Research Opportunities

Religious Studies students have participated in a variety of research projects.

Dean’s Freshman Research and Creative Scholars Program

This program has three goals:

  • recruit outstanding students to the college
  • create an early opportunity for students to interact with faculty members at a premier university
  • highlight faculty scholarship that engages undergraduate students   

2016 “Houses of Worship.” In this program, students worked with Religious Studies director, Jeanne Kilde, on her Houses of Worship Project, researching congregations, contributing to an online map and website, transcribing oral history, and taking 360 degree photos of churches.

Learn more about the Dean's Freshman Research & Creative Scholars Program

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)

UROP supports research or creative projects undertaken in partnership with a faculty member. Financial awards of up to $1,700 are offered twice a year to full-time undergraduates. These grants allow students to design and carry out their own research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Visit the UROP website or stop by their office in 233 Appleby Hall for more information. Contact religious studies advising for information about getting started.

Several religious studies students have done UROPs. Some on topics chosen by the student and some on topics needed researched by faculty members.

2014. “A Curious Relationship” It is a long-maintained tradition within conservative evangelicalism to “stand with Israel.” When sought out, explanations for this somewhat ambiguous position can be found. But to what degree the contemporary evangelical church really understands and adheres to this perspective remains in question. For this research, I sought to explore to what degree Twin Cities evangelicals believe and adhere to historical evangelical interpretations of the contemporary biblical significance of Jews. That is, assuming that Twin Cities evangelicals perceive Jews as eschatologically significant, how are these beliefs palpably expressed?