圣麦克大学

Religious Studies is the academic study of religion from a variety of perspectives, using a variety of different disciplines. In keeping with the mission of Saint Michael's College, the Religious Studies Department offers a wide range of courses that study the broader Christian religious tradition and the Roman Catholic tradition in particular. We also offer a variety of courses in the study of Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. In addition, our courses tackle broader philosophical and cultural issues surrounding the phenomenon of religion. Some students choose to create a focus for their major in specialized areas such as Christian traditions and thought, World Religions, Ethics, Early Christian Studies, or the study of the Bible.

Religious Studies majors learn to think critically about and evaluate the claims made by various religious groups. They gain detailed knowledge about the history of the world’s religious traditions, and they are expected to develop an empathetic understanding of the world-views of others. Our graduates more fully understand the complex interplay between religion and other aspects of society, and they learn how various people both past and present have lived out their spiritual lives. Few areas of study are as relevant for understanding our twenty-first century world as the study of religion.

Many Religious Studies majors also double major in another discipline. Popular combinations with Religious Studies are Political Science, Psychology, English, History, and Elementary Education. In addition, many students choose to minor in Religious Studies. Current Religious Studies minors are majoring in such diverse fields as Business Administration, Biochemistry, Sociology, Economics, Media Studies, Anthropology, Biology, and Classics, among others.

Special Opportunities

There are many special opportunities available for a Religious Studies major or minor at Saint Michael's.

As a Religious Studies major you will always have a Religious Studies professor as your academic advisor, so you get the very best advice about courses, study abroad, senior thesis topics, and careers.

A highlight of your program is that majors (and minors if they choose!) participate in the 2-part senior capstone experience of RS 310 (Religion: Theory and Method) and RS 410 (Senior Seminar). In the fall semester of senior year you take RS 310 and develop ideas for your senior thesis. You write your senior thesis in the spring semester of senior year, working closely on a specific project with one faculty member. This chance to work in close collaboration with a faculty member on your thesis is one of the high points of being a Religious Studies major.

Careers

A degree in Religious Studies provides a strong liberal arts foundation in critical and creative thinking, as well as in oral and written communication. Careers pursued by our recent Religious Studies graduates include:

• Law
• Management
• Marketing
• Journalism
• Social Work
• Youth Advocacy
• Library Science
• Media Consultancy
• Nursing
• Brewing
• Law Enforcement
• Fire Fighting
• Publishing
• University Admissions Officer
• Campus Ministry
• Development/Fundraising
• Insurance Underwriting
• Digital Forensics
• Elementary Education
• Secondary Education
• Speech Pathology
• Parish Youth Ministry
• Religious Vocation