Program Details
Program Details
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Bachelor of Arts
Randolph-Macon College
Program Details
Religious Studies (BA)
Bachelor of ArtsReligious Studies (BA)
Randolph-Macon College
The phenomenon of religion is a universal dimension of human life and culture. Belief in a transcendent dimension of life has inspired drama, dance, painting, poetry, and rituals involved in birth, initiation into adulthood, marriage, and death. Humankind's values, history, cultures, morals, hopes, fears, and worldviews would be incomprehensible without an understanding of the religious systems and symbols underlying them. It is, therefore, essential that a well-educated person be exposed to the study of religion. Through the academic discipline of religious studies, the student confronts religion in all its complexity and diversity. Through this involved and involving study, the student develops critical and analytical skills.
Moreover, the study of religion challenges the student to strive for humanity's highest moral and ethical ideals, and nourishes the uniquely human resources of creativity and imagination. In this way, religious studies enables students to synthesize what they learn with who they are, and who they ought to become. The study of religion is, therefore, an integral part of the liberal arts curriculum at Randolph-Macon College.
Program Overview & Guidance
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | At Randolph Macon College, we take religious studies seriously. Our faculty provide students an academic approach to the study of religion, one of the most influential forces on the globe. We understand the phenomenon of religion to be a near universal concern of human histories, lives, and cultures. Teachings and practices related to a sacred, religious, or spiritual dimension of life has informed and inspired worldviews, the arts and literature, the sciences, ethics, politics, views on race, gender roles, sexuality, and ecological perspectives. Humanity, we suggest, is largely incomprehensible without an understanding of religious systems and it is therefore essential that a well-educated person be exposed to the study of religion. Through the academic discipline of religious studies, the student confronts religion in all its complexity and diversity. Through this involved and involving study, the student develops critical and analytical skills. Moreover, the study of religion challenges the student to strive for humanity’s highest moral and ethical ideals and nourishes the human resources of creativity and imagination. In this way, religious studies enables students to synthesize what they learn with who they are, and who they ought to become. The study of religion is, therefore, an integral part of the liberal arts curriculum at Randolph Macon College. Whether you are aiming for a career in a religion-related field, aspire to seminary, divinity school, or grad school in religious studies, or simply have a passionate curiosity for all things religious, the Department of Religious Studies at RMC is the place to further your journey. |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Some of the most common majors paired with a Religious Studies major are English, Sociology, Psychology, Biology, and Environmental Studies. Popular minors paired with a Religious Studies major are Ethics, Music, and Gender, Sexuality, & Women's Studies. Students who minor in Religious Studies come from a wide variety of disciplines and programs, only some of which are directly related to the study of religion. Current Religious Studies minors are most often majoring in Psychology, Nursing, Political Science, Asian Studies, and Gender, Sexuality, & Women's Studies.
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| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | Experiential learning is at the heart of Religious Studies travel classes and internships. Through travel classes, R-MC students, including Religious Studies majors and minors, witness and observe the vital, religious lives of people in the present in places like Jerusalem and Kyoto, Japan. Internships provide hands-on experiences in churches or religion-related institutions. In addition, many Religious Studies courses provide opportunities for visits to religious sites, museums, or historically important sites in the Richmond and Washington, DC area. For example, the Department’s “Introduction to Religion†course requires students to make small group visits to local religious sites, such as churches, synagogues, or meditation spaces. The objective is to enable students to experience and observe forms of religious practice they are unfamiliar with. |
| Doing More With Your Degree | Students also have the opportunity to travel through courses such as RELS 246 Jewish/Christian Identities in Ancient Israel/Palestine & RELS 247 Jewish/Christian Identities in Today’s Israel/Palestine A favorite of our pre-ministerial students, this course travels to Israel and Palestine to explore the historical and contemporary realities of Jews, Christians, and Muslims. RELS 248 Religions of Japan: Land of Kami, Land of Buddhas This travel course to Japan studies Buddhist and Shinto history, teachings, and practice through visitation to historically important and actively religious sites in Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, and Kamakura. Students learn through observing the public religious or spiritual lives of Japanese people today. Other graduates have continued their studies in programs such as a wide array of graduate programs, seminaries, and divinity schools. These include Duke University, Emory University, Yale University, Princeton University, American University, Wesley Theological Seminary, and Union Presbyterian Seminary. |
| Program Successes & Highlights | Close relations between the Department of Religious Studies, Religious Studies majors, the Office of the Chaplain, and the Pre-Ministerial Program provides a supportive, respectful, and inclusive environment for those interested in the academic study of religion, religious and spiritual practitioners, and future religious professionals. We welcome both religious, spiritual, and non-religious persons into the study of religion. The unique tripartite structure of the Religious Studies curriculum ensures that Religious Studies majors receive a broad education in religion. Majors are required to take a minimum of 2 courses in each of the three areas of emphasis: 1) Biblical Studies, 2) The World’s Religious Traditions, and 3) Religion and Culture. |
Program Credit Requirements
Credit and Course Requirements for the Program are expected in a future release. Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.
If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
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 Randolph-Macon 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 | Students admitted under our guaranteed admissions agreement are guaranteed completion of most general education requirements. Students may need to complete additional foreign language coursework to complete the Effective Communication requirements and must complete the college's Cross-Area Requirements, most of which can be fulfilled through major programs and should not significantly increase the time to completion of degree.
|
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School |
| Credit for Prior Learning | We accept AP (4 or 5 on the exam) and IB (5, 6, or 7 on higher level exams). |
| Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information
Transfer Center
Transfer Admissions : Randolph-Macon College (rmc.edu)
Visit our transfer site for more information
Number of Transfer Students
120
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
71
| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | At Randolph-Macon, we recognize the breadth of knowledge and experience you bring as a transfer student. Our personalized, hands-on approach to learning lets you build on that foundation, honing the skills you'll need to excel. No matter what your future goals, we'll set you on a path to success that’s uniquely yours. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance at RMC. |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | GAA students must complete the RMC transfer application and submit all required materials by June 1 (for fall term) or December 1 (for spring term). GAA students will submit an Intent to Transfer form through their current community college contact to RMC. |
Where Can This Degree Transfer
This section displays degrees most closely related to this program
and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the
next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to
visit that program page.
| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Averett University | Bachelor of Arts in Music | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Regent University | B.A. in Christian Ministry | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | Hybrid |
| 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 |
| 21-2011.00 | Clergy | Conduct religious worship and perform other spiritual functions associated with beliefs and practices of religious faith or denomination. Provide spiritual and moral guidance and assistance to members. | Community and Social Service Occupations |
| 21-2099.00 | Religious Workers, All Other | All religious workers not listed separately. | Community and Social Service Occupations |
| 25-1062.00 | Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses pertaining to the culture and development of an area, an ethnic group, or any other group, such as Latin American studies, women's studies, or urban affairs. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 21-1099.00 | Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other | All community and social service specialists not listed separately. | Community and Social Service Occupations |
| 21-1019.00 | Counselors, All Other | All counselors not listed separately. | Community and Social Service Occupations |
| 27-2041.00 | Music Directors and Composers | Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical artists or groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs; or create original works of music. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
Cost To Complete