• teach students about the histories and varieties of religion, including prominent ideas, and methods and theories informing the academic discipline of religious studies

• prepare students with cultural literacy to organize, understand, and present information, and the knowledge and skill-set required in many professions and careers (like journalism, education, counseling and social work, international business and management, heritage and culture work)

• advance the profession of religious studies through a commitment to scholarly research, publication, and debate

• promote informed public dialogue about religions and their interaction and influence with and on society and culture

• cultivate awareness of religious pluralism and difference, creating global citizens with the capacity to engage in both sympathetic understanding and vigorous critique of the place of religion in today’s religiously diverse world