Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies Degree Program Guide

Religious Studies degree program guide header

Religious Studies is the critical study of religion: its history, its ideas and principles, and its function in societies past and present. It is distinct from theology or faith-based studies. We ask: What is religion? What is it for? How does it function in the world? What does it do for its practitioners? How do religious traditions approach and try to solve fundamental issues regarding good and evil, human nature, ethics and morality, and how to live a good life? Our approach to these questions is interdisciplinary, non-religious, and often comparative.

Academic Requirements for Religious Studies Majors

General Requirements and Information
  • Degrees in Religious Studies are interdisciplinary programs administered by the Department of History, Classics, and Religion, Faculty of Arts. They combine required RELIG courses with approved cross-listed courses offered in various departments of the Faculty of Arts and, exceptionally, in other Faculties
  • A major in Religious Studies requires RELIG 102 and RELIG 103, and a minimum of 30 units to a maximum of 48 units at the senior level in RELIG or approved cross-listed courses
Course Requirements
  • 3 units in RELIG courses numbered 201 to 229
  • 3 units in RELIG courses numbered 230 to 249
  • RELIG 375 - Approaches to the Study of Religion 
  • 6 units in RELIG at the 300-level in addition to RELIG 375
  • 6 units in the 400-level in RELIG or approved cross-listed courses
Additional Notes
  • The department offering this program also suggests taking these optional courses:
    • ANTHR 401
    • HIST 290 - Introduction to History as a Discipline
    • PSYCH 212 - Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology
    • SOC 315 - Introduction to Social Methodology
    • WGS 302 - Feminist Research and Methodologies

Academic Requirements for Religious Studies Minors

Minor Requirements
  • A minor in Religious Studies requires a minimum of 15 units to a maximum of 42 units at the senior level in RELIG and approved cross-listed courses, including:
    • 3 units in RELIG courses numbered 201 to 229
    • 3 units in RELIG courses numbered 230 to 249
    • RELIG 375 - Approaches to the Study of Religion 
    • 6 units in RELIG at the 300- or 400-level in addition to RELIG 375

The University of Alberta Calendar will always contain the most up-to-date degree requirements for your program, and your requirements are determined by the calendar year you were admitted in.

What kinds of courses can Religious Studies students take?

  • RELIG 102 - Introduction to Western Religious Traditions
  • RELIG 103 - Introduction to Eastern Religious Traditions
  • RELIG 200 - Classical Theories of Religion
  • RELIG 270 - Contemporary Issues in Religion
  • RELIG 274 - Studies in Witchcraft and the Occult
  • RELIG 308 - From Cyrus to Jesus
  • RELIG 320 - The Qur'an
  • RELIG 343 - Zen/Chan Buddhism
  • RELIG 404 - Literary Studies in Old Testament/Hebrew Bible

What kinds of careers can you pursue with a Religious Studies degree?

There are many different fields and career paths that students can pursue with a Religious Studies degree. From education to community work, graduates are equipped with communication, research and critical thinking skills to name a few, that are assets in today’s job market. Although there is a list of career options below, it is important to understand that careers are not linear. Intentionally engaging in a variety of activities and following your curiosities will open new opportunities that you might not have expected. To learn more about how you can put your Arts degree to work, stop by the HUB Career Centre (8917 HUB Mall) for more information.

  • Educator (Professor, Secondary or Primary)
  • Educational Consultant
  • Non-Profit Program Coordinator
  • Community Outreach Specialist
  • Volunteer Manager
  • Interfaith Coordinator
  • Policy Analyst
  • Public Affairs Specialist
  • Diplomat or Foreign Service Officer
  • Religious Affairs Correspondent
  • Technical Writer
  • Museum Educator
  • Archivist
  • +More!

Interested in gaining work experience related to your career goals? If so, apply to Arts Work Experience to gain full-time, PAID, work experience before you graduate!

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