Religious Studies Major

Overview

Religion is a fundamental dimension of the human experience in today’s world. Religious Studies majors at Saint Joseph's University acquire and hone tools for the critical analysis of the major religious traditions found throughout the world.

What is a Religious Studies Major?

Seven overlapping factors drive life in the world: religion, land, history, economics, politics, race, and climate. Religious Studies majors at Saint Joseph’s University become immersed in all of these as they study the history, sacred texts, belief systems, and the arts and cultures of the world’s great religions.

The curriculum’s flexibility allows majors to complete a second major in many disciplines. All majors in the humanities also acquire important skills that are essential in any career: how to read carefully, think critically, formulate persuasive arguments and communicate clearly.

What Can You do with a Religious Studies Major?

Most anything you feel called or inspired to do. Upon graduation, religious studies majors have:

Joined corporations or non-profits
Entered law school
Gone to graduate school in theology, philosophy, journalism, business, sociology, psychology and foreign languages
Taken a year or two of volunteer service
Joined Teach for America or ACE
Taken teaching positions in private and parochial schools

How will a Religious Studies Degree from Saint Joseph's University Prepare You for a Future Career?

Religious Studies majors are taught by world-renowned experts in their respective fields. They are well-equipped to pursue other fields requiring the breadth of knowledge, critical discernment, creativity and communication skills cultivated by the disciplines of the humanities.

Continue Your Education

In addition to theology or religious studies, students will be prepared to pursue an advanced degree in the following:

Law
Philosophy
History
Journalism or Communications
Psychology
Sociology
Social work

Course Catalog Information

Theology Major

Theology majors acquire and hone tools for critical analysis of the Bible, key doctrines, including those concerning Jesus Christ, Church and tradition history and religious authority. The program also includes the study of ethics, including personal and communal morality, as well as the importance of interfaith relations. All majors in the humanities also acquire important skills that are essential in any career: how to distinguish truth from conspiracy theory; how to read carefully; how to write effectively; how to think creatively; how to formulate evidence-driven arguments; and how to speak persuasively.

Theology and Religious Studies Minor

The theology and religious studies minor at Saint Joseph’s University explores the sacred texts, material cultures and central teachings of both Christian and non-Christian traditions.

Faith-Justice Studies Minor

The faith-justice studies minor at Saint Joseph’s University challenges students to consider existing social beliefs and priorities in light of Gospel values and faith-based social justice traditions.