Religious Studies, Minor

Social and Behavorial Sciences Department

Office of Academic Affairs » Academic Schools » School of Liberal Arts » Social and Behavioral Sciences » Religious Studies, Minor

Program Overview

Religious Studies, Minor

Ready to add a powerful layer of cultural understanding to your college degree? A Minor in Religious Studies is all about gaining the academic tools to analyze and appreciate the major belief systems that have shaped history and society around the globe. This minor pairs well with almost any major and is a smart way to boost your career potential!

Credits Required
At least 12 credits

Minor

Description

The Religious Studies Minor requires you to complete four courses in total, structured into two levels of study. This ensures you get a solid foundation before diving into specialized, advanced topics.

Phase 1: Foundations
You’ll start with introductory courses that provide a broad survey of the field. These classes help you understand the basics of religious scholarship, explore different global traditions, and introduce you to essential ethical and philosophical theories.

Phase 2: Advanced Topics
Next, you’ll choose specialized, upper-level courses. These classes allow you to focus on specific sacred texts, major global religious movements (like the Interfaith movement), or analyze how religion impacts contemporary issues like peace, politics, and culture.

Why Choose This Minor?
The skills you gain in Religious Studies—like critical analysis, ethical reasoning, and intercultural communication—are highly valued in careers like law, business, social work, and global affairs. This minor makes you a thoughtful, culturally competent leader!evel!

Minor

Requirements

To earn the Minor in Religious Studies (12 credits total), you must complete the following:

  1. Foundation/Core (Select at least 2 Courses)
    These are your introductory options for surveying religious studies and ethics.

    • REL 101 – Intro to the Study of Religion
    • REL 102 – Survey of Religious Experience
    • REL 111 – omp. World Religions I
    • REL 112 – Comp. World Religions II
    • REL 211 – Interfaith Movement
    • PHIL 201 – Ethics and Social Philosophy
  2. Upper-Level Core (Select at least 2 Courses)
    These courses allow you to focus on specific applications, texts, and advanced topics.

    • REL 301 – Bible & Hermeneutics)
    • REL 322 – Contemporary Issues in Religious Thought
    • REL 333 – Peace Education
    • REL 321 – Buddhism and Hinduism in Eastern Thought
    • REL 340 – History of the Interfaith Movement