Department of

Religion

Courses in religion enhance students’ pursuit of professional goals as they gain understanding of religion; recognize the multiple impacts that religion exerts upon public life and people’s experience; and learn to communicate between different worldviews, navigate conflict, and deepen inclusion.

Check out Religion and Jewish Studies Fall 2024 courses


Congratulations to Kalikow School Teachers of the Year Dr. Ann Burlein (2022-23) and Dr. Julie Byrne (2023-24)!


Our Programs

The Religion and Contemporary Issues major is suited for any student interested in the ways religion is involved in the contemporary world.

Programs

The major is designed specifically for students preparing for a career in:

  • health
  • law, public policy, and public service; or
  • media, communications, or the arts.

Students use 9 credits from course work in their preprofessional major toward their Religion and Contemporary Issues major, building religious literacy into their career path and making it easy to double-major. Then they take courses specifically focused on the role of religion in their chosen field of study.

Students may also major in Jewish Studies and develop a specialization in one of the above areas.

Are you a prehealth major?  You can choose religion as your concentration.

Are you a public service and public policy major? You can choose a concentration in religion, conflict, and mediation.

At Hofstra

The Student Experience

Religion and Jewish Studies professors are committed to teaching and mentoring. We will work with you to access internships, pursue original research, and plan your future career. We can also tell you about the resources and opportunities you need to enhance your education and succeed at the next level.

  • Honors Thesis
  • Internships
  • Study Abroad
  • Scholarships
  • Alumni Network

About the Department

Part of the Kalikow School of Government, Public Policy, and International Affairs, the Department of Religion features professors who are engaged scholars in their fields and bring cutting-edge research to the classroom.  We also work with other units to bring major speakers to campus and host international conferences. 

  • Annual lecture in Critical Spiritualities 
  • Annual lecture in Global Judaisms 
  • A biennial international conference in Sikh Studies
  • A biennial lecture for the Guru Nanak Interfaith Prize

Read More

Your Future

Career Potential

Students who major in Religion and Contemporary Issues or in Jewish Studies are trained to think about the ways religion matters in public life and people’s experiences. This familiarity with diversity enhances your success in any career, such as health, law, business, media, communications, public policy, social services, and the arts.

Contact the Department

Room 104 Heger Hall
Phone: 516-463-6023
Fax: 516-463-2201

Erica Bosco
Senior Executive Secretary

Phone: 516-463-5612
Email

Department Chair

Julie Byrne
Room 104C Heger Hall
Phone: 516-463-9570
Fax: 516-463-2201