Program Overview

Program Overview

The undergraduate program in Religious Studies offers courses that focus on a wide range of cultures, religions, and traditions globally. This major allows for considerable flexibility, making it an excellent choice for students looking to add a fascinating dimension to their education. Many students double major in Religious Studies alongside other disciplines such as Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, English, and more. Students in Education, Social Work, and various health professions also find the courses in Religious Studies helpful for increasing their cultural competencies.

Program Details

• The program offers three department-based scholarships for its majors.
• Religious Studies graduates acquire skills that are highly attractive in a variety of career areas, including medicine, business, law, communications, public relations, international studies, education, and the helping professions.

Program Structure

Requirements

The major in Religious Studies consists of 30 course credit hours, with at least 15 hours (5 courses) at the 3000-level or above. The requirements include:

1. Introduction to the Study of Religion: RELS 2600, which students are encouraged to take as early as possible.
2. World Religions: RELS 1502.
3. Historical Analysis: Two courses (6 credit hours) that focus on a particular historical period or figure, consider a movement, idea, or institution across several historical periods, and examine questions of historiography more generally.
4. Textual Analysis: Two courses (6 credit hours) that focus on reading texts closely and carefully, examine methods and histories of textual interpretation, and consider how religious groups and cultures have composed, transmitted, and been shaped by texts.
5. Cultural Analysis: Two courses (6 credit hours) that focus on how religious discourses, practices, and identities interact with, influence, and are influenced by the larger culture of which they are a part.
6. Elective: One elective class at the 4000 level.

Delivery and Credit Hours

• Delivery: Online, On-Campus.
• Credit Hours: 120 Credit Hours in the degree with 30 Credit Hours in the major.

Additional Opportunities

Religious Studies Honors Program

Eligible students can apply for the Religious Studies Honors Program, which includes a thesis option and additional coursework to graduate with honors.

Accelerated Path to a Masters

Qualified students can begin graduate coursework while completing their undergraduate degree through the Early Entry Program, saving time and tuition as they move seamlessly from their bachelors to a masters program.