Religious Studies are central to the understanding of history, art, music, politics, and many other fields. The B.A. in Religious Studies is designed for, and open to, people from all religious backgrounds. Majors in Religious Studies receive a broad-based, liberal arts program that prepares them for the work world and/or graduate studies.
A significant percentage of Avila's Religious Studies graduates continue their education by pursuing graduate studies. Those who earn graduate degrees often plan a career as a Religious Studies scholar and professor. For those who plan to earn a bachelor's degreee, careers in religious education or ministry offer many options from which to choose.
The Religious Studies Department offers both a major and a minor. The basic requirements are as follows.
Major: Thirty-six semester hours in Religious Studies must be completed for majors.
Minor: Eighteen semester hours in Religious Studies to be chosen with the approval of the minor advisor.
The following Religious Studies courses (36 hours) must be completed for the Major:
| Core Courses (21 hours) |
| RS/WS 111 |
Introduction to Religious Studies (3) |
| RS 117 |
World Religions (3) |
| PL 221 |
Philosophy of Religion (3) |
| RS/WS 225 |
Catholicism (3) |
| RS 227 |
The Historical Jesus (3) |
| RS 231 |
Christianity (3) |
| RS 233 |
American Religious History (3) |
| RS 251 |
Islam (3) |
| RS 252 |
Judaism (3) |
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| Core Courses Level III (9 hours) |
| RS/IS 311 |
Peace Studies (3) |
| RS/IS 317 |
History of the Church in Latin America (3) |
| RS/WS/IS 319 |
Women, Religion and Community in the U.S. (3) |
| RS/IS 326 |
Shaping the American Dream (3) |
| RS/IS 343 |
The 3Rs: Race, Religion, and Reform in American Education (3) |
| RS/IS 360 |
Equador (3) (includes travel component to Equador) |
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| Specialized Courses (6 hours) |
| RS 380/480 |
Special Topics (3) elective |
| RS 485 |
Practicum (3) |
| RS 490 |
Directed Studies (3) elective |
| RS 499 |
Senior Seminar (3) |
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