The interdisciplinary major in religious studies draws on the resources of UWM faculty members with a teaching and research interest in religion. This program provides students with a broad humanistic background in religion and an opportunity to develop special concentrations in specific areas of interest. There is no sectarian program of instruction. Rather, faculty bring to their teaching the special academic characteristics of their own scholarly disciplines, and majors in the program draw upon a wide sample of those academic traditions. Thus, such subjects as the history and philosophy of religion and religion in art and literature are included in this program. Students choose from courses that consider religion in a wide array of cultural and historical concepts around the globe, including Buddhist, Christian, Classical Greek and Roman, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish, African, and American Indian.

Religious studies serves students seeking a broadly humanistic program, those who are pursuing a wide range of pre-professional education programs, those anticipating teaching careers at the secondary or higher educational level, and those who will undertake further study for the religious ministry.

Course of Study: Major

The religious studies major requires 33 credits, including at least 18 in upper-division courses (numbered 300 and above) of which at least 15 must be taken in residence at UWM. In satisfying these requirements, students must select courses from at least three different departments. The College requires that students attain at least a 2.5 GPA on all major credits attempted at UWM. In addition, students must attain a 2.5 GPA on all major credits attempted, including any transfer work. The required 33 credits must be distributed as follows:

I. INTRODUCTORY COURSES: RELIGION IN HUMAN EXPERIENCE (9 CR)
II. APPROACHES TO THE STUDY OF RELIGION (6 CR)
III. ELECTIVES (18 CR)

All students must complete a Research Requirement, which can be counted as an elective. For specifics, you may contact Dr. Judith Beall.

See the College of Letters and Science’s Degree Requirements page.