Religion (Minor Required), B.A.

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Students majoring in religion learn to read texts (both ancient and modern) carefully; study the oral traditions, stories, rituals, and structures of religious communities; explore the beliefs and values of different religious traditions; and develop a critical perspective to the diverse cultural expressions of both Christian and non-Christian religions. Many graduates work in churches or continue their education in seminary. A religion major or minor also serves as excellent preparation for other graduate programs or careers because of the emphasis in reading, writing, analyzing, and speaking. The major offers two programs of study: a religion major with an emphasis in Christian Ministry that does not require a minor and a religion major with a minor required.

Experiential Component (Complete 1 of the Following Courses:)

REL 399 Ministry Practicum: Credit Hours:3
REL 481 or 482 - Seminar in Religious Studies Credit Hour(s): 3

Program Specific Requirements (6 Credit Hours)

6 hours of a foreign language

Required Major Courses (18 Credit Hours)

Select 18 hours from the following areas:

Comparative (Choose 3 Credit Hours from the Following List)

REL 151 - World Religions Credit Hour(s): 3
REL 207 - Selected Topics Credit Hour(s): 3 (when topics include non-Christian religions: e.g., Islam or Hinduism and Buddhism courses have been offered in recent years.)
REL 251 - Interfaith Dialogue and Understanding Credit Hour(s): 3

Seminar (Choose 3 Credit Hours from the Following List)

REL 481 or 482 - Seminar in Religious Studies Credit Hour(s): 3

Religion Major Electives (18 Credit Hours)

Choose 18 Credit Hours from the Following:

Up to three philosophy courses with the approval of the program coordinator.
Any additional REL courses

HON 206 - The Bible and The Arts Credit Hour(s): 3
HON 225 - Religion and Science: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives Credit Hour(s): 3

Total Credit Hours Required in Major (Minor Required): 36

Religion Major with Christian Ministries Emphasis (57 Credit Hours)

Must include 18 Credit Hours of Required Major Courses and 6 Credit Hours of Program Specific Requirements (listed above), in addition to the following courses:

REL 230 - Foundations of Christian Education Credit Hour(s): 3
REL 397, 398 or 399 - Ministry Practicum Credit Hour(s): 1-3 (3 Credit Hours Required)

Additional REL Courses (15 Credit Hours)

Choose 15 Credit Hours from the Following:

Additional REL courses
May include up to three philosophy courses with the approval of the program coordinator.

HON 206 - The Bible and The Arts Credit Hour(s): 3
HON 225 - Religion and Science: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives Credit Hour(s): 3

18 Credit Hours from the Following List (at Least 9 Credit Hours Must be at the 300-400 Level)

ACC 201 - Principles of Accounting I Credit Hour(s): 3
ACC 202 - Principles of Accounting II Credit Hour(s): 3
ART 324 - Art for Educators Credit Hour(s): 3
BUS 303 - Principles of Management Credit Hour(s): 3
COM 201 - Public Speaking Credit Hour(s): 3
ENG 301 - Literature for Children and Adolescents Credit Hour(s): 3
ENG 311 - News Writing and Editing Credit Hour(s): 3
ENG 338 - Rhetoric Credit Hour(s): 3
HHP 145 - Rhythmics, Movement, and Games Credit Hour(s): 1
MUS 426 - Music for Children Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 211 - Human Growth and Development – Child and Adolescent Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 212 - Human Growth and Development – Adulthood Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 340 - Personality Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 348 - Techniques of Counseling Credit Hour(s): 3
REC 260 - Foundations of Recreation and Leisure Credit Hour(s): 3
REL 230 - Foundations of Christian Education Credit Hour(s): 3
SOC 202 - Social Problems Credit Hour(s): 3
SOC 205 - Marriage and the Family Credit Hour(s): 3
THA 222 - Voice and Diction Credit Hour(s): 3
THA 246 - Play Production I: Beginning Directing Credit Hour(s): 3
THA 336 - Creative Dramatics in School Church and Community Credit Hour(s): 3

Any Vocal or Instrumental Group (1 Credit Hour)

MUS 111, 112 to 411, 412 - Concert Choir Credit Hour(s): 1
MUS 117, 118 to 417, 418 - Collegiates Credit Hour(s): 1
MUS 119, 120 to 419, 420 - Band Credit Hour(s): 1
MUS 121, 122 to 421, 422 - Handbell Ensemble Credit Hour(s): 1
MUS 123, 124 to 423, 424 - Jazz Combo Credit Hour(s): 1
MUS 127, 128 to 427, 428 - Classical Ensemble Credit Hour(s): 1