Religious Studies
Understanding the impact of religion
Understand how religion impacts our political and social systems while exploring and analyzing religious dimensions of life and culture. Develop critical thinking and writing skills with a religious studies degree and learn how religion impacts culture, politics, identity and conflict around the world.
You will study traditional areas of sacred texts, myths, rituals, mystical experiences and doctrines, but also the ways in which political, social and economic forces shape these phenomena for religious communities.
In addition to a variety of combined degree programs, we offer the 3+3 BA/JD, which allows high-achieving first-year undergraduate students to be admitted simultaneously to the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (LAS) and the College of Law (LAW). You’ll complete your first three years in LAS and your final three years in LAW.
Classes
Coursework
- Methods and Approaches in the Study of Religion
- The American Religious Experience
- Themes in Catholic Social Thought
- Interpreting Sacred Texts
- Religion and Popular Culture
- Religion and Political Conflict
- Sustainability and Religious World views
- Religion and Social Engagement
Resources
Career Options
Common Career Areas
- Public policy
- International relations
- Education
- Immigration work
- Social services
- Law
- Human rights
- Conflict resolution and strategy
91%
of Interdisciplinary Program graduates were employed, continuing their education or not seeking employment after graduation.
Major Requirements
Course Requirements
The Religious Studies major requires all students to take 13 courses (52 credit hours), of which at least six courses (24 credit hours) must be at the 300-level.
The following four Core Courses are required:
| Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|---|
| REL 298 | THEORY AND METHOD IN THE STUDY OF RELIGION | 4 |
| REL 300 | THEORIES OF CULTURE AND RELIGION | 4 |
| REL 302 | THEORIES OF RELIGION AND ETHICS | 4 |
| REL 390 | INTEGRATING SEMINAR (taken for Liberal Studies Capstone requirement) | 4 |
Students need to take nine additional courses (36 credit hours), at least three of which must be at the 300-level (12 credit hours) and the remaining at the 200-level. HON 104 can substitute for a 200-level course.
Students interested in the specialized study of Catholicism or Islam should consult the Department of Catholic Studies or the Islamic World Studies Program.
