Major

Degree Requirements

A. Complete a minimum of ten graded courses (30 credits) within the Department of Religious Studies, meeting the following requirements:

1. Primary Concentration (also known as a sub-plan)

Take at least three courses (9 credits) in one of the world's major religious traditions as a primary concentration (referred to in the SIS as a sub-plan) : African religions (RELA), Buddhism (RELB), Christianity (RELC), Hinduism (RELH), Islam (RELI) or Judaism (RELJ).

• At least one of these courses (3 credits) must be at the 3000-level or above.
• RELG 1010 and RELG 1040 cannot be used to fulfill this requirement.
• Your sub-plan MUST be indicated on your declaration form.

2. Secondary Concentration

Take at least two courses (6 credits) in another of the world's religious traditions as a second concentration. (Both courses must be in the same religion.)

• RELG 1010 and RELG 1040 cannot be used to fulfill this requirement.
• Cross-listed courses may count toward either concentration with the exception of RELC/J 1210 which must count toward the primary concentration if the primary concentration is in Christianity or Judaism.

3. Diversity Requirement

• If the first and second concentrations are in Buddhism and Hinduism, or Buddhism and African religions, or African Religions and Hinduism, then one course must be taken in Christianity, Islam, or Judaism.
  • RELG 1010 can be used to fulfill this requirement.
• If the first and second concentrations are in Christianity and Islam, or Christianity and Judaism, or Islam and Judaism, then one course must be taken in African religions, Buddhism, or Hinduism.
  • RELG 1040 can be used to fulfill this requirement.

4. Take three courses (9 credits) of the ten required at the 3000 level or above.

Courses taken to fulfill requirements #1 and #2 may be used to fulfill this requirement.

5. Take RELG 4500 (Majors' Seminar).

B. Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all religious studies courses.

Students interested in declaring a major may obtain the major declaration form in the Religious Studies Office, 120 Halsey Hall, or in Monroe Halll. Worksheets are available online (.pdf, 11KB), or in the department office. Prospective majors must consult with a faculty member in order to plan their courses and to choose an advisor. Consult the online guide How to Declare Your Religious Studies Major for more information. The Department HEGIS code is 151510.