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Bachelor of Arts in Religion
The Bachelor of Arts in Religion allows students to study the cultural, political, and spiritual aspects of religion while being exposed to the theological tenets of religious thought and expression. This degree program uses a multidisciplinary approach to religious study from the viewpoints of both participant and critic.
Students will also examine the origin, history, beliefs, and practices of the world’s major religions. This degree program is intended to help prepare students for professional responsibilities that focus on human services, foreign diplomatic services, or pastoral assistance.
Degree Program Objectives
In addition to the institutional and degree level learning objectives, graduates of this program are expected to achieve these learning outcomes:
- Describe the term “religion” and identify religion’s influence throughout society.
- Analyze the universal and unique forms of religious expression, such as sacred places, symbols, ethics, and rituals.
- Assess the concepts that comprise a religious worldview such as the creation of the world, good and evil, salvation, and the meaning of suffering.
- Analyze various political, social, and other forms of religious life that are evident in different societies.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the cultural, social, scientific and religious aspects of society.
- Explain the role that faith can play in a balanced worldview.
Degree at a Glance
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General Education Requirements
30
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Major Required
39
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Select one of the following concentrations:
15
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Final Program Requirement
3
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Elective Requirements
33
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Total Semester Hours
120
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Degree Program Requirements
General Education (30 semester hours)
| Arts & Humanities (6 semester hours) 1 |
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Select 2 courses from the following:
6
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| Civics, Political & Social Sciences (6 semester hours) 2 |
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Select 1 course from the following:
3
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| Communication: Writing, Oral, and Multimedia (9 semester hours) |
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Select 1 course from the following:
3
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| History (3 semester hours) |
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Select 1 course from the following:
3
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| Mathematics and Applied Reasoning (3 semester hours) |
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Select 1 course from the following:
3
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| Natural Sciences (3 semester hours) |
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Select 1 course from the following:
3
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Total Semester Hours
30
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Major Required (39 semester hours)
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Select 1 course from the following:
3
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Islam
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East Asian Religions
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South Asian Religions
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Select 1 course from the following:
3
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Hope and Resilience
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Religious Existentialism
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Select 1 course from the following:
3
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New Religious Movements and Cults
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Sociology of Religion
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Total Semester Hours
39
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Students must choose a concentration for this degree program and may select from a Concentration in Christian Studies or Concentration in Non-Profit Leadership.
Concentration in Christian Studies (15 semester hours)
In this concentration, students will focus on the philosophy and teachings of Jesus Christ and his apostles, and the subsequent intellectual and cultural movements and institutions based on Christianity. Includes instruction in Christian sacred scripture, Christian literature and philosophy.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Describe the life and teaching of Jesus Christ and his apostles.
- Apply Christian philosophy to current events.
- Explore foundations of Christian faith and religious devotion based on Bible studies.
- Apply spiritual, philosophical, and literary concepts from a general Christian perspective.
Concentration Requirements (15 semester hours)
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Total Semester Hours
15
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Concentration in Non-Profit Leadership (15 semester hours)
In this concentration, students will focus on the theory and practice of providing socially responsive religious and educational leadership within religious non-profit organizations. Students will gain knowledge about serving as administrative non-ordained religious leaders of faith communities and non-profit religious organizations. Based on specific courses selected within the concentration, includes instruction in religious studies, accounting, strategic planning, leadership, business management, and public relations for religious non-profit organizations.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Apply socially responsive theoretical approaches to leading religious non-profit organizations.
- Identify specific business-management practices to sustain a religious non-profit organization.
- Explore and discuss the administrative and organizational needs of a religious non-profit organization, including accounting, strategic planning, business management, and public relations.
Concentration Requirements (15 semester hours)
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Select 4 courses from the following:
12
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Total Semester Hours
15
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Final Program Requirement (3 semester hours)
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Total Semester Hours
3
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Elective Requirements (33 semester hours)
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Select any courses that have not been used to fulfill requirements listed above. Credits applied toward a minor or certificate in an unrelated field may be used to fulfill elective credit for the major.
33
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Total Semester Hours
33
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All literature courses require successful completion of ENGL101-Proficiency in Writing or ENGL110-Making Writing Relevant.
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All literature courses require successful completion of ENGL101-Proficiency in Writing or ENGL110-Making Writing Relevant.
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Prerequisite: Senior Standing and completion of all major courses prior to enrollment. Must be taken as the last course before graduation.