Religious Studies
Why pursue a religious studies degree at North Central College?
An undergraduate degree in religious studies is, for many, a calling and a career path. Students who major in religious studies become experts in the history and practice of many religions. In a religious studies major, you’ll learn to engage with sacred texts and sources with a critical eye, communicating ideas and arguments with sensitivity. Some students who study religion will choose careers in ministry such as a missionary, chaplain or youth director, while others will choose roles like a teacher, lawyer or non-profit employee. At North Central College, you’ll work closely with faculty to explore some of life’s most challenging questions in topics such as philosophy, history, psychology, sociology, ethics and ministry. As an expert at evaluating, reasoning and navigating through complex issues, religious studies majors add value to a wide range of environments.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN
- Providing religious services and spiritual guidance to individuals or groups
- Understanding faith from numerous religious perspectives including Christianity, Hinduism, Taoism, Judaism, Buddhism and Islam
- Examining religious traditions and histories
then a degree in RELIGIOUS STUDIES might be for you.
Why study religious studies at North Central College?
In the Classroom
Coursework topics:
- Christian Ethics and Spirituality
- Cross, Violence and Resistance
- Death and Dying
- Hollywood, Values and Religion
- Islam
- Judaism
- Nature and Well Being
- Religion and Political Order
- Religious Harmony in China
- Religious Pluralism in Japan
- Sexuality and Christianity
- Spiritual Liberation in India
- The Bible
- The Global Buddha: Permeating Space-Time
- Topics in Religious Ethics
- Women and the Bible
- World Religions
Beyond the Classroom
As a religious studies major, you can:
- Apply for internships and jobs through robust faculty and alumni networks or the Center for Career and Professional Development.
- Experience different religious practices through our Contemplative Series and campus ministry offerings.
- Get involved with The Union, a social venue that incorporates music, art, film and spirituality.
- Begin graduate-level coursework at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, with up to 15 hours of elective credit put towards your degree.
- Attend Focus, a weekly interdenominational worship and fellowship group.
Religious Studies, B.A.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see .
A minimum of 32 credit hours, including:
Religion Courses
-
RELG 100 - Introduction to World Religions
RELG 100 - Introduction to World Religions
One course from each of the following areas:
Biblical Studies
-
RELG 110 - Introduction to the Bible
RELG 110 - Introduction to the Bible
Theology
-
RELG 330 - Cross, Violence and Resistance
RELG 330 - Cross, Violence and Resistance
Ethics
-
RELG 390 - Topics in Religious Ethics
RELG 390 - Topics in Religious Ethics
-
RELG 344 - Religion and the Political Order
RELG 344 - Religion and the Political Order
Asian Traditions
-
RELG 255 - Spiritual Liberation in India
RELG 255 - Spiritual Liberation in India
-
RELG 260 - Religious Harmony in China
RELG 260 - Religious Harmony in China
-
RELG 265 - Religious Pluralism in Japan
RELG 265 - Religious Pluralism in Japan
Electives
Minimum of ten credit hours of RELG electives (
Capstone
-
RELG 498 - Capstone
RELG 498 - Capstone
Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the
Religious Studies Minor
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Philosophy and Religious Studies.
A minimum of 20 credit hours, including:
-
RELG 100 - Introduction to World Religions
RELG 100 - Introduction to World Religions
Biblical Studies
-
RELG 110 - Introduction to the Bible
RELG 110 - Introduction to the Bible
Theology and Philosophy of Religion
-
RELG 330 - Cross, Violence and Resistance
RELG 330 - Cross, Violence and Resistance
Ethics
One of the following:
-
RELG 344 - Religion and the Political Order
RELG 344 - Religion and the Political Order
-
RELG 390 - Topics in Religious Ethics
RELG 390 - Topics in Religious Ethics
Asian Traditions
One of the following:
-
RELG 255 - Spiritual Liberation in India
RELG 255 - Spiritual Liberation in India
-
RELG 260 - Religious Harmony in China
RELG 260 - Religious Harmony in China
-
RELG 265 - Religious Pluralism in Japan
RELG 265 - Religious Pluralism in Japan
Religious Studies Internships and Jobs
A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. By gaining your religious studies degree, you will foster a deeper understanding of other cultures and their religious traditions. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.
Internships
- Assistant program director, Mountain Tennessee Outreach Project, Coalmont, TN
- Intern, Junior/Senior Scholars, Naperville
- Intern, Humanitarian Service Project, Carol Stream, IL
Graduate School
Recent graduates in religious studies have been accepted at:
- Princeton Theological Seminary
- Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
- Chicago Theological Seminary
- Vanderbilt University
- DePaul University
- Illinois State University
Careers
Recent graduates in religious studies include:
- Executive Director, Center for Faith and Human Rights
- Professor of Law, DePaul University
- Associate Porfessor, Garrett- Evangelical Theological Seminary
- Senior Manager, Disney Corporation
- CEO, Tri-State Media Ministry
- Acute Care Social Worker, Middleton VA Medical Center
- Chaplain, Springfield Memorial Center
Invest in your future
Choosing the right college is a big decision. Don’t make it alone. North Central’s admission and financial aid team is here to help you design a financial aid solution that works best for you and your family.
Merit scholarships, grants, loans, campus employment - these are just some of the resources available to you. Over 95 percent of students and 100 percent of all eligible students receive aid. Let our team partner with you in finding the best value for your education.
Learn more about financial aid and costs for North Central College
Apply to North Central College
The first step to becoming a North Central student is reading the application instructions specific to you. Find out everything you need to know about applying by selecting the group you belong to below.