World Religions Major B.A.
- Courses across Judaism, early Christianity, Greek and Roman religions, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism
- Preparation for careers in journalism, politics, business and non-profits
- Preparation for graduate school
- Department honors thesis option
Major code BA5215
Contact: Dr. Brian Collins
Program Overview
Religious texts, beliefs, and practices are central to being human, as is conflict over religion. World religions majors acquire both a theoretical knowledge of the components and dynamics of religions and a specific knowledge of religious ideas and practices.
Courses cover Judaism, early Christianity, Greek and Roman religions, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism. Each student chooses an area of specialization, and learns a foreign language connected with that specialization.
Students in the world religions major have also majored in English, history, and sociology. World religions majors with a GPA of 3.5 or higher can complete a departmental honors thesis in one or two terms for 3-6 credit hours in addition to the regular requirements for the major. Preapproved application and interview required.
Careers and Graduate School
The demand for people knowledgeable in the religions of this increasingly smaller globe is growing, and the United States is also becoming increasingly diverse religiously. Expertise in the study of a number of religious traditions benefits students preparing for careers in journalism, politics, and business. It can also be part of one’s preparation for leadership in religious communities. Often pre-professionals are encouraged to pursue a broad liberal arts education in which world religions may be a significant component. Courses in world religions are also of interest to many graduate programs. Our graduates have gone on to further study in religious studies and theology graduate programs. Outside academia, World Religions graduates have gone on to work abroad in the Peace Corps and for NGOs; others have become counselors and therapists; others have entered into business careers and work in government.
Students can also browse through dozens of internship opportunities and full-time job postings for Ohio University students and alumni on Handshake, OHIO’s key resource for researching jobs, employers, and workshops and events for professional development.
Admissions Information
Freshman/First-Year Admission: No requirements beyond University admission requirements.
Change of Program Policy: No selective or limited admission requirements.
External Transfer Admission: No requirements beyond University admission requirements.
Degree Requirements
University-wide Graduation Requirements
To complete this program, students must meet all University-wide graduation requirements.
College-Level Requirements for the College of Arts & Sciences
View the College-Level Requirements for the College of Arts & Sciences.
World Religions Core Courses
Complete 35 semester credit hours of classics and world religions coursework, including all the requirements below.
Biblical Studies
Complete one of the following courses:
- CARS 3000 - The Hebrew Bible (Christian Old Testament, Jewish Tanakh) Credit Hours: 3
- CARS 3010 - New Testament Credit Hours: 3
Major Traditions
Complete two of the following courses:
- CARS 3020 - Introduction to Islam Credit Hours: 3
- CARS 3100 - Hinduism Credit Hours: 3
- CARS 3110 - Buddhism Credit Hours: 3
Theory
Complete one of the following courses:
- CARS 3240 - Theories of Religion Credit Hours: 3
- CARS 3250 - Contemporary Religious Thought Credit Hours: 3
- CARS 3260 - Myth, Ritual, and Symbolism Credit Hours: 3
Religious Studies Electives
Complete 21 hours from any CARS, CLAR, CLAS, and CLWR courses (not CLAS 2110 or CLWR 4931H).
Colloquium in Classics and Religious Studies
Complete 2 hours of CLAS 3800.
- CARS 3800 - Colloquium in Classics and Religious Studies Credit Hours: 1
Senior Honors Thesis
Students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher will have the option of researching and writing a senior honors thesis.