2025-2026 University Catalog
Study of Religion
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OFFICE: Arts and Letters 662
TELEPHONE: 619-594-5185 / FAX: 619-594-1004
E-MAIL: religious.studies@sdsu.edu
WEBSITE: http://religion.sdsu.edu
Undergraduate Information
The Major
The Department for the Study of Religion at San Diego State University is committed to the multi-disciplinary, critical study of religion and nurturing student curiosity about their own traditions and those of others. We approach the study of religion as an exploration of both the idea of religion/s and its role in society, history, and culture through diverse methodologies. Applying these methodologies, our faculty engage students and the community through teaching, research, and public commitment on the local and global stage. We equip students with intercultural expertise and developed religious literacy on the intersections of religion and the public sphere in the United States and around the world.
Career Outlook
The major in Religious Studies prepares students for any career that requires critical thinking, analysis, oral and written communication skills, and the ability to reflect on questions of meaning and value. The study of religion is excellent pre-professional preparation for fields such as law, teaching, medicine, counseling, social work, conflict resolution, international business, foreign service, journalism, various ministries and other careers in non-profit organizations and public service. While some of our majors go on to do graduate work in religion or related academic fields, other graduates find themselves well prepared for careers requiring imagination, problem solving, communication, self-understanding, and awareness of human diversity.
Double Majors and The Minor
Because the study of religion is interdisciplinary and multicultural, it is an excellent degree to complement many other majors. Double majors are easily accommodated within a well-designed four-year course of study, since the major has only a 36-unit requirement. Graduates from the program have had double majors with biology, communication, history, psychology, and other fields where the study of religion enhances or focuses the second major. The 15-unit minor is another way to combine your major interests with the academic study of religion. Anyone who is interested in human beliefs, behavior, and values would benefit from a minor in Religious Studies.
Advising
All College of Arts and Letters majors are urged to consult with their department adviser as soon as possible; they are required to meet with their department adviser within the first two semesters after declaration or change of major.
Graduate Information
General Information
The department offers advanced coursework in the Study of Religion which may be used toward fulfilling advanced degree requirements in Interdisciplinary Studies and in other departments with the approval of the student’s graduate adviser.
Chair: Thomases, Drew J., Associate Professor of Religion (B.A., Hamilton College; M.A., Ph.D., Columbia University)
Tenured and Tenure-Track Faculty:
Bartel, Rebecca C., Associate Professor of Religion, Associate Director of the Center for Latin American Studies (B.A., Canadian Mennonite University, Canada; M.A., Universidad de los Andes, Columbia; Ph.D., University of Toronto, Canada)
Whitaker, Jr., Delroi E., Associate Professor of Religion ( B.A., San Diego State University; M.D., Princeton University; M.T., Harvard University; Ph.D., Claremont Graduate University)
Tunc, Esra, Assistant Professor of Religion (B.A., Erciyes University; M.A., New York University; Ph.D., University of California, Santa Barbara)
Lecturers:
Feres, Angela M., Ph.D., Study of Religion
Kirkegaard, Brad A., M.A., Study of Religion
Meltzer, Scott A., M.A., Study of Religion
Sandvig, Kirk C., Ph.D., Study of Religion
Emeritus Faculty:
Downing, Christine R., Ph.D., 1974-1992, Professor of Religious Studies
Frost, Christopher, Ph.D., 2006-2011, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies; Professor of Religious Studies
Gefter, Irving, Ph.D., 1970-1992, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies
Gillman, John, Ph.D., 1990- 2022, Lecturer of Religious Studies
Hansen, Wilburn N., Ph.D., 2007-2016, Associate Professor of Religious Studies
Holler, Linda D., Ph.D., 1981-2010, Associate Dean, College of Arts and Letters; Professor of Religious Studies
Khalil, Issa J., Ph.D., 1969-1992, Associate Professor of Religious Studies
Levitt, Risa, Ph.D., Professor of Religious Studies
Moore, Rebecca E., Ph.D., 1999-2015, Albert W. Johnson Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies [Senate Distinguished Professor]
Sparks, Irving Alan, Ph.D., 1974-1999, Professor of Religious Studies
Stewart, Lori, M.A., 2007-2022, Lecturer of Religious Studies
Timalsina, Sthaneshwar, Ph.D., Professor of Religious Studies
Programs
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