Print this page. About the Program
The Department of Religious Studies at the University of South Carolina provides an interdisciplinary curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree. We attract students and faculty from across the liberal arts spectrum by offering more than 50 undergraduate and graduate courses that cover the historical, theological, social, and cultural dimensions of world religions. We also have an associate faculty program that includes more than 20 professors from the Departments of English, History, Philosophy, Anthropology, and Political Science and the Comparative Literature Program. Our mission is to further the understanding of the religious dimensions of human life and culture through the study of its many expressions. We create a forum for intellectual interaction and dialogue on issues of particular interest to our society and community by focusing on the study of religion—its histories, teachings, practices, cultures, and traditions. As a student in our program, you can explore religion as an academic discipline and specialize in at least one major tradition. You’ll have access to state-of-the-art computer equipment and software for writing and research purposes, as well as access to the local, regional, national, and international headquarters of numerous ministries and missions throughout South Carolina. Our faculty members are respected teachers and scholars who will advise you on an appropriate program of study, relevant extracurricular activities, and career planning. We also have a cooperative relationship with a local consortium of respected institutions, including Columbia College, Benedict College, and the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary.
Career Opportunities
In addition to church-related careers, the strong liberal arts education gained from our program allows graduates to pursue positions in numerous fields. Many positions require some graduate study. Here are a few of the possibilities:
• the pastoral ministry, religious education, mission work
• social worker, counselor, community organizer, volunteer coordinator, urban planner
• state, federal, local, and private industries and agencies
The University Career Center is available to assist you in choosing a career direction and in increasing your marketability upon graduation. For additional information, call the center at 803-777-7280.
Program of Study (120 hours)
The baccalaureate curriculum requires 53 to 62 hours of general education requirements and 24 hours of courses numbered at the 300 level and above for the general religious studies major. The intensive religious studies major requires 30 hours of courses numbered at the 300 level and above. Twelve to 18 hours of cognate courses from the College of Arts and Sciences are required, and you must also complete arts and sciences electives.
Of Special Interest
As a student in our program, you’ll have opportunities to explore the variety and depth of the world’s religious traditions, including their histories, scriptures, systems of belief, rituals, sacred art, and social institutions. The Religious Studies program hosts a number of special events including the Solomon Tenebaum Lectureship in Jewish Studies, the Nadine Beacham and Charlton F. Hall Sr. Lectureship in New Testament and Early Christianity, and the Rudolph C. Barnes Sr. Symposium. We are very proud of our strong teaching record and our award-winning faculty. Our class sizes range from as many as 100 in introductory courses to as few as five in small upper-level seminars. Our faculty will work closely with you to assist you in pursuing your personal interests and career goals.
Religious Studies Department's Web site