Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy

Department Chair: S. Shauf

Faculty

Professors: D. Berry, P. Qualls, S. Shauf, E. Stepp

Associate Professors: A. Sieges-Beal

Mission Statement

Within the context of a Christian liberal arts tradition, our mission in both graduate and undergraduate education is to provide an atmosphere of open inquiry, honesty, and integrity where issues of religious understanding, faith, practice, and philosophy can be explored. Our intention is to prepare lifelong learners who are reflective, critical, and analytical thinkers committed to a life of service for God and humanity.

Major Fields of Study

Christian Studies, with the following concentration options:

Biblical Studies

Discipleship Studies

Youth Discipleship Studies

Theological Studies

Missiology

Minor Fields of Study

Biblical Studies

Biblical Languages

Discipleship Studies

Youth Discipleship Studies

General Information

The Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy requires 50 hours of courses beyond General Education requirements.

All majors in the Department take RELI 300 (Old Testament) and RELI 301 (New Testament) or equivalents as part of the General Education requirement. RELI 300 and RELI 301 are required in order for students to take upper-level Bible classes and are recommended before taking other upper-level courses in the Department.

All majors are required to take RELI 201 (Introduction to Religious and Theological Studies) as soon as possible after declaring a major in the Department. Additionally, all majors are required to take the following four foundational Departmental courses:

PHIL 200 Introduction to Philosophy

RELI 271 Spiritual Formation

RELI 321 Introduction to Christian History

RELI 333 Introduction to Theology

These 14 hours of foundational courses above will be combined with a three-hour seminar requirement, a three-hour practicum or internship, 24 hours in a chosen concentration, and six hours of departmental electives for a total of 50 hours to complete the major.

The Religious Studies Association is the departmental club established to benefit departmental majors and other interested students/faculty by providing additional opportunities for learning and service in the field of Religious Studies. All students majoring in the Department are encouraged to attend four of the six yearly meetings. Students who excel in Religious Studies may be invited to become a member of the University chapter of Theta Alpha Kappa, a national honor society.