B.A. in Religious Studies

College: College of Arts and Sciences
Program: Religious Studies
See Also: Department of Religious Studies

Program Information

Founded in the past century, the field of religious studies endeavors to better understand religion by means of modern academic approaches. Philosophical questions are considered, such as are all mystical experiences in essence the same, and can we reconcile evil with the existence of god(s)? But the field also asks anthropological, sociological, political, literary, and historical questions: How have the beliefs and practices of Shinto shaped the modern Japanese corporation? Why did first-century Gnostic Christianity lose out to what we would eventually come to know as Christian Orthodoxy? What is the meaning of the "Epic of Gilgamesh"? Who was the Buddha?

Suggested Schedule of Courses

This is a suggested 4-year schedule of courses based on degree requirements in the current catalog. 

This guide is not a substitute for academic advisement – contact your advisement office if you have any questions about scheduling or about your degree requirements.  Also see the Undergraduate Catalog for a complete list of requirements and electives to choose from.

Students may choose to attend a summer term to reduce their course load during fall or spring semesters but still stay on track to graduate in four years.

If considering this major, RELS 2001 will allow you to explore this option before making a decision.

Freshman Year

Freshman Milestones:

• Complete all Area A requirements