Encountering Faith in a Diverse World with a Religious Studies Degree

You may be driven by a need to explore some of the ultimate human questions. You may be curious about the search for religious meaning as evidenced by the variety of world religions. You may want to prepare for a life of specialized service and ministry to others, or you may simply want to develop your own spiritual identity. Marywood's Philosophy and Religious Studies Department offers a wide range of studies on beliefs, practices, and values of Christianity and other world religions.

Knowing about religion is an essential part of living responsibly in today’s diverse and interconnected world. That’s why Marywood University requires all undergraduates to take a minimum of two courses in Religious Studies.

But you don’t have to stop there!

At Marywood, you have the opportunity to take a wide variety of courses in Religious Studies and to choose from a flexible array of major and minor options that are tailored to fit your interests:

In line with Marywood’s Catholic roots and IHM sponsorship, our Religious Studies program gives you the opportunity to deepen your understanding of the history and relevance of Christian theology. Courses in this area include “Christian Spirituality,” “Political and Liberation Theology,” and “Catholic Social Teaching.”
You also have the chance to enter into dialogue with persons of diverse faiths and worldviews by engaging in the comparative study of world religions. Courses in this area include “Women and Religion,” “Introduction to Eastern Religions,” and “Peacemaking in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.”
Finally, if you are interested in putting your faith into action, you can collaborate with the wonderful staff in Campus Ministry and take advantage of Marywood’s many service opportunities.

If any of this sounds exciting to you, consider pursuing a Religious Studies degree today!

Marywood became a home quickly. After this it become a life changing place where I could continue to explore who I am and what it is that I want my life to be about. I was gifted countless lessons, memories, and moments from dozens of mentors, professors, staff, and fellow students. This community gave me the safe space to transform into who I want to be.
Brien Luke McChesney '21 Read All Testimonials

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Admission Requirements

Undergraduate Admissions Requirements

Completed application
Official transcripts
Letter of recommendation
Official SAT and/or ACT test scores (Marywood is test optional)
Essay (optional)

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Facilities & Technology

Religious Studies

Liberal Arts Center

102 Morgan Road
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The Liberal Arts Center contains classrooms utilized by several programs, as well as the Office of Admissions and a variety of other administrative offices. It is also home to the iconic Rotunda and the NativityMiguel School of Scranton.

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Marian Chapel

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The Swartz Center for Spiritual Life is home to the beautiful Marian Chapel, with its two-story stained glass doors that can be opened for special outdoor liturgical celebrations. Masses are held regularly in the Marian Chapel.

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Scholarships & Tuition

An affordable education is possible at Marywood.

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Faculty

Krokus, Dr. Melinda

Associate Professor
krokus@marywood.edu
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Dewey, Bryan

Lecturer
bdewey@marywood.edu

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Gowe, Bruce E

Lecturer
bgowe@marywood.edu

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Hawkins, Sr. Nancy M

Associate Professor of Practice
nhawkins@marywood.edu
x6071

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Jenkins, Dr. Philip W

Associate Professor
pjenkins@marywood.edu
x2972

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Lewis, Llewelyn B

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Petrin, Dr. Anna A

Assistant Professor
aapetrin@marywood.edu

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Petrin, Dr. Michael J

Assistant Professor
mjpetrin@marywood.edu

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Placke, Alexander S

Lecturer
asplacke@marywood.edu

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Rusk, William R

Lecturer
wrrusk@marywood.edu

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Simmons, Dr. Aaron

Associate Professor
asimmons@marywood.edu
x2305

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Skierski II, Stephen M

Lecturer
sskierski@marywood.edu

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Spitzer, Jeffrey A

Lecturer
jaspitzer@marywood.edu

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Tyrrell, Elizabeth Maria

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Vanpelt, Dustin

Lecturer
dvanpelt@marywood.edu

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Vanston, Douglas

Lecturer
dvanston@marywood.edu

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White, David Alan

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Yanik, Kathryn

Lecturer
kwindels@marywood.edu

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Courses & Curriculum

80+ opportunities for you to find the right fit with 50+ undergraduate degrees and 30+ graduate and certificate courses.

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