Religious Studies

Religious Studies is an interdisciplinary field that investigates human religious traditions in all their historical, cultural and doctrinal complexity and their impact on all aspects of human affairs. It gives you the opportunity to study the history, texts and practices of well-known religions – including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam – as well as lesser known religions, such as Vodou or Wicca.

Rather than approaching religions from the standpoint of believers, Religious Studies investigates these complicated traditions of beliefs and practices from a neutral perspective, seeking to understand

• how they have come about,
• what they are made of,
• why their practitioners do what they do and
• how they affect other aspects of humanity, culture, society and politics.

The major in Religious Studies consists of thirty (30) credit hours. The courses must include:

• REL 200 (3 credit hours);
• 3 credit hours in Non-Western Religious Traditions 
• 3 credit hours in Western Religious Traditions 
• 3 credit hours in Textual Methods 
• 3 credit hours in Historical Methods 
• 3 credit hours in Critical/Theoretical Methods
• 9 credit hours of advanced Religious Studies classes 
• 3 credit hours of Religious Studies electives 

If you are a current NC State student and you wish to change your major to Religious Studies or to add a second major in Religious Studies, you will need to submit an online intra-campus transfer application using the Change of Degree Application (CODA) system.

• Electronic applications will be reviewed immediately after each of the application deadlines: September 15, February 15, May 15 and July 1.
• Students who have completed at least 12 credit hours at NC State with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher will be accepted automatically.
• Students who have completed at least 12 credit hours at NC State with an overall GPA between 2.0 and 2.99 are subject to individual review. It is recommended that these students complete at least one religious studies course with a grade of B- or better before applying.