The Department of Religion and Philosophy offers major and minor programs in Religion, Philosophy and Theology. The Religion major offers a unique window into human nature and world events. Religion continues to be a major force in human history, and people continue to define themselves by religious communities and their rituals, practices, and festivals.

Philosophy is concerned with fundamental questions which inevitably arise when we reflect upon our lives and our inquiries into the world. The study of Philosophy shows how these questions arise, examines the traditional ways of answering them, and equips students to respond to them critically and coherently.

Because Roanoke College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, it has sought to prepare students for church vocations. The Theology program offers a curriculum grounded in traditional Christian thought. It strives for an honest dialogue with all Christians, just as the other major programs of study support a fruitful conversation with philosophical traditions as well as inter-religious dialogue.