Program Overview

Religious Studies for Health Professionals

Overview

The Religious Studies for Health Professionals major develops students' abilities to apply critical thinking, intercultural competence, and communication skills to the areas of health and science. Through interdisciplinary coursework in Religious Studies and Science/Health, RSHP majors will gain a well-rounded education geared toward health-related careers. Students will learn about diverse religious beliefs and practices that have shaped understandings and experiences of health, illness, healing, and dying; diverse religious perspectives on life cycle issues from birth through the end of life; as well as the impact of religion on past and present healthcare, including the politics and policies surrounding healthcare. This undergraduate degree will help future professionals to navigate these complex human and institutional relationships and meanings in ways that are both informed and respectful.

Learning Outcomes

• Religious Diversity and Health: Recognize religious diversity and explain its influence on understandings and experiences of sickness and healing.
• Religious History of Science and Medicine: Demonstrate increased research-based knowledge of religious history and how religions have interacted with and influenced the fields of science and medicine.
• Critical Reading of Sources on Religion and Health: Demonstrate independent critical thinking by assessing and critiquing a variety of sources on religion and health, including popular and scholarly discourses.
• Communication on Religion and Health: Research, interpret, and communicate ideas and data about religion and health effectively for multiple types of audiences.
• Academic-based Claims in Religious Studies: Differentiate academic-based approaches in the field of Religious Studies from faith-based approaches.

Program Details

Coursework Location(s)

• Main/Tucson

Areas of Interest

• Culture & Language
  • Education & Human Development
  • Health, Nutrition & Fitness
  • Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Philosophy & Religious Studies
  • Psychology & Human Behavior
  • Social & Behavioral Sciences

Level of Math

• Moderate Knowledge

The M-strand is for students who require mathematical facility at the level of at least MATH 112 (College Algebra Concepts) or 108 (Modeling with Algebraic and Trigonometric Functions). This strand involves reasonable facility with algebra and algebraic functions, graphs, and simple modeling. Students who choose the M-strand are prepared for further mathematical work. This work may include MATH 107 (Exploring and Understanding Data), MATH 113 (Elements of Calculus), MATH 116 (Calculus Concepts for Business), MATH 119A (Mathematics of Biological Systems: A Calculus Based Approach), or a statistics class from outside the Mathematics Department, such as ISTA 116 (Statistical Foundations for the Information Age) or SBS 200 (Statistics for the Social Sciences).

Level of Second Language

• 2nd Semester Proficiency

Second-semester skill level in a second language is required. Non-B.A. degree students may fulfill this requirement with one of the following options: 1. Scoring the equivalent of second-semester skill level on an entrance or placement examination administered by The University of Arizona. 2. Completion with a C or better of a second semester course at the post-secondary level. 3. An AP (Advanced Placement), IB (International Baccalaureate) or CLEP (College Level Entrance Program) language score determined by the individual language department. 4. In the College of Engineering by a method determined within the College; however, all students in the college must also take a language placement examination on entrance to the University.

Pre-major Required?

• No

This Major's College

• College of Humanities

Degree

• Bachelor of Science

Sample Plans

4-Year Sample Plan

• First Year
  • 1st Semester
    • General Education Portfolio (Exit Course)
    • ENGl 101
    • Math
    • HUMS 101
    • Second Language
    • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • 2nd Semester
    • ENGL 102
    • Second Language
    • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
    • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
    • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
• Second Year
  • 3rd Semester
    • Second Langauge
    • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
    • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
    • General Education Portfolio (Exit Course)
    • RELI 200 or 308
  • 4th Semester
    • Second Language
    • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
    • Religion Science & Health Elective
    • Health Concentration Elective
    • Health Concentration Elective
• Third Year
  • 5th Semester
    • Minor
    • Religion Science & Health Elective
    • Health Concentration Elective
    • Major Elective
    • Minor
  • 6th Semester
    • Minor
    • Major Elective
    • Minor
    • General Elective
    • Upper Division Elective
• Fourth Year
  • 7th Semester
    • RELI 406
    • RELI 393
    • Minor
    • Major Elective
    • Upper Division Elective
  • 8th Semester
    • Minor
    • General Elective
    • General Elective
    • General Elective
    • Upper Division Elective

Map Transfer Coursework

• Enter your coursework from Arizona universities or community colleges to see how they can map to this major.
• Connect with The University of Arizona Academic Advisors to validate how your coursework will transfer.