Religious Studies Major and Minor

A BA in Religious Studies consists of 30 semester hours that must include REL 101, REL 309, REL 324, and REL 497. In addition students must choose one course from each of the two categories listed below (Sacred Text and Asian Traditions). Some courses from outside the department might count towards the Religious Studies major with approval from the Chair.

Category I. Sacred Text

• REL 310, REL 312, REL 327, REL 352

Category II. Asian Traditions

• REL 308, REL 311, REL 320, INST 323, REL 325

Distribution Requirements

• 124 total hours
• 42 upper-level hours (300, 400 and above)
• C or 2.0 GPA on all work submitted on the degree application

Minor

• Religious Studies consists of 18 semester hours of religion courses.

Departmental Honors Requirements (Theta Alpha Kappa)

• Completion of at least 3 semesters at the University of Mississippi
• Completion of at least 12 hours of Religious Studies courses
• A GPA of at least 3.5 (B+) in Religious Studies courses
• An overall GPA of at least 3.0 (B)

Double Major

Religious Studies is a popular double major, especially among students who continue in professional or graduate schools. We particularly encourage pre-med and pre-law students to consider Religious Studies as a double major because we stress critical thinking and analytical skills within our courses—skills also valued within medical and legal training.

In addition, today most employers, such as business and political leaders, welcome graduates who demonstrate a certain cultural literacy—the ability to excel within culturally diverse contexts. Because Religious Studies is fundamentally cross-cultural and interdisciplinary, our students receive excellent preparation for such a job market.