Religious studies degree programs are focused on providing a multi-disciplinary, academic approach to the study of religions, religious institutions and the human aspects of religious practice. While religions have been studied since the advent of groups coming together on distinct spiritual or religious paths, religious studies as an educational program offered in learning institutions first took hold in the 19th century. Programs of religious studies first included some combination of the study of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism; however, present-day community college religious studies programs generally include a wider array of faith groups.
Religious studies programs differ from theology degree programs in that theology classes are generally taught from the standpoint that the student is a believer; whereas, religious studies courses are taught from a perspective that appeals to both believers and non-believers. Where theology programs are taught from the assumption of faith and use a combination of scripture and logic as evidence supporting the doctrine being taught, religious studies degree programs focus more on the philosophy of religion and cover various religions and religious topics from a secular, third party viewpoint. In addition, religious studies programs often include a wider variety of topics related to religion, such as historical, sociological, psychological, anthropological and cultural components.
Students obtaining degrees in religious studies will have the opportunity to learn about religions practiced around the world, how to interpret different doctrines and teachings, and to compare the main components of various faiths. Community college religious studies classes are taught from a cross-cultural perspective that focuses largely on the historical and philosophical aspects of religions, encouraging comparative and critical thinking.
Community college religious studies programs often appeal to students who aspire to further their education in religious studies or theology at a bachelor degree level, often with plans to participate in a graduate school degree program or to attend seminary. However, community college religious studies classes also appeal to students interested in undergraduate majors in a variety of fields, such as anthropology, education, psychology, sociology, history and philosophy.
Students who choose to continue their religious studies education and obtain a degree in religious studies will find that this program of study can lead to a wide array of career opportunities, including:
• Ordained clergy careers
• Non-ordained clergy careers
• Lay positions in faith organizations
• Administrative positions in faith organizations
• Spiritual counseling careers
• Administrative positions in faith-based non-profit organizations
• Health care careers
• Law careers
• Education careers
• Human rights careers
• Social services careers
• Political careers
A community college religious studies program is appropriate for those students who want to go on to obtain degrees in religious studies, as well as those students who wish to obtain a liberal arts education focused on the humanities. Because religious studies degree programs and community college religious studies classes offer a broad-based, well-rounded education that encourages critical thinking, oral communication skills, written communication skills and objective reasoning, this program of study is an appropriate choice for students with a wide range of educational and professional goals.