Religion (A.A.)
Program RequirementsReligion focuses on:

Religion is an academic and scientific study of the confessional traditions of the various communities of faith. In the study of religion, it is a comprehensive survey of both natural and unnatural (supernatural) events.  Such arguments can include discussions associated with the epistemological, cosmological, teleological, ontological, moral and psychological analysis of the existence of God, a creator or the divine.  Additionally, religion is an investigation of the origins of phenomena that conceptually impact the cosmic order and bring meaning to individuals in society. Phenomena such as good/evil, ethics and morality, life/death and the afterlife, heaven/hell, reality, and other philosophical concepts form the basis for and shape religious experience as defined by mystical, spiritual and physical interpretations.

As a historical tool, religion provides a comprehensive approach for surveying cultural, social and individual experiences in their contexts. These experiences as interpreted within the community help define the normative behaviors and belief system that shape communal perspective that provides common means for assessing and tracking such behaviors.

 

As part of the liberal arts discipline, religious studies help to develop a worldview that is rooted in a conceptual convergence of aesthetic, social and ethical values.  These values define the essence of who we are as individuals, social units and communities.  As such, religion provides perceived, or at least, purposeful discussions, to answer, address or explain perplexing phenomena, events and circumstances in our lives.

 

 

 

A career in religion can develop your analytical, interpretive and philosophical skills in a comprehensive way.  Pursuing a degree in this area has enormous potential for students to define their personal career options. As such, the career choice can be unlimited.

 

  • Academia - the student can pursue academic endeavors in colleges and universities as a teaching or research scholar. The field is broad and promising for the student who seeks to specialize in areas of interests as most colleges and universities either offer classes in religion or have a department dedicated to religious studies.
  • Conflict Resolution and Negotiation Specialists – in these jobs religious professionals can provide technical assistance in a variety of venues including alternatives to courts, religious conflicts between nations and religious communities. In this, mediation and dispute resolution is an opportunity for the prepared religious professional to provide a service.
  • International Business – living in a world where business and culture define means of exchange; religion can describe various methods for engaging effectively in global merchandising and economics.
  • Journalism and Media – journalist engage in news reporting and editing for various news outlets. In fact, most news sources have persons who are specifically dedicated to report on religious events.  There are many research centers that specialize in compiling and reporting data on the status and impact of religion in society.  Such organizations as the Pew Forum and Eli Lilly are among these specialized research and journalistic organizations.
  • Law – students engaged in religious studies can pursue various avenues at state local, national and international levels that utilize knowledge of various legal codes that create conflict and an opportunity to clarify these codes in the context of culture and social norms.
  • Medicine – this field provides an enormous opportunity for the student of religion to engage in the diverse areas of medicine that range from Psychology and Counseling services to Allied Health.  This field, with its broad subfield, provides students with opportunities to promote health, healing and wholeness that promote the connection between mental and physical health as well as spirituality.  Such fields include clinical psychology and psychiatry, physical and occupational therapist, dieticians and nutritionists.
  • Ministry - a degree in religion can prepare one for various types of ministries in the local church and parish which includes pastoral, youth ministries, and other focused ministry areas.  Additionally, the degree can prepare the student for a global ministry by exposing them to universal concepts that allow the student to interact in a global society.
  • Social Work – provides opportunities for religion students to connect with various community and governmental organizations.  These jobs can range from addiction, treatment and abuse programs to family service professionals in for-profit, nonprofit and governmental agencies.