Major: Religious Studies

Hometown: Litchfield, Minnesota

“I didn’t come to Viterbo planning to major in Religious Studies. I really wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, though I had some ideas. I actually started in social work because I knew I wanted to help people. I just wasn’t sure how. After two semesters, I realized that career path wasn’t for me. I switched to speech and language pathology next, thinking it might be a better fit, but I soon found that the science-heavy coursework didn’t match my passions either.

Through all of that, I kept coming back to my faith. I chose Viterbo because of its Catholic identity, and I loved my first religion course here. I just wasn’t sure what kind of career a Religious Studies degree could lead to. After meeting with one of the professors in the program who showed me how many directions the degree could take, I finally made the change. I’ve loved it ever since. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities and relationships I have built at Viterbo because they have ultimately led me to exactly the right track for my future.

Faith has always been the backbone of my journey. Whenever I’ve felt uncertain, I’ve turned to prayer and trusted that God would guide me. I’ve been blessed with amazing professors like Matthew Bersagel Braley, Emily Dykman, and Melissa Growt, who have encouraged me to think deeply and connect what I’m learning to real life. My track and field coach, Kody Michaels, also played a big role in helping me see that Religious Studies was where I belonged.

At Viterbo, I’m part of the Women’s Track and Field team, co-president of V-Hawks for Life, a member of the Honors Program, and I co-lead a Bible study on campus. Every part of my experience here has helped me grow in faith, confidence, and purpose.

I hope to one day serve as a hospice chaplain, walking with others in faith through some of life’s most sacred moments.

My advice for students who are unsure about their major is simple: try things. Each step you take teaches you something about who you’re meant to become, and none of it is wasted.”

Explore the Program

Explore life’s biggest questions through Viterbo University’s Religious Studies and Theology program. Rooted in Franciscan values, the program invites you to study scripture, theology, and diverse religious traditions while developing critical thinking and ethical reasoning skills. With small classes, supportive faculty, and opportunities for service and reflection, you’ll graduate ready to lead with purpose in ministry, education, or any field where compassion and insight matter.