Academics

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.

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Career Opportunities

  • Non-Profit Manager
  • Healthcare Worker
  • Lawyer
  • Teacher
  • Researcher

Complement Your Degree

Minor in Religious Studies

The minor in Religious Studies is an 18-credit program available to undergraduate students from any major. Courses will cover topics ranging from religions of the world, religious texts, religion and ethical issues, and more.

The Religious Studies minor will provide you an opportunity to study religion as a social, cultural, and political force in today’s world. Gain an understanding of global traditions, sacred texts, approaches to the academic study of religion, and religious conflict and cooperation in the world today.

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.

Elementary Education

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.

Elementary Education, Teaching Students with Disabilities

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

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.

students smiling at graduation ceremony wearing caps and gowns as confetti falls

“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, a skill that is beneficial in every area of my life.”

Alaina J. Thomas
Housing Attorney at Essex Newark Legal Services
Program: Religious Studies

Featured Faculty


Related Programs

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences offers a number of programs that complement the study of Religion.

Questions? We’re Here to Help.

Office of Undergraduate Admissions

The office of Undergraduate Admissions will guide you every step of the way on your journey from learning about the University and its offerings, to applying for a program through to acceptance and enrollment.

Religion Department

The Department of Religion at Montclair State University aims to be a model of innovative pedagogy, intellectual rigor, interdisciplinary research, and public scholarship. The religious and cultural diversity of the NJ/NY metro region, combined with faculty expertise in a wide range of the world’s religions, uniquely situates us to be pathbreakers in the study of interreligious exchange.

Next Steps

Wherever you learn—on campus or online—Montclair State University offers the programs, community and support to help you reach your goals. Take the next step today.

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Learn Online

Montclair Online offers the same nationally recognized faculty, engaging coursework and supportive community as our on-campus classes - designed to fit your life. With multiple start dates each year, you can begin when the time is right for you.

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