Religious studies offer students opportunities to explore the patterns and dimensions of the many different religious traditions of the world from the perspectives of the academic study of religion. The courses are designed to help students develop basic understandings of the many ways in which religions shape personal views of the world, create and sustain the communities in which we live, and interact with politics, economics, literature and the arts, and other structures of society. Through this curriculum, students are provided the skills that will allow them to understand religions as a part of the study of human history and traditional and nontraditional values.

Why Study Religious Studies?

The Why Study Religion Web site aims to foster awareness of and interest in the study of religion at the college level. The site is organized around seven major concepts: Why Study Religion? What is Religion? Some Misconceptions about Studying Religion. Pressing Concerns in the Study of Religion. What Will I Study? Where Can I Go with it? Where do I Start?

The career options open to religious studies majors are limited only by the imagination. Majoring in religious studies provides students with the critical thinking and writing skills and general knowledge of the world necessary to perform a tremendous variety of professional tasks. While some religious studies majors pursue graduate study or careers in fields directly associated with religion, many others pursue further graduate and professional education or careers in other fields. Undergraduate majors in religious studies have long been valued by law schools, business schools, medical schools, public policy programs, and a wide variety of employers and graduate programs. But then we were not born for work alone. A religious studies major can provide a great deal of thought to engage one's mind in whatever profession one chooses. The study of religion grants one access to a wide range of human possibilities; it broadens and deepens one's understanding of the diverse richness and mystery that attends being human. Students majoring in religious studies will not only be better equipped to understand people of very different backgrounds, but will also learn much about themselves: how their ideas and values were formed, how they differ from others, and the significance of these differences. This is knowledge that will remain relevant for a lifetime, and is the key to a life of conscious choice.

The Department of Religious Studies strives to insure that majors are well prepared for life after college. To that end the department offers "career nights" each semester, exposing students to career options and planning strategies. In addition, the religious studies advisor is available for career and graduate school consultation, and serves as a liaison to other career services on campus. The department also encourages students to consult faculty members with regard to preparation for graduate school and careers in religious studies.

• Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies

Religious Studies majors may complete up to four Religious Studies courses at IUPUC provided they are taught by at least two different instructors. Other Religious Studies courses must be completed at the Indianapolis campus.

Religious Studies degree requirements
B.A. degree check sheet
Religious Studies course descriptions

Division of Liberal Arts
4601 Central Ave.
Columbus, IN 47203-1769

Office: 812-348-7393
Fax: 812-348-7370
Email: liberalartsiupuc.edu