Degree Option and Minor
By examining a diversity of traditions and viewpoints, a program in religious studies provides the resources for an intellectually responsible appraisal of one's own value commitments. A degree option or minor in Religious Studies is part of a broad liberal arts education and may lead to graduate study in a variety of fields or to professional training in ministerial or social service vocations.
Major (Degree Option)
The IDST Degree Option in Religious Studies serves effectively as a major in Religious Studies. In addition to 18 semester hours in the IDST "Core," students complete at least 30 hours of Religious Studies and Judaic Studies courses.
The IDST Core includes IDST 1114, an IDST Diversity Course, IDST 3114, six credits of 3000-4000 level courses from one of the IDST programs, and IDST 4114 (or an approved substitute). The 30 hours of REL and JUD courses include six credits of introductory REL courses, nine credits from REL and JUD courses at the 2000-level and above, nine credits from REL and JUD courses at the 3000- and 4000-level, and six credits from a list of courses outside the REL designator. While courses may not "double-count" within the 30-hour REL/JUD requirement, some courses may be approved to "double-count" for the IDST Core and REL/JUD course requirements.
Click here for a copy of the degree option checksheet.
Minor
The Religious Studies minor may be completed by any student whose major requires or permits a minor. The Religious Studies minor may also be chosen as one of two individually-selected minors (or concentrations) as part of the Interdisciplinary Studies (IDST) degree.
For the Religious Studies minor, a student must complete a total of 18 semester hours (usually 6 courses) in Religion, including 6 hours at the 1000 level, 6 hours at the 3000 or 4000 level, and 6 additional hours at the 2000 level or above. In the process of meeting these requirements, the student must also satisfy a diversity requirement by successfully completing one of the following REL courses: 1014, 2144, 2234, 2734, 2744, 3214, 3224, 3234, or 4074 or 4324 with an appropriate and approved topic.