Religious Studies Major*

*This program is not accepting incoming students as new majors. The minor is open to all students.

A religious studies major is excellent preparation for work in a number of fields in which knowledge of religion is primary:

• college/university professor
• public and private school teaching
• work for a particular Christian denomination or specific employment in the Roman Catholic Church as a campus minister, hospital minister, service coordinator, or church administrator

For those who feel they possess a religious vocation, the religious studies major is an excellent preparation to become members of the clergy.

Requirements for the Major in Religious Studies
(all courses 3 credits unless noted)

DEVELOPMENTAL COURSES
Choose two of the following:

• REL 109 - Moral Matters
• REL 110 - The Search for Meaning
• REL 121 - Introduction to the Christian Tradition
• REL 214 - The Catholic Church in America

THE CATHOLIC SOCIAL JUSTICE TRADITION
Choose one of the following:

• REL 211 - Faith and Justice
• REL 225 - Catholic Social Thought and Practice
• H REL 301 - Honors Religious Studies: Heroes of Conscience
• REL 316 - Liberation Theologies

RELIGION IN AMERICA
Choose one of the following:

• H REL 220 - Honors Religious Studies: Religious Folklife
• REL 221 - Religion in America
• REL 223 - Church and State: A U.S. Perspective
• H REL 312 - Honors Religious Studies: Sects and Cults in American Religion

JUNIOR-YEAR COURSE 
Taught by one of the full-time faculty members

REL 444 - Senior Seminar 
Capstone guided reading and research 

Religious Studies Electives (6 credits) 

Electives, selected from any departments (51–65 credits) 

Total credits for major: 24

• No courses in the major or minor may be taken under the pass/fail option. 
• A QPA of 2.67 is required in religious studies courses for the major.
• No religious studies course with a grade of C or below can be credited to the major.

Transfer student coursework will be evaluated by the department chair to develop a timetable for completion of the major or minor in religious studies.

Note: The programs are designed on an individual basis, under the direction of the department chair.

Students planning to teach in the elementary schools of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia should complete 18 hours in Catholic theology or religious education.