Learn about the Major

Learning Goals for the Religious and Theological Studies Major

• demonstrate knowledge of central terms, ideas and issues; major theories; and historical, social, and cultural contexts that have influenced and are influenced by religion and religions
• demonstrate writing and research skills including description, analysis and argumentation, ability to locate relevant information, and familiarity and usage of reference sources and styles
• demonstrate understanding of material through integrating theory with evidence and using proper methodology
• demonstrate understanding of the moral dimension of human life through ethical, critical and  personal reflection

Two Tracks for Majors

For students who wish to major in religious and theological studies, there are two tracks that you can choose - one with an emphasis in religious studies and the other with an emphasis in theological studies. Each program consists of ten courses. Satisfying the requirements for the major in Religious and Theological Studies includes completing a minimum of 38 credits in the major.

For the emphasis in religious studies:

• RTS 1100 Christianity in Context, RTS 1001 Introduction to Religious and Theological Studies, or RTS1000/15xx;
• Three courses in World Religions;
• One course in Biblical Studies;
• One course in Systematic Theology or Christian History;
• One course in Religion, Society & Ethics;
• Two electives in Religious and Theological Studies;
• RTS 4900 - Seminar in Religious and Theological Studies - taken in junior or senior year.

For the emphasis in theological studies:

• RTS 1100 Christianity in Context, RTS 1001 Introduction to Religious and Theological Studies, or RTS1000/15xx
• One course in World Religions;
• Two courses in Biblical Studies;
• One course in Christian History;
• One course in Systematic Theology;
• One course in Religion, Society & Ethics;
• Two electives in Religious and Theological Studies;
• RTS 4900- Seminar in Religious and Theological Studies - taken in junior or senior year.

Major GPA

The GPA for the religious and theological studies major will be calculated by taking the average of courses designated RTS.