Religious Studies

  • BA
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Teacher Certification
Three students sit in a classroom; two are listening and one is taking notes.

Religion is ever-present in today’s world. Nationally, we see everything from Supreme Court decisions about religious freedom to heated political debates about religion as it relates to education, sexuality and/or social justice. Globally, religion is a major force in politics. Learn about religion as a social, cultural and political force in today’s world with a degree in Religious Studies. 

As a Religious Studies major, you will take four core courses in global traditions, approaches to the academic study of religion, and religious conflict and cooperation in the world today. Within this set of core requirements, you can choose one of two capstone courses, either a traditional research seminar or an engaged learning project. 

Elective courses allow you to explore foundational domains within the academic study of religion, such as specific faith traditions around the globe, sacred texts, approaches to the study of religion, and contemporary issues in religion. 

The 36-credit program will give you a grounding in many different aspects of the study of religion, while allowing you to choose electives in the areas that interest you the most. A degree in Religious Studies will provide you with broad cultural literacy and first-rate critical thinking skills – both of which are much in demand! 

See the curriculum.

Career Opportunities

Non-Profit Manager
Healthcare Worker

Lawyer
Teacher

Researcher

Complement Your Degree

Pursue a career-focused Religion and Public Life Minor as a complement to your degree. The minor includes courses from every college and school across the university, so you may find that you have or will fulfill many of the 18-credit requirements for the Minor as you simultaneously complete your major and elective requirements. The career paths are: 

  • Applied Ethics & Human Rights
  • Non-Profit Leadership & Activism
  • Well-Being & Spirituality. 

This minor provides the unique and sustained opportunity to study religion as a personal, social, cultural, and political force in today’s world.

See the curriculum.

Teach in Elementary Schools!

Earn a BA in Religious Studies together with certification as an elementary school teacher in New Jersey. The study of religion in a secular setting gives you both extensive cultural understanding and strong analytical abilities as you prepare to become a classroom teacher.

BA in Religious Studies with Teacher Certification in Elementary School Teacher in Grades K-6 

Students who wish to pursue K-6 teacher certification in Elementary Education must apply and be admitted to the Teacher Education Program. Once admitted, students will be matriculated into the BA in Elementary Education program as a second major. 

Please visit the Teacher Education website for the required professional sequence of courses and other important Program requirements, guidelines, and procedures. Students also are strongly advised to review the Teacher Education Program Handbook. 

120 credits of coursework is required for the baccalaureate degree with a minimum 3.0 overall GPA. Major GPA requirements differ depending on field of study. Consult the Teacher Education Program Handbook for more information. 

See the curriculum.

Combined BA/MAT with Teacher Certification in Grades K-6 and Teacher of Students with Disabilities 

The Dual Degree/Dual Certification program is an accelerated year program that leads to Teacher Certification in English (K-6), Teacher Certification in Teacher of Students with Disabilities, a baccalaureate degree (BA), and a master’s degree (MAT). 

See the curriculum.

Combined Programs

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BA/MBA Program

The “4 + 1” Bachelor’s/MBA is a five-year program, during which students spend three years taking courses required for their chosen bachelor’s degree program and in their fourth year, complete (along with required undergraduate program courses) 6 credits’ worth of graduate business (MBA) coursework that satisfies undergraduate degree requirements and counts toward achievement of the MBA degree.

In law school, I relied heavily on the skills I honed reading old religious and philosophical texts. Beyond strengthening the hard skills I needed in law school and as an attorney, my study of Religion trained me to think deeply and critically.

Alaina J. Thomas

Housing Attorney at Essex Newark Legal Services Program: Religious Studies:

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