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Religious Studies

Study religious experience, expression and thought

The mission of the Department of Religious Studies is to discover, explore, and analyze religious experience in its various manifestations emphasizing the Roman Catholic tradition, in dialogue with the other Christian traditions and with the world religions.

Marian Studies

The International Marian Research Institute (IMRI) is no longer offering pontifical degrees and has transitioned to its new home in the College of Arts and Sciences. Faculty from former IMRI programs and the Department of Religious Studies have collaborated to create new offerings in Marian Studies. 

Visit the Marian Studies page more information.
Scholarships for Master of Arts Students

Students enrolled in our Master of Arts programs are encouraged to apply for three scholarship opportunities:

  • Patrick J. Tonry, S.M. Scholarship for the Advancement of Women in Ministry
  • Sisters of the Precious Blood Scholarship
  • Thomas M. Martin Memorial Scholarship Fund
Learn More and Apply
What career choices are there for students of religious studies and theology?
Our faculty and students are engaged.

Faculty from our department recently discussed petitionary prayer with students in a far-ranging conversation about the relationship between prayer and work for justice, human freedom and God's action, and providence and history, with a special shout-out to Doctor Who mixed in. This event was led by Dr. Kelly Johnson, Fr. William J. Ferree Chair of Social Justice.

Visit the Website of the Fr. William J. Ferree Chair of Social Justice >

Daily Inspiration and Online Learning

Sister Angela Ann Zukowski, Professor in the Department of Religious Studies and Director of the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives, offers a weekly inspirational video through Campus News Digest, the e-newsletter for the University of Dayton community. The videos offer you a brief moment for liberating your mind and experiencing inner communion with the Divine.

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In the News
Campus and Community 05.04.23

University of Dayton students learned about the experiences of people with disabilities through a research project with Brighter Connections Theatre.

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Research 04.14.23

Six UD students received Fr. Jack McGrath, S.M., Awards for Research in Catholic Intellectual Traditions at the annual Catholic Intellectual Tradition symposium.

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Faith/Mission 02.21.23

UD will honor Brother Mickey McGrath with the Marianist Award, presented annually to Catholics who have made significant contributions to the Catholic intellectual tradition.

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