaboration with departments such as Philosophy, History and Political Science, allowing students to shape a personalised course of study aligned with their vocational or academic ambitions.