Program Overview
Religious Studies, B.A.
McCausland College of Arts and Sciences
Explore the depth of the world's religious traditions in an interdisciplinary major that provides foundational knowledge and thoughtful analysis of the questions surrounding the meaning and purpose of life.
Explore global cultures and religions to gain an empathetic perspective on an increasingly complex global society. You'll consider new ideas and form your own positions on social issues ranging from politics, ethnicity and economics to public policy and family life.
Program Highlights
Engaging Courses
Enjoy smaller classes that allow for in-depth discussion of material and close interaction with faculty members and classmates.
Research Experience
Participate in opportunities to work one-on-one with a faculty member on a variety of research projects.
Professional Development
Highlight your work by presenting at our annual spring student research conference and luncheon.
Interdisciplinary Studies
Examine topics across history, philosophy, art, music, film, literature, language, culture and more.
What You’ll Study
Learn about religion through courses in philosophy, anthropology, history, art, literature, sociology and theology. Explore different cultures, and develop a global perspective. The program offers an intensive option for students to add a research component and complete a thesis. The degree is an excellent choice for pre-professional study or as part of a double major.
Building Skills
Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.
Intercultural Competence
Developing the skills to communicate effectively and work collaboratively across cultures
Multicultural Awareness
Understanding cultural variation and adapting behaviors and communication styles accordingly
Empathy
Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, and demonstrating compassion and support
Critical Thinking
Analyzing and evaluating information to make informed decisions or judgments
Writing
Creating professional written content for inclusion in scholarly journal articles, books and reports
Attention to Detail
Being meticulous and thorough in all aspects of a task or project
Using your degree
Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.
Potential Careers
- Lawyer
- Doctor
- Educator
- Theologian
- Peace Corp Volunteer
- Activist
Workplace Settings
- Religion
- Education
- Medicine
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Legal
Advanced Degrees
Advance your career or options with post-graduate education.
- Master's
- History, M.A.
- Anthropology, M.A.
- Doctorate
- Political Science, Ph.D.
- Certificate
- Women's and Gender Studies, Certificate
Related Degrees
- Bachelor's
- English, B.A.
- Film and Media Studies, B.A.
- Liberal Studies, B.A.
- Linguistics: Languages, Literatures and Cultures, B.A.
- History, B.A.
- Russian: Languages, Literatures and Cultures, B.A.
- Interdisciplinary Studies, B.A.R.S.C.
- Public Relations, B.A.J.M.C.
- German: Languages, Literatures and Cultures, B.A.
Program Outline
- University of South Carolina
Degree Overview:
Explore the depth of the world's religious traditions in an interdisciplinary major that provides foundational knowledge and thoughtful analysis of the questions surrounding the meaning and purpose of life. You'll consider new ideas and form your own positions on social issues ranging from politics, ethnicity and economics to public policy and family life.
Teaching:
- Engaging Courses: Enjoy smaller classes that allow for in-depth discussion of material and close interaction with faculty members and classmates.
- Research Experience: Participate in opportunities to work one-on-one with a faculty member on a variety of research projects.
Careers:
- Potential Careers: Lawyer, Doctor, Educator, Theologian, Peace Corp Volunteer, Activist
- Workplace Settings: Religion, Education, Medicine, Nonprofit Organizations, Legal
Other:
- Program Highlights:
- Engaging Courses
- Research Experience
- Professional Development
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- What You’ll Study: Learn about religion through courses in philosophy, anthropology, history, art, literature, sociology and theology. Explore different cultures, and develop a global perspective. The program offers an intensive option for students to add a research component and complete a thesis. The degree is an excellent choice for pre-professional study or as part of a double major.
- Building Skills:
- Intercultural Competence
- Multicultural Awareness
- Empathy
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Attention to Detail
- The religious studies department is a hidden gem on campus. Many professors specialize in specific religions, disciplines or areas of the world, allowing students to take a breadth of courses on different traditions and learn from experts who have concerted interests in the subjects they teach.
Overview:
The University of South Carolina is a public research university with a rich history spanning over 200 years. It is known for its commitment to academic excellence, fostering a welcoming community of scholars and leaders, and providing a diverse range of academic programs.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide array of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Provides resources and assistance to help students succeed in their studies.Career Prep:
Offers guidance and support for students seeking internships, jobs, and career development.Study Abroad:
Facilitates opportunities for students to gain international experience and broaden their horizons.Dining:
Provides various dining options on campus, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs.Clubs and Organizations:
Offers a vibrant student life with numerous clubs and organizations for students to join and pursue their interests.Sports and Outdoors:
Provides opportunities for students to engage in sports and outdoor activities, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.Arts and Entertainment:
Offers a variety of cultural events, performances, and entertainment options for students to enjoy.Inclusive Excellence:
Promotes a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their background or identity.University 101:
Provides resources and information for new students to navigate campus life and academic expectations.My USC Experience:
Offers a platform for students to connect with each other, engage in events, and access resources.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at the University of South Carolina can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university boasts a welcoming community, numerous clubs and organizations, diverse dining options, and opportunities for sports, arts, and entertainment. The campus is also home to a variety of traditions and events that create a sense of belonging and shared experience.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Academic Excellence:
The university is recognized for its high-quality academic programs and its commitment to research.Diverse Programs:
Offers over 350 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as certificates and specialties.Welcoming Community:
Provides a supportive and inclusive environment for students from all backgrounds.Unrivaled Experience:
Offers a unique blend of academic rigor, student life, and opportunities for personal growth.Strong Alumni Network:
Provides graduates with a network of support and connections for their future careers.Academic Programs:
The University of South Carolina is home to 15 colleges and schools, offering a wide range of academic programs. Some of the key academic strengths include:
Arts and Sciences:
Offers a broad range of disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.Business:
The Darla Moore School of Business is renowned for its strong programs in finance, marketing, and management.Engineering and Computing:
Offers programs in various engineering disciplines, computer science, and information technology.Medicine:
The university has two medical schools, one in Columbia and one in Greenville, offering programs in medicine, nursing, and pharmacy.Law:
The Joseph F. Rice School of Law is known for its strong legal education and its commitment to public service.Other:
The university is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its students. It offers various resources and services to support student safety and well-being, including a campus police department, emergency alert system, and counseling services.
