Program Details
Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies
Bachelor of ArtsRoanoke College
Religions are complex, dynamic traditions that continually draw on their past through reinterpretation of traditional ideas, texts, rituals, and practices while at the same time responding to the new challenges and realities of the present moment. As a result, religious traditions experience both internal moments of tension and change as well as critical moments impelled by interaction with the wider culture. The Religious Studies major at Roanoke College allows students to study a variety of religious traditions, in the past and in the present, with attention to their internal development and their interactions with their own societies. The goal of the program is for students to be able to analyze and formulate informed, empathetic responses to contemporary critical moments experienced by religious communities and to be able to describe insights that religious traditions bring to the modern world in these moments.
Outcomes
1: Students will be able to engage with questions of ultimate meaning, including recognition of primary vs secondary questions, discussion of questions, articulation of questions with precision, ability to compare alternative viewpoints, and sophistication of writing. 2: Students will be able to reflect critically on their path of learning by examining their presuppositions prior to class, their experience in light of class, their knowledge in light of class, and their position in light of class. 3: Students will be able to distinguish types of sources (primary/secondary; insider/outsider; scholarly/non-scholarly), recognize their relative value, and choose them as appropriate to a given project. 4: Students will be able to engage in sophisticated analysis and synthesis of texts, objects of analysis, argument, and material culture. We will apply an evaluation rubric that includes sophistication of analysis and synthesis in the areas of text, objects of analysis, argument, and material culture. 5: Students will demonstrate religious literacy, including knowledge of the key elements of religious traditions, charitable, engaged understanding of the religious experiences of others, and an ability to analyze the dynamics of critical moments in religious traditions.
Program Overview & Guidance
| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | Students who wish to understand the complexities of human religious beliefs and behavior in the past and present will find this major interesting and challenging. In our classes we approach all traditions with respect and empathy. While we encourage student reflection on religious issues, no one tradition is promoted. Students who wish to pursue careers in religious ministry will find our courses excellent preparation. |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Useful choices for transfer credit include: any religion courses. Transferring some foreign language courses will help students finish that college requirement faster.
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| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
| Doing More With Your Degree | Because of the small number of courses required for the major, it is easy for students to study abroad and/or pursue an additional major, minor, or concentration. Concentrations in Theology and Parish Youth Ministry available. Internships and research opportunities. |
| Program Successes & Highlights | Students will emerge from this program with a deep understanding of religious traditions and how they are interacting with the challenges of today. This program will also develop skills in reading, analysis, and writing. Understanding the complexities of the modern world and the skills of analysis and persuasion will be an excellent background for students pursuing careers in business, public service, health professions, and non-profit work. |
Program Credit Requirements
If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements
The table below lists admissions agreements between Roanoke College and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Courses completed as part of an associate's degree or general education certificate will be evaluated by our Registrar at admission, and appropriate transfer credits will be awarded. Nearly all general education requirements can be completed with transfer credits. Transferrable courses from an accredited college or university will apply to general education, major, and graduation requirements. UCGS and Passport courses will all transfer. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Transferrable courses from an accredited college or university taken as dual enrollment while in high school will apply to general education, major, and graduation requirements. Up to three additional World Language courses can satisfy the language requirement. UCGS and Passport courses will all transfer. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | In general, Roanoke does not offer credit for prior learning outside of higher education coursework. Military training transcripted by an accredited institution of higher education is accepted. |
| Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information
| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | Roanoke has about 2000 students, mostly undergraduates. Classes are small, averaging 17 students, with a real commitment to teaching and supporting students. Expect close personal interactions with faculty and staff members who get to know you. Active athletic and recreational opportunities are part of the college as are a wide range of student clubs and activities. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by first semester of attendance. VCCS transfer students may choose a catalog from the two years prior to their first term of attendance if desired. |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year for freshmen is determined by first semester of attendance. |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Expected transfer students should notify the admissions office as soon as possible, so we can provide advice on courses which will transfer. |
Where Can This Degree Transfer
| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Randolph-Macon College | Religious Studies (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Eastern Mennonite University | Associate of Arts Bible, Religion & Theology | Associate | Associate of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Regent University | B.A. in Biblical & Theological Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | Hybrid |
| Bluefield University | BA in Christian Studies - Biblical/Theological Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Bluefield University | BA in Christian Studies - Ministry Leadership | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Bluefield University | BA in Ministry Leadership | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | Online |
| Bluefield University | Associate of Ministry Leadership | Associate | Associate of Ministry Leadership | 4-Year | Online |
| Regent University | A.A. in Christian Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts | 4-Year | Hybrid |
| Eastern Mennonite University | Bachelor of Arts Theology & Religion | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Hollins University | BA in Religious Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Wesleyan University | Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Religious Studies, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| William & Mary | Religious Studies - Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Shenandoah University | Bachelor of Arts Religion | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Ferrum College | B.A. in Religious Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Religious Studies, Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Emory & Henry University | Psychology (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies
| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1126.00 | Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in philosophy, religion, and theology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 21-2021.00 | Directors, Religious Activities and Education | Coordinate or design programs and conduct outreach to promote the religious education or activities of a denominational group. May provide counseling, guidance, and leadership relative to marital, health, financial, and religious problems. | Community and Social Service Occupations |
Cost To Complete