Religious Studies Majors 

Dr. Mary Carter Waren - Program Coordinator

Grounded in the rich legacy of the Catholic intellectual and artistic heritage, the focus of the Religious Studies program at St. Thomas University is theological; it explores the implications, both practical and pastoral, of faith’s search for understanding. However, as its name suggests, the Religious Studies program respects the religious diversity of our student body and reflects our position that religious understanding is fundamental to peace and justice in the world with its rich array of religions and religious practices.

The major in Religious Studies emphasizes breadth and depth and prepares students for life-long critical engagement with faith and religion, for careers in teaching and service, and for graduate studies in the field. The minors and certificates within the department introduce students to this important field of study and nicely complement other majors offered at the University.

Through courses offered in the General Education Requirements, the Religious Studies program embodies and contributes to the spirit and uniquely religious character of St. Thomas University.

Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies 120 Credits

General Education Requirements 42 Credits

Humanities 12 Credits

Written Communications 6 Credits composed of:
ENG 101 Composition 3 Credits
ENG 102 Composition & Literature 3 Credits

The Natural World & Quantitative Reasoning 9 Credits composed of:

* Mathematics/Physical Science
* Natural Science
* Physical Science

Social Science/History 9 Credits composed of:

* Social Science
* History
* Social Science/History

Philosophy 6 Credits

Religious Studies 6 Credits

Catholic Identity 3 Credits

*
Take 3 credits from courses identified as Catholic Identity courses. This course may satisfy other General Education Requirements or Major requirements. This course cannot be used to satisfy the Religious Studies requirements.

Diversity 3 Credits

* Take 3 credits from courses identified as Diversity courses. This course may satisfy other General Education Requirements or Major requirements.

Major Requirements 33 Credits

Biblical - Take one course from the following:
RST 220 Old Testament
RST 225 New Testament

Historical - Take one course from the following:
RST 240 History of Christian Thought I
RST 242 History of Christian Thought II
RST 355 The Experience of Christ
RST 364 Peacemaking: Historical Roots
RST 480,481,482 Great Religious Thinkers

Systematic - Take one course from the following:
RST 200 Catholicism
RST 272 The Church
RST 322 Liturgy and Sacraments
RST 323 Prayer and Spirituality
RST 330 Religious/Social Analysis of Conflict
RST 470,471 Great Religious Themes

Moral - Take one course from the following:
RST 232 Christian Moral Decision Making
RST 307 Theology of Marriage and Family
RST 330 Religious/Social Analysis of Conflict

Contextual - Take one course from the following:
RST 150 Introduction to Religious Studies
RST 210 World Religions
RST 392 Religion in America

Senior Seminar - Take one course from the following:
RST 405 Senior Studies Senior Seminar

Communication - Take one course from the following:
COM 105 Speech
COM 400 Business Communication and Report Writing

Major Elective

*
Take 12 additional credits in Religious Studies. With approval of the advisor and Department Chair, up to six credits may be taken outside of Religious Studies.

General Elective

* 36 - 48 credits, level 100 or above. (ENS OR ESL credits not permitted)