Religious Studies

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  Religious Studies Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify sources and purposes of religious ideas and rituals and how differences of interpretation form within and among religions.
  2. Explain the role of religion and spirituality in human life and society, regardless of their personal beliefs.
  3. Demonstrate a critical appreciation for the approach, analysis, and comprehension of religion through the broader perspectives of various disciplines.
  4. Employ one or more academic methods in the study of religion (literary studies, history, philosophy, feminist studies, psychology, sociology, anthropology, cultural studies, or theology) to examine one or more religious traditions in depth.
  5. Outline and critique the issues as identified by scholars who have expertise in the religious tradition(s) as well as the academic method(s).
  6. Generate research based on what has been learned about the religious tradition(s) and the academic method(s).

Undergraduate Programs

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  Major - Religious Studies

  Degree: Bachelor of Arts
  Major: Religious Studies

  Religion is a thread that is woven through society and influences art, culture, politics, ethics and more. This major explores a variety of religions from a scholarly perspective. Students will gain a new understanding of themselves and the complex global society in which we live, develop cultural awareness and be well prepared to work in multicultural environments. Students will build their knowledge in the following areas:

  • Social Justice
  • Intercultural Studies
  • Comparative Theologies

  To obtain this undergraduate degree, the student must fulfill the requirements of the University Core Curriculum, the requirements for the program major and complete a minimum of 120 credit hours.

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  Minor - Religious Studies

  Enhance Your University Experience with a Minor in Religious Studies

  Religions are at the core of cultures, and the study of religions is integral to understanding society. A deeper understanding of religious phenomena is a useful complement to any course of study or career path. The minor in Religious Studies consists of 18 credits, some of which are already required as part of the Core Curriculum.

  Given the multi-disciplinary and multicultural nature of Religious Studies, students who minor in Religious Studies enjoy flexibility regarding their course selection. The minor does not consist of one specific set of required courses, and students can easily tailor the minor program to suit their individual interests and to complement their majors.

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Graduate Program

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  Religious Studies

  Degree: Master of Arts
  Major: Religious Studies
  Credits: 30

  Through Detroit Mercy's Master of Arts with a major in religious studies program, you will develop personal insight, intercultural literacy, scholarly research and critical analysis in areas of religious and theological inquiry.

  You will work with a faculty advisor to design a plan of study which best meets your interests in one of four areas: Biblical Studies, Theology and Spirituality, Comparative Religions and Religion and Culture/Ethics.

  Your academic journey will take you through religious texts, provide a historical understanding of religions, see religion shape cultural contexts and spur an individual's search for meaning.

  Religious Discount
  Students pursuing the Master of Arts with a major in Religious Studies may be able to do so at half the cost if they are clergy or laypersons serving a parish or congregation. To qualify, students must be enrolled full-time in courses directly related to ministerial work. See the religious discount for additional criteria.  For more information, contact Lezly Pruitt at  313-993-1287 or pruittls@udmercy.edu.

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