Religious Studies
A B.A. in religious studies at Georgian Court University offers students a profound understanding of diverse cultures and beliefs, equipping them with critical thinking and empathy skills essential for careers in a globalized world.
Religious Studies Program Highlights
Program
Religious Studies B.A.
1–2 Years
Average time to complete
Delivery
On Campus
Earn a B.A. in Religious Studies from Georgian Court University
A vital component of any liberal arts education, the study of religion allows you to explore the way people throughout the world and time have understood themselves, their world, and reality. As a religious studies major at Georgian Court University, you’ll reflect upon the great ideas of religious traditions from an academic viewpoint and achieve a sympathetic understanding of their importance and viability as perhaps the deepest part of human experience.
Why you should pursue a Religious Studies degree at GCU
Prepare for Graduate Studies
Religious studies fosters not only the moral growth of an individual but also the intellectual growth. At GCU, you’ll be developing vital liberal arts skills as a religious studies student that will well prepare you to go onto graduate school or begin a fulfilling career.
Institutional Financial Aid
At Georgian Court University, 98% of students receive institutional financial aid. As a result, Georgian Court University has been cited by U.S. News & World Report as a top performer for social mobility. Our affordability helps you make an investment in yourself.
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We are devoted to our core values of respect, integrity, justice, compassion, and service, which are woven through each course and every aspect of our educational experience. At GCU, students, faculty, and staff see themselves as something bigger than themselves, recognizing their ability and responsibility to change the world as individuals and as a community.
Why GCU?
Georgian Court University is synonymous with possibility. Our education—which revolves around a broad liberal arts education, plenty of hands-on learning opportunities, and a tight-knit community—expands what’s possible in your life. All of this combined with more than $17 million in financial aid annually helps GCU to be recognized as a vehicle for social mobility.
Religious Studies Program Information
To earn a Religious Studies degree from Georgian Court University, you must complete at least 120 credits, including General Education requirements. Explore the degree requirements below, along with information on faculty and programs related to Religious Studies.
B.A. in Religious Studies Curriculum
Upon successful completion of the program of studies for Religious Studies, the student will receive a B.A. in Religious Studies and will have given evidence of the following outcomes and goals:
- Knowledge of the principal methods used in theological study, and an in-depth study of the Catholic Theological Tradition within the areas of biblical, theological, and pastoral studies.
- Competency in exegesis: reading and interpreting primary theological texts through course assignments, directed research, and theological reflection.
- Skill and ability to communicate theological knowledge concerning pastoral situations through case study and theological reflection on current praxis.
To earn this degree, students must successfully complete at least 120 credits, including General Education requirements and the major requirements below.
Major Sequence
Students majoring in religious studies are required to take 30 hours of credit for a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. At least 9 credits must be at the 300- or 400-level. Required of all majors are:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| RS208 | Discovering the Bible | 3.0 |
| RS220 | The Christian Tradition | 3.0 |
| RS334 | Theological Ethics | 3.0 |
| RS401 | Seminar in Religious Thought | 3.0 |
| Any Religious Studies department course offerings | 18.0 | |
| Total Credits | 30.0 | |
Religious studies majors may use up to two courses within the major to fulfill general education requirements.
Transfer Students
Students who graduate from Georgian Court with a B.A. in Religious Studies must complete a minimum of 18 credits, including RS401 Seminar in Religious Thought, in the Department of Human Experience & World Cultures at Georgian Court. Students who transfer into the department may have 12 credits accepted from another institution, provided the courses are above the 100 level.
For more information on program requirements, consult the Undergraduate Catalog.
Minor in Religious Studies Curriculum
Demonstrate a broader understanding of the world around you—and your ability to influence positive changes—with a minor in religious studies from GCU. You’ll explore various religions and cultural traditions while opening your mind to all world views.
Minor Sequence
Students minoring in religious studies are required to take 18 semester hours of credit in religious studies courses, 6 credits of which must be at the 300 or 400 level.
For more information on program requirements, consult the Undergraduate Catalog.
Department of World Cultures & Human Experience Faculty
Elissa Cutter, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Religious Studies & Theology
School of Arts, Sciences, and Education
Jeffries Hall 223
ecutter@georgian.edu
732-987-2321
Jonathan Kim-Reuter, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
School of Arts, Sciences, and Education
Jeffries Hall (122)
jkim-reuter@georgian.edu
732-987-2326
Judith Schubert, Ph.D.
Professor
School of Arts, Sciences, and Education
jschubert@georgian.edu
732-987-2328
Johann M. Vento, Ph.D.
Professor, Religious Studies and Theology
School of Arts, Sciences, and Education
Mercy Hall (107)
jvento@georgian.edu
732-987-2381
Related Programs
If you’re interested in our Religious Studies program in the School of Arts, Sciences, & Education, here are other programs at GCU you might be interested in exploring:
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Where a Religious Studies Degree Can Take You
GCU’s religious studies curriculum covers history and theology, which will enable you to teach, work in parish religious education programs, or work in various offices and ministries. It’s also an ideal foundation if you want to pursue graduate study. With access to resources like “What Can I Do With This Major?” and GCU’s Career Services, you’ll be well equipped to launch the next phase of your life while pursuing a religious studies degree.
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