RELIGIOUS STUDIES
WHAT IS RELIGIOUS STUDIES?
Religious studies looks at human belief systems—current and historic—that relate to a higher power. Religious studies majors delve into religious history, beliefs, worship practices, and theological concepts of the world's major religions. If your college or university is affiliated with a church or religion, your program will likely concentrate in the core theology of that faith. Many religious studies programs, too, offer practical courses in religious outreach, church administration, and ministry.
WHAT COURSES DO YOU NEED TO TAKE?
In your general education classes, you are likely to gain at least a surface understanding of how major theological concepts and movements have manifested themselves in contemporary society. Your major in religious studies will take you much deeper, exposing you to the world's great religious thinkers, past and present. The exact nature of your classes will depend on whether you study at a secular institution or one with strong church relatedness. A secular college or university might focus more intensely on religious theory, philosophy, and the complex role religion plays in the world today, while a faith-based school might emphasize the teachings and practices of its faith, as well as offering practical training for the ministry or rabbinate.
Here are some classes you might take as a religious studies major:
- Eastern Religions
- Greek
- Hebrew
- History of Christianity
- History of Judaism
- Introduction to Ministry
- Islam
- New Testament
- Old Testament
- Religious Ethics and Morality
- Religion in America
- World Religions
- Youth Ministry
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A RELIGIOUS STUDIES MAJOR?
A major in religious studies will give you a strong liberal arts foundation, which means that not only will you have a powerful understanding of the historical currents and ideas that shaped our world, you will know how to find information, communicate clearly and adapt to new and changing situations. People who major in religious studies often pursue graduate degrees and become college professors, rabbis, or ministers. Others go directly into teaching (with a teaching certificate), the ministry, or pursue careers as journalists, social workers, and business people.