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Introduction to the Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies is a comprehensive program that explores the vast array of world religions, providing students with a deep understanding of the character of different religions and their impact on human behavior and society.

Program Overview

The discipline of religious studies teaches students about the world's different religions, both in the United States and around the world. Courses emphasize how followers express their beliefs and practices through literature, art, theology, worship, ethics, laws, politics, and government. Higher-level courses focus on analyzing religious expression and products, as well as investigating the interactions between religions and other cultural phenomena.

Concentrations

Religious studies students can acquire a focused concentration by taking three courses on a single religion or on the religions of a particular region or culture. Courses may be from a limited time period or spread across history. Students can choose from established concentrations or create their own concentration in consultation with their adviser.

Coursework

The program's coursework is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of religious studies, including the analysis of human behavior and motivation, the exploration of connections between religions and other cultural phenomena, and the evaluation of the effectiveness of plans and actions.

Religious Studies Minor

For students interested in religious studies but not pursuing it as their primary degree, the university offers an undergraduate religious studies minor. This minor provides students with a foundational understanding of religious studies and can be a valuable addition to their major field of study.

Bachelor's Degree Program Highlights

The Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies program offers several highlights, including:

• Study Abroad opportunities, which allow students to gain direct experience of the religions they study and experience themselves as part of an interconnected and interdependent world.
• Honors Designation, which requires students to take a three-hour Thesis Seminar course or Internship course and demonstrate competency in a foreign language equivalent to a fourth-semester college-level course.

Career Opportunities

The subject matter of religion and the skills developed by studying it constitute important training for careers that depend on understanding human behaviors, desires, and decision-making. These careers include:

• Law
• Medicine
• Journalism
• Education
• Counseling
• Advertising
• Public Service
• Diplomacy
• Publishing
• Museum Work
• Editing
• Ministry

Graduate School Preparation

A Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies can prepare students for graduate school, with graduates continuing their education in graduate programs at institutions such as the University of Wyoming, Western Michigan University, and the University of Minnesota.

Personal Religious Beliefs

The university's religious studies courses are designed to analyze religions objectively, helping students understand beliefs and practices without challenging or promoting their own faith.

Career Paths Outside of Religion

A religious studies degree builds critical thinking, communication, and cultural understanding, providing a strong foundation for many career paths outside of religion.