Religious Studies Program Requirements for 2023-2024

B.A. in Religious Studies

A major in Religious Studies consists of 10 courses (30 credit hours) selected from five general subject areas that promote religious literacy:

  • Religious Experience: Explores the forms, beliefs, traditions, and practices related to the human experience of transcendence and the sacred.
  • Catholic Heritage: Explores the history, intellectual traditions, and sources of Roman Catholic theology and religious community.
  • Religious Traditions: Explores the diverse forms, teachings, artistic expressions, and practices of Eastern, Western, and Indigenous traditions.
  • Sacred Scriptures: Critically reads and explores the sacred texts of Eastern, Western, and Indigenous traditions.
  • Ethics: Examines how religion informs and shapes values and moral decision making from socio-cultural, professional, and religious perspectives.

The 30 credit-hour design enables students to consider double majors and minors that complement their interests and career goals.  Students may select a slate of courses in religious studies that will enhance their work in nursing, business, sustainability, history, international studies, languages, literature, philosophy, political science, psychology, and sociology.

Courses for the major are selected in consultation with the Department Chair or Departmental Faculty Advisor. No courses from the foundational areas of the Fisher Core may apply. These areas include Learning Community, Research-Based Writing, and Data Analysis courses.

Requirements

REST 100-level Courses (9 credits)

  • REST 123 What is Religion? (3 credits)
  • Choose any TWO non-Core REST courses at 100-level (6 credits)

REST 300-level course (3 credits)

  • Choose ONE
    • REST 325 Spirituality & Health (3 cr)
    • REST 338 Morality in Leadership (3 cr)
    • REST 352 Marriage & Sexuality (3 cr)
    • REST 386 Morality in Business (3 cr)
    • REST 387 Medical Ethics & Society (3 cr)

REST Electives (15 credits)

  • Choose FIVE
    • Any combination of 2XXX Core and 200- or 300-level non-Core courses.

REST 496 Senior Project (3 credits)

Under the direction of a Religious Studies faculty member, students will write an academic research paper or propose and complete a community project and project report which they will present before faculty and an audience of their peers within the program.

With approval from the Religious Studies Chair, students may use either of the Fisher Core's Culmination Courses to fulfill the REST 496 Senior Project under the following conditions:

  • In consultation with Religious Studies faculty, students who select the 3990 Junior Research Writing course for their REST Senior Project will be required to expand upon the research and writing completed in the original paper.
  • Students who select the 4990 Cardinal Capstone will be required to expand upon the work in the Capstone to complete the REST Senior Project

Total: 30 credits

A grade point average of 2.00 is required for all courses taken in residence that may be applied to the major.

Minor in Religious Studies

Prospective minors must consult with the chair of the religious studies department. With the assistance of the Chair, students plan a series of 6 courses totaling 18 credits. 

Requirements

Introductory Course (3)

  • REST 123 What is Religion?

REST 300-level course (3)

  • Choose ONE
    • REST 325 Spirituality & Health (3)
    • REST 352 Marriage & Sexuality (3)
    • REST 386 Morality in Business (3)
    • REST 387 Medical Ethics & Society (3)

REST Electives (12)

  • Choose FOUR (in any combination)
    • REST Non-Core courses: No more than 1 course at 100-level
    • REST Non-Core courses at 200-level or higher
    • REST Core Exploration courses (2XXX)
    • REST Core Culmination courses (3990, 4990)
      In consultation with Religious Studies faculty, students who select a non-REST Core Culmination course, will be required to expand upon the research and writing completed in the original paper to include a religious studies component.

Total: 18 credits

Notes on the Religious Studies Minor

  • Courses for the minor are selected in consultation with the Department Chair or Departmental Faculty Advisor.
  • No courses from the foundational areas of the Fisher Core may apply. These areas include Learning Community, Research-Based Writing, and Data Analysis courses.
  • No more than two courses taken to meet a student’s major requirements may be applied to the religious studies minor.
  • A grade point average of 2.00 is required for all courses taken in residence that may be applied to the minor.

Note: The program requirements listed are for the current academic year. Past and future program requirements may differ.