Bachelor of Arts in Religion
Program Description
The Bachelor of Arts in Religion allows students to study the cultural, political, and spiritual aspects of religion while being exposed to the theological tenets of religious thought and expression. This degree program uses a multidisciplinary approach to religious study from the viewpoints of both participant and critic.
Students will also examine the origin, history, beliefs, and practices of the world’s major religions. This degree program is intended to help prepare students for professional responsibilities that focus on human services, foreign diplomatic services, or pastoral assistance.
Degree Program Objectives
In addition to the institutional and degree level learning objectives, graduates of this program are expected to achieve these learning outcomes:
- Describe the term “religion” and identify religion’s influence throughout society.
- Analyze the universal and unique forms of religious expression, such as sacred places, symbols, ethics, and rituals.
- Assess the concepts that comprise a religious worldview such as the creation of the world, good and evil, salvation, and the meaning of suffering.
- Analyze various political, social, and other forms of religious life that are evident in different societies.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the cultural, social, scientific and religious aspects of society.
- Explain the role that faith can play in a balanced worldview.
Degree at a Glance
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General Education Requirements
30
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Major Required
39
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Select one of the following concentrations:
15
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Final Program Requirement
3
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Elective Requirements
33
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Total Semester Hours
120
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Degree Program Requirements
General Education (30 semester hours)
| Arts & Humanities (6 semester hours) 1 |
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Select 2 courses from the following:
6 |
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Arabic I
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Arabic II
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Art Appreciation
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Survey of Photography
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Film and Literature
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Image Enhancement using Adobe Photoshop®
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French I
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French II
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German I
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German II
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Introduction to Japanese
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Literature of American Encounters, Revolution, and Rebellion
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From Abolition to #MeToo: Literature of the American Civil Rights Movement
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Pivotal Figures in Early British Literature
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British Literature from Wordsworth through the Wasteland
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Leadership in World Literature: Antiquity to the Early Modern Period
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Literature of the Newly Globalized World: The Individual’s Struggle to Adapt
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Music Appreciation
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Jazz and Rock
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World Music and Cultures
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Introduction to Philosophy
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Critical Thinking
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Introduction to Ethics
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Philosophy of Science
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Introduction to Brazilian Portuguese
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Introduction to the Study of Religion
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Introduction to World Religions
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Russian I
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Spanish I
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Spanish II
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Thinking and Acting Ethically
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| Civics, Political & Social Sciences (6 semester hours) 2 |
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Introduction to Sociology
3 |
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Select 1 course from the following:
3 |
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Introduction to Anthropology
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World Archaeology
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Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
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Human Sexuality
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Planning Your Future with Purpose in Humanities & Education
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Social Media and Society
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Intercultural Communication
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Microeconomics
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Macroeconomics
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Humane Education: A Global Interdisciplinary Perspective
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Introduction to Geography
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Practical Food Safety and Awareness
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International Relations I
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Introduction to Political Science
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American Government I
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Introduction to Psychology
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Death and Dying
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Race & Religion
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Hope and Resilience
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Social Problems
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American Popular Culture
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Exploring Society and Cultures via Science Fiction
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| Communication: Writing, Oral, and Multimedia (9 semester hours) |
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Information and Digital Literacy
3 |
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Making Writing Relevant
3 |
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Select 1 course from the following:
3 |
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Emerging Technology for College Success
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Public Speaking
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Interpersonal Communications
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Proficiency in Writing
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Argumentation and Rhetoric
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Introduction to Literature
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Technical Writing
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Scientific Writing
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Effective Business Communication
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Human Relations Communication
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Information Literacy and Global Citizenship
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Introduction to Information Technology Writing
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Human Relations
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| History (3 semester hours) |
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Select 1 course from the following:
3 |
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American History to 1877
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American History since 1877
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World Civilization before 1650
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World Civilization since 1650
