The Religious Studies major is designed to provide a liberal arts education with an emphasis on the critical study of religious phenomena. The Religious Studies major provides an excellent basis from which to pursue careers requiring imagination, problem-solving and communication skills, and awareness of human diversity. <br>The Religious Studies department seeks to provide students with analytical models used in the humanities and social sciences to learn about and appreciate diverse cultures and religions around the world. Students learn methods of cross-cultural religious inquiry and analysis and apply these methods in a wide variety of social, political and religious contexts. Religious Studies provides students with critical-thinking and writing skills that employers across a wide range of careers seek in addition to expertise in diverse cultures.<br>The Department of Religious Studies at California State University, Northridge, was founded and began offering courses in 1969. The Religious Studies program includes a major, double major and minor. The department offers courses in comparative religions, Asian religions, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, ethics, literature, art, film, critical thinking, history, cognitive science, psychology, science, and theory and method. Summer sessions and evening classes are available to help working students complete their degree.