Majors, minors & more
Religious Studies
College of Arts and Sciences
- Offered as:
- Minor
- Specialization track
Overview
The religious studies program crosses disciplines for students who wish to develop an understanding of the nature of religion and its role in individual and social life. The program enables students to analyze critically and evaluate Western and non-Western religions without a predisposition to defend or reject the claims of any particular faith.
- Strengths of the program
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- Play a major role in developing your own curriculum of study and pursue varied interests as you develop a deep understanding of the nature of religion and its role in individual and social life.
- The School of Languages, Cultures, and Race Language Learning Resource Center provides the latest in language learning technology, such as access to almost 40 computers, two HD TVs with Blu-Ray DVD players, and the ability to check out other equipment. The center also has fully trained staff on hand to provide assistance as needed.
- Four different faculty-led study abroad programs for spring and summer: study abroad during spring break in Guatemala or during the summer in Paris, Berlin, or Berlin/Austria. To learn more about these faculty-led study abroad experiences, visit the school's website.
- Study abroad 560+ additional programs provides students a wide range of opportunities for adventuring, learning, and engaging with the foreign language and culture
- Earn course credit while studying abroad in another country. Visit the Office of International Programs Study Abroad Programs for more information.
- Scholarships are offered annually to new and ongoing students and for study abroad. Visit the School of Languages, Cultures, and Race scholarship page.
- Requirements and core courses
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Religious studies major
Students will earn a bachelor of arts in humanities with a religious studies major. Students must complete 39 semester hours of coursework, with designated courses in different departments. Of the 39 hours, 12 hours must be core courses for all majors.
Other courses are required or elective depending on the student’s focus: Western religions, non-Western religions, or comparative religions.
Religious studies minor
For a minor in religious studies, a student must take at least 18 semester hours of work, including the core and three courses from the required list of comparative religions. At least half of the 18 credits must be 300-400-level while in residence at WSU or through WSU-approved study abroad program. Visit the WSU Catalog for more information.
Graduation requirements
See the WSU Catalog for degree requirements and talk with your academic advisor about planning and scheduling your courses. All students must meet requirements as outlined in the catalog in order to graduate.
- Scholarships and financial aid
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A variety of state, federal, and university-sponsored programs are available to help students with educational costs.
Washington State University awards millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarships to students every year based on financial need, academic merit, or a combination of the two.
To get all the financial help WSU can provide, start by doing these two things:
- Complete the University’s general scholarship application so you can be eligible for scholarship consideration.
- Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) so WSU can consider you for aid (scholarships, grants, loans, etc.) based on financial need. More about WSU scholarships and financial aid.
For students in religious studies
The School of Languages, Cultures, and Race awards numerous scholarships annually for new students, continuing students, and those pursuing study abroad. Visit the school’s scholarship page for more information.
Students in the major may also apply for more than $50,000 in scholarships awarded by the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). Visit the CAS website for more scholarship information.