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This academic year, two graduating majors, Olivia McCaa (Fall 2024) and Sam Johnson (Spring 2025), shared their thoughts on what their BA in Religious Studies meant to them and how it will continue to influence their goals and future work. Read more below!

Olivia McCaa

Olivia focused her studies on the intersections of women, gender, and religion, while taking coursework in Jewish studies. Though she originally majored in linguistics and neuroscience, the compelling questions raised in religious studies classes inspired her to shift focus.

“I was fascinated by how the world worked according to religion,” Olivia reflects. “My senior capstone project explored religiosity as a result of conflict rather than a cause. That project—and courses like Holly Gayley’s Women in Hagiography—sparked the idea for a science fiction novel I’m now writing about the necessity of women and religion in breaking cycles of violence.”

After graduation, Olivia will continue working in the emergency room at UC Health Aurora while pursuing a paramedic career in fire services. She hopes to study religious studies again in the future.

Sam Johnson

Sam is currently applying to medical schools across the U.S. He credits the Department of Religious Studies with not only expanding his knowledge but also honing critical academic and life skills.

“My religious studies degree not only exposed me to so much knowledge, but taught me how to read, write, and think,” Sam says. “The faculty are not only remarkable in their intellect, but always kind and professional. They continually showed dedication to my education.”

Through his studies, Sam was able to successfully prepare for the MCAT, defend an Honors Thesis, and form meaningful relationships across campus. He feels confident in his readiness for the rigors of medical school and looks forward to contributing to the medical and religious studies fields.