Bachelor in Religious Studies
Waukesha, USA
DURATION
4 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline *
EARLIEST START DATE
Request earliest startdate
TUITION FEES
USD 36,400 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* open enrollment
** additional fees may apply / on average our international scholarship covers 45-55% of the cost of attendance for fulltime international undergraduate students
Introduction
Religion has the power to shape the world around us. Beliefs and practices are part of your personal identity and the larger cultural identity. There are an estimated 4,200 religions in the world today. Learn how beliefs and practices in those religions contribute to the creation of a person’s identity and play an important part in understanding different cultures. Discuss ideas around the meaning of life and become familiar with many religious traditions while you analyze their role in society.
Carroll University’s religious studies major explores the rich history and traditions of religion and the role it plays in culture, politics, and society. This major complements many areas of study including business, psychology, history, health sciences, and writing. The required coursework offers you the flexibility to pursue a double major if you choose.
Our program provides you with the opportunity to study Christian traditions and also gain a deeper understanding of religions such as Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Native American traditions. You’ll have opportunities to meet and share ideas with leaders from a variety of faiths throughout southeastern Wisconsin. And you’ll take courses that make you think critically about the interaction between religion and other areas including healthcare, politics, and literature.
If you’re looking for a career path that allows you to serve others, religious studies may be the right track for you. Fulfilling careers in areas such as social work, education, healthcare, politics, non-profit organizations, law, library science, or at a congregation are all possible. Religious studies majors have also successfully entered graduate school to continue their education.
Students Study Four Main Areas
- Introduction to the study of religion
- Biblical studies and history of Christian thought
- Religion and society
- Asian religions, Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism
Southeastern Wisconsin Is a Religiously Diverse Area Where You Can Connect with Leaders of Many Faiths
- Sikh Religious Society of Wisconsin
- St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
- Jewish Synagogue
- Islamic Society of Brookfield
- Buddhist Temple
- First Presbyterian Church
Minor
In addition to the major, Carroll offers a 20-credit minor in religious studies that complement many areas of study:
- Religious Studies Minor
Program Outcome
Upon successful completion of major requirements students should be able to:
- Articulate how religion has the power to shape individual lives and social values.
- Critically read, evaluate, and write on the foundational texts and the significant ideas, concepts, and questions in the study of religion.
- Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of Christian traditions including critically reflecting on the Hebrew Bible, New Testament, and Christian history and theologies.
- Show a basic understanding of a breadth of religious traditions including Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Native American traditions.
- Use library research tools specific to religious studies, and religious studies methodologies to construct papers, essays, and class presentations.
- Use these perspectives and skills to become a responsible citizen in a religiously plural world.
- Identify, analyze, and compare understandings of the meaning of life, the human condition, and the nature of the good life in several religious traditions.
Gallery
Career Opportunities
Your degree in religious studies will help prepare you to work in many career areas.
Our majors pursue careers in:
- Church and missionary leadership
- Community leadership
- Law
- Non-profit organizations
- Chaplaincy
- Library sciences
- Music
- Journalism
- Medicine
Example job titles of graduates with a bachelor’s degree in religious studies:
- Ministry coordinator
- Education specialist
- Social services specialist
- Life coach
- Ministry services representative
- Congregation clerk
- Patient care technician
Types of employers for religious studies graduates:
- Religious organizations
- Nonprofit organizations
- Social service and humanitarian agencies
- Medical facilities and organizations
- Government agencies and military services
- Educational Institutions
- Media
Our graduates are employed at organizations such as:
- Bethpage Presbyterian Church
- John Knox Presbytery
- Phillips Theological Seminary
- First Presbyterian Church
- Korean Church of Lehigh Valley
- TEKSystems
- Andy Stenz Photography
- Carroll University
Curriculum
Core Courses
Two Introductory Courses (100 Level)
- REL 103 - Intro to the New Testament 4 Hour(s)
- REL 106 - Understanding Religion 4 Hour(s)
One Advanced Course (400 Level)
- REL 499 - Capstone: Senior Seminar 4 Hour(s)
Six Intermediate Courses (200 and 300 Level)
Six intermediate courses (200 and 300 level); at least two must be from 300 level:
Two in Christian Tradition
- REL 230 - Foundations of Christianity 4 Hour(s)
- Choose one from:
- REL 201 - Jesus of Nazareth 4 Hour(s)
- REL 202 - Religious Traditions in America 4 Hour(s)
- REL 210 - Suffering and Hope 4 Hour(s)
- REL 291 - Topics in Religious Studies 4 Hour(s) or
- REL 391 - Topics in Religious Studies 4 Hour(s)
- REL 310 - Powers, Politics, and Pluralism in Biblical Interpretation 4 Hour(s)
Two in Religious Traditions
- REL 315 - Women in Religion 4 Hour(s)
- REL 220 - Health and Religion 4 Hour(s)
- REL 206 - Asian Religions 4 Hour(s)
- REL 216 - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam 4 Hour(s)
Two Electives
- One 200 or 300-level course in Religious Studies or Philosophy
- One 200 or 300-level course in History, Philosophy, or Political Science
Bachelor of Arts Requirements
The requirements for a Bachelor of Arts are:
- Students must take 8 credits in the same modern language (MLL) other than English, this does not include American Sign Language. Carroll University will accept a total of 8 transferred credits from another college/university as long as all 8 credits are completed in the same language.
- **International students who have English as their second language should contact the Registrar concerning the Modern Language requirement.
- MAT 106 - Mathematics for the Liberal Arts 4 Hour(s) or higher
- ENG 170 - Writing Seminar 4 Hour(s)
- Degree requirements cannot be waived.
Note: Each major may have specific course sequencing requirements. For specific requirements, see “Required Support Courses” within each major
Internships
We help you build real-world experience, explore careers, and network with professionals through internship opportunities. Recent placements include the following organizations:
- Local churches
- Political organizations
- Local non-profit organizations
Admissions
Program Tuition Fee
Scholarships and Funding
The University participates in three types of financial aid programs for its International students: scholarships, grants, and employment.
Scholarships
Carroll University offers completive scholarships for international undergraduate students. 100 percent of Carroll University students receive scholarship assistance, which helps them find a balance between studies, work, and extra-curricular activities. Scholarships play a key role in maintaining Carroll's accessibility for all students. On average our international scholarship covers 45-55% of the cost of attendance for full-time undergraduate students.
Grants
Grants are awarded based upon a student’s demonstrated financial need in addition to the guaranteed International scholarship. Like scholarships, grants are considered gift aid that does not need to be repaid.
Student Employment
University employment opportunities allow students to work part-time on campus, earn an hourly wage and receive a monthly paycheck while attending Carroll. Students may work from approximately five to fourteen hours each week. The number of hours a student may work depends upon the student’s financial aid award. International students get awarded an average of $2,000-$2,500 in university employment grants every year.
Program Leaders
Student Testimonials
English Language Requirements
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