Religious Studies
Pursue the religious studies major or minor at UWEC to explore the fascinating world of religion and the various beliefs, practices, texts, ceremonies, and theologies associated with it.
Explore the World's Religions
Rooted in rich history and cultural exploration, this program's curriculum will introduce you to religions across the globe, from Christianity to Judaism, to Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Shinto. Examine topics like the meaning of religion; the nature of religious thought; and issues around God, salvation, and evil.
Religious studies majors are highly encouraged to take their education to the next level by exploring the world around them. Discover new customs, traditions, and lifestyles in countries like Ghana, Japan, Austria, Greece, Ireland, Italy, or Scotland while studying abroad. Or spend a semester at one of more than 200 universities participating in the National Student Exchange program. Cultural immersion programs will take you out of your daily routine and immerse you in unfamiliar cultures, catching a glimpse of how others experience life.
Home to one of the few philosophy and religious studies departments in the state, the religious studies major will prepare you for graduate school or immediate entry into the workforce. Our alumni go on to pursue a variety of careers, including those related to religious organizations, the government, law, education, and fundraising. No matter your path, you'll find a major in religious studies benefits you on both a professional and personal level.
Program Details
As part of a capstone course, you'll complete a rigorous research paper on a topic of your choice. In addition to being a compelling addition to your resume and portfolio, this paper will give you real-world experience conducting and presenting research.
Religious studies majors take away valuable skills, including critical thinking, communication, and abstract reasoning. Your ability to interpret and analyze complex information will prepare you for a variety of different roles and organizations.
Religion is persistent and a part of virtually all civilizations and cultures. While some degree programs may come and go, the study of religion is always relevant and adaptable, as it is continually explored through new lenses. The world will always need religious studies majors and minors.
Blugold Stories
Religious studies teaches you about people, yourself, and why we are where we are today. It forces you to think critically about the tough questions in life and dig deep to find out who you are as a person. Just like art and music, religious studies plays an important role in shaping a well-rounded individual.
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Where can the religious studies program lead me after graduation?
The religious studies curriculum provides an excellent framework for graduate school and a variety of career paths. The major provides rich preparation for jobs that require specialized knowledge, writing, sensitivity, understanding of complex documents, and the ability to relate to people of various cultures. You may choose to teach, conduct research at a university, or hold a range of roles at libraries, nonprofit organizations, or museums.
Our religious studies alumni have gone on to earn positions at places like the Smithsonian Institution, Teach For America, Interfaith Network, Freedom From Religion Foundation, United Way and Veterans Affairs. Jobs range from a college recruiter to youth services coordinator, to public relations specialist, lawyer, psychologist, family counselor, and minister.
Example Careers
- Church program assistant
- Coordinator of religious education
- Professor
- Outreach worker
- Museum curator
- Executive pastor
Curriculum within the religious studies major focuses on the history of religion and the interaction of religions and cultures across the globe — and across time. Coursework explores how religion has shaped the world’s history, literature, art, culture, politics, ethics and economics, and how religious traditions have laid the foundation for human rights, social justice, tolerance, and world peace.
Here are a few courses in Religious Studies at UW-Eau Claire.
RELS 210
Religion and Morality
Relations between religious meanings and moral values among majority and minority religions of Eastern and Western cultures.
RELS 309
Islam
Introduction to the main elements of Islam, through study of its history, the role of Muhammad, the Qur'an, basic beliefs and observances, the dynamics of the movement, and its current world status and influence.
RELS 390
Religion in America
America's many religious traditions from the colonial period to the present, emphasizing diversity of religious expressions, development and transformation on American soil, commonalities and conflicts, and challenges to a pluralistic United States.
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