BA in Religious Studies
Religion shapes the world. Whether you pursue a career in government, the entertainment industry, or community service, you cannot understand people’s values and motivations without religious literacy. As a religious studies major, you will explore the many dimensions of religion—its spiritual, historical, cultural, and social aspects. You will understand more fully your own religious traditions, and learn from the traditions of others.
The department offers cross-cultural perspectives on religion. Mason, with its diverse student body, is an ideal environment in which to undertake such study. Likewise, the Washington, DC area offers rich opportunities for encounters with a variety of religious institutions and faith communities.
As a religious studies graduate, you will have the ability to analyze complex information and to approach global issues from multiple perspectives. You will be an effective writer with well-developed skills in research and comparative analysis. These abilities will not only enrich you personally, but are also highly valued by prospective employers. Our majors and minors have pursued opportunities in law, religious vocations, business, and advanced study in the field.
Major Map
| First Year | Middle Years | Last Year | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academics |
Take RELI 211 and/or 212 Make a connection with a professor (in discipline) Meet with your academic advisor (Katy Hoepf) at least once each semester your first year |
Take RELI 300 Meet with your advisor to choose courses and stay on track with meeting degree requirements Consider a double major or a minor (psychology, sociology, anthropology, criminology, museum studies, etc) Is a Bachelor to Accelerated Master's (BAM) program right for you? Apply as early as 60 credits! Think about joining Theta Alpha Kappa, the Religious Studies Honor Society
|
Take RELI 490 (Fall only) Work closely with your advisor to verify you are meeting your graduation requirements. Apply for graduation Submit your research to CHSS Research Symposium
|
| Career and Professional Prep |
Visit the Career Services Center to start research on the types of jobs or industries you to find interesting. Have them assist with building a resume and LinkedIn profile to continue career exploration and develop your professional persona. Activate your Handshake profile to explore and opt-in to industry email lists. Start talking to professionals and faculty members via informational interviews to gain insight on their path through their career |
Look for internship opportunities using University Career Services and Handshake. Attend career and internship fair (October and February each year). Discuss with multiple faculty and current professionals in the work force whether graduate school might be the right path for you. Narrow down perspective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 9 months before graduation
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Finalize materials for post-graduation employment (such as your LinkedIn page, a portfolio, etc) For grad school applications, prepare statement of purpose/goals statement, resume and/or CV, and notify the writers of your letters of recommendation by September for Fall applications |
| Experiences |
Attend a meeting of SSR to meet fellow RS enthusiasts Consider joining at least one Mason student org such as Hearts for Humanity, Hillel, or the Muslim Student Association. Check them all out on Mason 360 Look ahead to planning a student abroad program through the Global Education. Office, such as our trip to Poland |
Attend an event such as Reli Deli, or one of our department-sponsored lectures Look into events at the Spiritual and Interfaith Center See what DC has to offer! Visit the Smithsonian’s Center for the Understanding of Religion in America, the Holocaust Memorial Museum, or see the mummies in the National Museum of Natural History
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Attend a regional or national research conference, such as AAR. |