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Western Civilization before The Thirty Years War
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Western Civilization since The Thirty Years War
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African-American History before 1877
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African-American History since 1877
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History of the American Indian
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History of Science
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The History and Context of STEM
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| Mathematics and Applied Reasoning (3 semester hours) |
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Select 1 course from the following:
3 |
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Accounting I
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Accounting for Non Accounting Majors
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Beginning Programming
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College Algebra
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College Trigonometry
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Pre-Calculus
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Introduction to Statistics
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Math for Liberal Arts Majors
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Calculus
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| Natural Sciences (3 semester hours) |
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Select 1 course from the following:
3 |
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Introduction to Biology
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Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology
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Introduction to Chemistry
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Introduction to Meteorology
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Introduction to Geology
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Introduction to Environmental Science
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Introduction to Physics
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Introduction to Astronomy
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Introduction to STEM Disciplines
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| Total Semester Hours 30 |
Major Required (39 semester hours)
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Introduction to the Study of Religion
3 |
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Introduction to World Religions
3 |
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Religion in America
3 |
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Research, Analysis, and Writing
3 |
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Christianity
3 |
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Religions of the Middle East
3 |
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Race & Religion
3 |
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Death and Dying
3 |
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God and World
3 |
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Myth and Ritual
3 |
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Select 1 course from the following:
3 |
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Islam
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East Asian Religions
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South Asian Religions
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Select 1 course from the following:
3 |
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Hope and Resilience
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Religious Existentialism
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Select 1 course from the following:
3 |
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New Religious Movements and Cults
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Sociology of Religion
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| Total Semester Hours 39 |
Students must choose a concentration for this degree program and may select from a Concentration in Christian Studies or Concentration in Non-Profit Leadership.
Concentration in Christian Studies (15 semester hours)
In this concentration, students will focus on the philosophy and teachings of Jesus Christ and his apostles, and the subsequent intellectual and cultural movements and institutions based on Christianity. Includes instruction in Christian sacred scripture, Christian literature and philosophy.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Describe the life and teaching of Jesus Christ and his apostles.
- Apply Christian philosophy to current events.
- Explore foundations of Christian faith and religious devotion based on Bible studies.
- Apply spiritual, philosophical, and literary concepts from a general Christian perspective.
Concentration Requirements (15 semester hours)
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Contemporary Christianity
3 |
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Introduction to the Old Testament
3 |
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Introduction to the New Testament
3 |
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Introduction to the Bible
3 |
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The Teachings of Jesus
3 |
| Total Semester Hours 15 |
Concentration in Non-Profit Leadership (15 semester hours)
In this concentration, students will focus on the theory and practice of providing socially responsive religious and educational leadership within religious non-profit organizations. Students will gain knowledge about serving as administrative non-ordained religious leaders of faith communities and non-profit religious organizations. Based on specific courses selected within the concentration, includes instruction in religious studies, accounting, strategic planning, leadership, business management, and public relations for religious non-profit organizations.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Apply socially responsive theoretical approaches to leading religious non-profit organizations.
- Identify specific business-management practices to sustain a religious non-profit organization.
- Explore and discuss the administrative and organizational needs of a religious non-profit organization, including accounting, strategic planning, business management, and public relations.
Concentration Requirements (15 semester hours)
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Theology of Social Responsibility
3 |
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Select 4 courses from the following:
12 |
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Accounting for Non Accounting Majors
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Basics of Business
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Critical Thinking Strategies for Business Decisions
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Non-Profit Entrepreneurship
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Foundations of Financial Management
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Leadership & Motivation
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Strategic Planning
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Public Relations
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Consumer Behavior
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| Total Semester Hours 15 |
Final Program Requirement (3 semester hours)
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Religion and Philosophy Capstone 3
3 |
| Total Semester Hours 3 |
Elective Requirements (33 semester hours)
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Select any courses that have not been used to fulfill requirements listed above. Credits applied toward a minor or certificate in an unrelated field may be used to fulfill elective credit for the major. 33 |
| Total Semester Hours 33 |
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All literature courses require successful completion of ENGL101-Proficiency in Writing or ENGL110-Making Writing Relevant.
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All literature courses require successful completion of ENGL101-Proficiency in Writing or ENGL110-Making Writing Relevant.
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Prerequisite: Senior Standing and completion of all major courses prior to enrollment. Must be taken as the last course before graduation.