Program Overview

The UCA Religious Studies Program exists to provide a diverse student population with comprehensive knowledge of a variety of global religious/spiritual traditions; critical understanding of the personal, social, and cultural dimensions of religion; and advanced preparation of students pursuing graduate and/or professional studies, transferable skills to enter the workforce and/or become civic members of the community.

Goal 1: Students will demonstrate critical inquiry and analysis, communication skills (including oral, written, and collaborative skills), ethical frameworks, and appreciation of cultural diversity as applied to a variety of religions understood as complex personal, social, and cultural phenomena.

Goal 2: Students will acquire foundational understanding as well as specific knowledge of major religious traditions, including: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Confucianism, and Islam.

Goal 3: Students will be encouraged to participate in experiential learning opportunities, including internships, study abroad, undergraduate research, and service learning. These practices are strengthened by interdisciplinary collaboration.

Goal 4: Students will gain transferable skills as valuable preparation for career readiness or entrance into graduate and/or professional studies.

Goal 5: Following the University Diversity Strategic Plan, the Religious Studies program will promote diversity in recruitment and retention, support, and knowledge.

The degree of Bachelor of Arts, with a major in religious studies, requires successful completion of 120 hours, including (1) the UCA Core: complete 38 hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements and complete upper-division UCA Core requirements using major, minor, or elective courses (2) major and related requirements listed below; and (3) a minor as worked out with the student’s minor advisor.

Abbreviation Key – UCA Core Program

LD = Lower Division

UD = Upper Division

C = Effective Communication

D = Diversity

I = Critical Inquiry

R = Responsible Living

Z = Capstone Experience