Religious Studies Specialization (50-60 credits)

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The religious studies specialization is comparative in nature, but complemented by a philosophical component focused on religion and unique electives designed to accommodate student interests. Students may choose either a 50- or 60-credit specialization. A student who completes the 60-credit major is not required to have a minor or second major.

Philosophy Core Requirements

PHIL 209, PHIL 305, RELS 376, RELS 494, and RELS 495 are by advisor’s approval.

PHIL 302 - Ethics Credits: (5)
Select either:
PHIL 352 - Western Philosophy I: Ancient Greek Philosophy Credits: (5)
OR
PHIL 209 - Asian Philosophy Credits: (5)
Select either:
PHIL 353 - Western Philosophy II: Rationalism and Empiricism Credits: (5)
OR
PHIL 305 - Philosophy of Religion Credits: (5)
Select either:
PHIL 354 - Western Philosophy III: Kant and the 19th Century Credits: (5)
OR
RELS 376 - Contemporary Religious Thought Credits: (5)
Select either:
PHIL 494 - Undergraduate Thesis Preparation Credits: (2)
OR
RELS 494 - Undergraduate Thesis Preparation Credits: (2)
Select either:
PHIL 495 - Undergraduate Thesis Credits: (3)
OR
RELS 495 - Undergraduate Thesis Credits: (3)

Total Core Credits: 25

Required Courses

RELS 101 - World Religions Credits: (5)
RELS 201 - Sacred Books of the World Credits: (5)

History of religions required courses - Credits: (10)

RELS 351 - Religions of China and Japan Credits: (5)
OR
RELS 352 - Religions of India Credits: (5)
RELS 353 - Judaism and Islam Credits: (5)
OR
RELS 354 - Christianity Credits: (5)

Department-approved electives - Credits: 5-15

Any RELS upper-division courses (at least 5 credits at the 400 level) and department-approved courses.

Total Credits: 50-60

NOTE: In order to graduate, a student who completes the 50-credit major or 50-credit specialization must also have a minor or second major in another discipline.