COURSE CURRICULUM

The Major in Religious Studies at St. Thomas University requires students to complete 36 credit hours in Religious Studies courses, providing a structured yet interdisciplinary understanding of religion, culture, and society. The program begins with RELG 1006 Introduction to Religious Studies, which introduces key concepts, approaches, and methods used in the academic study of religion. Students are also required to complete one course from the Tools Courses, such as Texts in Contexts, Introduction to the Hebrew Bible, Introduction to the New Testament, or Introduction to the Qur’an, which provide foundational knowledge of sacred texts and interpretive methods. In addition, students must take RELG 2413 Ritual Studies, which explores religious practices and their cultural significance, and RELG 4023 Religious Studies: Scope and Methods, which focuses on advanced analytical frameworks and research approaches in the field. Students are encouraged to plan their studies in consultation with a faculty member in the department and must officially declare their major by the beginning of their third year. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of Religious Studies, students are also encouraged to pursue a second major in a complementary discipline to broaden their academic and career opportunities. Overall, the program develops critical thinking, cultural awareness, and analytical skills, preparing students for diverse careers in education, public service, research, and related fields.