The Religious Studies Major

Learn how to think profoundly and communicate clearly about societal issues and existential human questions through research, reading, writing and discussion.

The Department of Religious Studies

The Religious Studies Program will teach students to think profoundly and communicate clearly about societal issues and existential human questions through research, reading, writing, and discussion. Students will develop a mature understanding of Judeo-Christian traditions and a deep appreciation for other major religions.

Bachelor of Arts

Major Requirements:

A minimum of 30 semester hours in Religion courses including:

(3 semester hours)

  • REL 101 Introduction to Religion
    or REL 115 Religious Worlds
  • REL 427 Seminar in Religion and Philosophy

(3 semester hours)

  • REL 201 Old Testament
  • REL 202 New Testament
  • REL 320 Studies in Biblical Life and Thought
    or REL 402 Contemporary Christian Thought

(3 semester hours)

  • Religion in United States Culture
  • Church History I
    or Church History II
  • (3 semester hours)
  • Contemporary Moral Issues
    or Christian Ethics
  • Religions of the East
  • Indigenous Religions of the Americas

Appropriate group and independent studies may be substituted for courses in each area.

Minor Requirements:

  • Introduction to Religion or Religious Worlds
  • Old Testament or New Testament
  • Religions of the East

Religion electives may be chosen from any three upper-level Religion courses.
(9 semester hours)

Career Options:

  • Clergy
  • Family Counseling
  • Youth Director
  • Missionary
  • Writer
  • Non-Profit Organization
  • Teacher

Religious Studies Faculty

Andrew Stern, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Religious Studies
Religious Studies Program Coordinator
Ph.D., Emory University

Shane M. Thompson, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Religious Studies
Ph.D., Brown University

Barry Drum, Ed.D.

Visiting Assistant Professor of Religious Studies
Ed.D., Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary