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 62-credit specialization. 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. A student who completes the 62-credit major is not required to have a minor or second major.
Departmental Honors in Philosophy and Religious Studies
The honors program in Philosophy and Religious Studies recognizes the exceptional scholarship of qualified students in either the Philosophy major or Religious Studies specialization. To qualify, students must have completed at least 25 credits in their major or specialization and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 overall and 3.5 in their major coursework.
In addition to their normal coursework, students seeking departmental honors must take one additional upper division course in their program, complete a superior thesis (RELS 497: Honors Thesis) to be evaluated by a second reader from the departmental faculty, and make an oral presentation. Students graduating with honors will have that accomplishment recorded on their transcripts.