A religious studies major is excellent preparation for work in a number of fields in which knowledge of religion is primary: college/university professor; public and private school teaching; work for a particular Christian denomination or specific employment in the Roman Catholic Church as a campus minister, hospital minister, service coordinator or church administrator.
For those who feel they possess a religious vocation, the religious studies major is an excellent preparation to become members of the clergy.
| Requirements for the major and minor in Religious Studies |
CREDITS |
| View core curriculum requirements (34-48 credits). |
Major |
Minor |
Developmental Courses
(choose two of the following) |
6 |
6 |
| REL 109 |
Contemporary Moral Problems |
| REL 110 |
The Search for Meaning |
| REL 121 |
Introduction to the Christian Tradition |
| REL 214 |
The Catholic Church in America |
The Catholic Social Justice Tradition
(choose one of the following) |
3 |
3 |
| REL 211 |
Faith and Justice |
| REL 225 |
Catholic Social Thought and Practice |
| H REL 301 |
Honors Religious Studies: Heroes of Conscience |
| REL 316 |
Liberation Theologies |
Religion in America
(choose one of the following) |
3 |
3 |
| H REL 220 |
Honors Religious Studies: Religious Folklife |
| REL 221 |
Religion in America |
| REL 223 |
Church and State: A U.S. Perspective |
| H REL 312 |
Honors Religious Studies: Sects and Cults in American Religion |
Junior Year Course
(taught by one of the full-time faculty members) |
| REL 444 |
Senior Seminar
(Capstone guided reading and research) |
3 |
|
| |
Religious Studies Electives |
6 |
6 |
| |
Electives, selected from any department(s) |
51-65 |
|
|
Total credits for major |
24 |
|
|
Total credits for minor |
|
18 |
Special Requirements
Total credits for the major is 24 and 18 credits for the minor. No courses in the major or minor may be taken under the pass/fail option.
A QPA of 2.67 is required in religious studies courses for the major or minor. No religious studies course with a grade of "C" or below can be credited to the major or minor.
Transfer student coursework will be evaluated by the department chair to develop a timetable for completion of the major or minor in religious studies.
Note: The programs are designed on an individual basis, under the direction of the department chairperson. Students planning to teach in the elementary schools of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia should complete 18 hours in Catholic theology or religious education.