Greetings! You might ask: what can I do with a major in Religious Studies?
By studying religion, you can tailor your educational experience at Michigan State University to fit your own future career path. In fact, the study of religion can be combined in innovative ways with a whole range of diverse careers. Areas in which a specialization in religion will help you stand out include Non-profit Organizations, Law, Journalism, International Business, Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Medicine, Religious Professions, and Education. Learning about religions means that you understand different cultures and develop a more global perspective. Religious Studies is the ideal major for those who seek a career in non-government organizations (NGOs), non-profit organizations, government, or international corporations, where a deeper understanding of cultures is essential to furthering organizational aims and your future career.
What topics do Religious Studies classes at Michigan State cover?
Many. If you are looking to explore world religions in a broad sense, you can enroll in an introductory course on a major world religion such as Christianity (REL 320), Judaism (REL 310), Islam (REL 330), Hinduism (REL 340), and Buddhism (REL 350), or if your interest is more focused, enroll in one of our specialty classes, taught and developed by professors in their specific field of interest. Classes such as the Philosophy of Religion, the Jesus of History and Tradition, and the Environment and Religion are examples of specialty classes that have been offered in the past.
Where do I go to begin my major or minor in Religious Studies?
Like any major, begin by enrolling in one of our courses. If you find you enjoy the course and would like to pursue a major or minor in Religious Studies, everything you need is listed under Programs in the navigation bar. We are located at 714 Wells Hall.
Is it feasible to double major in Religious Studies and something else?
Absolutely! The requirements for a second major in Religious Studies are cohesive with many other degree programs. View the checklist of requirements.
Must I be a person of faith to study religion?
Some students and faculty within our department do practice particular religions; however it is not a requirement nor presumption of the interest in the academic study of religion. It should be noted that all Religious Studies courses are taught academically, not seeking to persuade you, as the student, of the truth or necessity to convert to a particular religion.
How do Religious Studies students achieve the liberal learning goals of Michigan State University?
Religious Studies belongs to the tradition of liberal arts education that informs the best of American higher education. A liberal arts foundation enhances the potential that MSU graduates will be outstanding leaders and life-long learners. These liberal learning goals are intended to provide a framework for students’ active engagement in learning both in and out of the classroom. Students who complete an undergraduate degree program at Michigan State University will demonstrate the knowledge, attitudes and skills associated with the following interconnected goals and outcomes:
The MSU graduate uses ways of knowing from mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and arts to access information and critically analyzes complex material in order to evaluate evidence, construct reasoned arguments, and communicate inferences and conclusions.
- Acquires, analyzes, and evaluates information from multiple sources
- Synthesizes and applies the information within and across disciplines
- Identifies and applies, as appropriate, quantitative methods for defining and responding to problems
- Identifies the credibility, use and misuse of scientific, humanistic and artistic methods
The MSU graduate comprehends global and cultural diversity within historical, artistic, and societal contexts.
- Reflects on experiences with diversity to demonstrate knowledge and sensitivity
- Demonstrates awareness of how diversity emerges within and across cultures
The MSU graduate participates as a member of local, national, and global communities and has the capacity to lead in an increasingly interdependent world.
- Understands the structures of local, national, and global governance systems and acts effectively within those structures in both individual and collaborative ways
- Applies knowledge and abilities to solve societal problems in ethical ways
The MSU graduate uses a variety of media to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
- Identifies how contexts affect communication strategies and practices
- Engages in effective communication practices in a variety of situations and with a variety of media
The MSU graduate integrates discipline-based knowledge to make informed decisions that reflect humane social, ethical, and aesthetic values.
- Critically applies liberal arts knowledge in disciplinary contexts and disciplinary knowledge in liberal arts contexts
- Uses a variety of inquiry strategies incorporating multiple views to make value judgments, solve problems, answer questions, and generate new understandings