Department of Religion
The Department of Religion is Seton Hall's home for the study of religion, theology, and ethics in global, comparative, and ecumenical contexts. Animated by Vatican Council II's call for Catholic Christians and all persons of good will to examine the relationship between faith and reason, engage one another in solidarity, and promote the common good, the Department of Religion's curriculum focuses on the theological, cultural, and ethical dimensions of Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant Christianity and other global religious traditions, particularly, Judaism, Islam, and South Asian religions.
The exceptional professors of the Department of Religion offer dynamic, thought-provoking courses that challenge students to approach their personal faith and academic interests in religion, theology, and ethics critically and constructively. We believe that religious, theological, and moral questions are at the heart of all human experiences (political, economic, and cultural). Studying religion within an academic setting enlivens the human quest to know more about ourselves, the world, and the divine.
At the undergraduate level, the Department of Religion offers a comprehensive yet focused Bachelor of Arts program, as well as undergraduate minors in religion and archeology. The B.A. and minor in Religion are excellent complements to any course of study at Seton Hall, from business and nursing to science, history, literature, and politics.
On the graduate level, the Department of Religion offers a Master of Arts in Jewish-Christian Studies, the first and only one of its kind in the United States. The Jewish-Christian Studies program focuses on analyzing complex religious, ethical, and social issues that promote peace and justice and prepares students for many facets of interreligious and multicultural relations, dialogue, and diplomatic encounters.
The Department of Religion, with Seton Hall Law School, also offers a six-year, dual degree B.A. in Religion and Juris Doctor (J.D.). This dual degree affords an academically rigorous and financially advantageous pathway to obtaining a law degree from Seton Hall.
The Department of Religion, in collaboration with the Department of Social Work and Public Administration, also offers a dual degree in B.A. in Religion/Master of Public Administration. This five-year program is a smart option for students who plan on pursuing careers in the non-profit sector, public interest law, school administration, or non-governmental relief services and social advocacy.
Student Testimonials
"I strongly believe that my undergraduate education would have been lacking without a double-major in Religious Studies at Seton Hall. The Department of Religion's course curriculum allowed me to pursue a course of study that aligned with my academic interests. Studying religion made me a stronger student, thinker, and overall professional. The program enhanced my writing abilities, critical thinking, and communication skills and provided me with the necessary tools to understand other academic disciplines at a deeper level." - Mohamed D. Elshekh, Class of 2019
Academic Programs
Jewish-Christian Studies Program
Founded in 1975 by the Institute of Judaeo-Christian Studies, the M.A. Program in Jewish-Christian Studies (JCST) welcomes men and women of all ages, faiths, and educational and professional backgrounds.
JCST graduates have consistently distinguished themselves as intellectual and spiritual leaders at various academic and theological institutions across the globe and across a broad spectrum of professions, vocations and specialties including:
- Biblical and Religious Studies
- Diplomacy
- Interreligious Dialogue
- Holocaust and Genocide Studies
- Education
- Social Welfare
- Humanitarian Relief
- Catholic and Protestant Ministries
The JCST graduate program offers students the opportunity to pursue their advanced studies through coursework and independent research that can lead to either a Certificate in Jewish-Christian Studies. We also offer late afternoon and evening classes.
Theta Alpha Kappa
The Seton Hall chapter of Theta Alpha Kappa (TAK) is hosted and supported by the Department of Religion. TAK's mission is to honor and promote academic excellence in the disciplines of religious and theological studies. Members include undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty.
TAK sponsors a number of social activities and academic events throughout the year. A new-member induction ceremony is held at the end of every spring semester.