Comparative Religion, B.A.

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Description

The comparative study of religion approaches religion as a cultural dimension of society. It contextualizes religious beliefs and behaviors within the specific historical, and social frameworks to understand the impact of religion in shaping human experience. Studying religion fosters critical thinking, formal reasoning and contributes to a broad liberal arts education.

What careers can this major prepare you for?

Masters and Ph.D. programs in Comparative Religion. It may also be paired with other majors or minors to enhance student credentials. Possible careers include but are not limited to the following: Teaching (K-12), Marketing, Public Relations, Advertising, Human Services, Non-profit work, Publishing, Counseling.

What skills are developed within this major?

Skills developed within this major include: Ability to analyze; Research skills as demonstrated in papers and exams; Analytical skills; Communication skills; Time management skills; Problem solving skills.

Hours Required for Degree

Minimum credit hours required for major: 34; at least 19 of which must be upper-level (300- or 400-level).

Major-Field Requirements

Students must receive a C or higher in a Comparative Religion course in order for it to count toward the major.

Required Courses (6 credits)

Diversity Requirement

Students must take at least one course in each of the following areas.

Research Skills Requirement (6 Credits plus 1 Credit Hour Capstone)

Students must take at least two courses one of them simultaneously with the 1 credit hour Capstone in Religious Studies to fulfill the senior thesis requirement.

Comparative Religion Electives (12 credits)

Students are required to complete an additional 12 credit hours of REL electives to reach total hours required of the major. Anywhere between 3 and 9 credits must be upper-level (300- or 400-level) depending on the courses used to fulfill the diversity requirements.

Capstone Requirement

The 1 credit hour Capstone in Religious Studies is to be taken simultaneously with a Research Skills course to fulfill the senior thesis requirement.

REL 497 - Capstone in Religious Studies

Concentration

Students will be encouraged to use a number of their discretionary courses to develop a concentration in one particular religious tradition, geographical region, or historical era. The courses involved in such a concentration should be determined in consultation with your adviser.

Transfer Students

Transfer students must complete a minimum of 19 credit hours of religion courses at CSU for a major in Comparative Religion.

Honors Program Requirements

The University Honors Program in Comparative Religion requires completion of:

An Honors contract version of REL 350 - Religion in Interdisciplinary Perspective .
Two (2) additional Honors contract courses in Comparative Religion, chosen by the student in consultation with a departmental advisor.

All these courses count toward the regular major. No additional credits beyond the regular Comparative Religion major are required.

An Honors contract version of the Comparative Religion capstone sequence (REL 490 , REL 491 ).

University Scholars Requirements

Students completing the University Scholars Program in Comparative Religion are required to complete:

Three (3) Honors contract courses in Comparative Religion, chosen by the student in consultation with a departmental advisor.

All courses count toward the regular major. No additional credits beyond the regular Comparative Religion major are required.