Curriculum
Religious studies is a humanities-based discipline that has long been a part of the American educational landscape, relying on methods of critical academic study.
The interdisciplinary curriculum of Oregon State’s religious studies program online combines a variety of related academic disciplines, including history, philosophy, anthropology, ethics, literature, philosophy, women’s studies, political science and more.
Degree requirements
Religious Studies majors must complete five main areas in order to graduate:
-
Baccalaureate core: 48 credits plus a Writing Intensive Course (WIC) of at least 5 credits
- College of Liberal Arts core: 15 credits
- 12 credits from three “core” courses:
- REL/PHL 160: Quests for Meaning: World Religions
- REL/PHL 202: Introduction to Religious Studies
- REL 407: Seminar: Theory and Methods of Religion (Writing Intensive Course, or WIC)
- B.A./B.S. requirements: 15 - 24 credits
- Religious Studies major: 12 credits from any of the following courses:
- REL 206/PHL 206 Religious Ethics and Moral Problems (4)
- REL/PHL 208: Introduction to Buddhist Traditions (4)
- REL/PHL/HST 210: Religion in the United States (4)
- REL/PHL 213: Introduction to Hindu Traditions (4)
- REL/PHL 214: Introduction to Islamic Traditions (4)
- REL/PHL 220: World Views and Values in the Bible (4)
- Electives: as needed to meet the 180 credit minimum to graduate.
- 4 credits from Religion and Culture Studies. At least 12 of these credits must come from courses offered by the School of History, Philosophy and Religion.
To view the religious studies major requirements, please visit Oregon State’s official academic catalog. And please check out the following pages if you need additional information about the baccalaureate core or the College of Liberal Arts core.
Transfer credit
Some of the degree requirements can be transferred from other colleges and universities. Please note that a minimum of 45 credits of the last 75 must be completed at Oregon State (online or on campus) to meet the academic residency requirement. Previously earned credits will need to be reviewed upon admittance into OSU for appropriate articulation. Additional information about transferring credits is available through the Single Course Search tool provided by OSU's Office of Admissions.
Add a minor
Oregon State Ecampus students have the ability to add a minor to their degree program. OSU offers a diverse offering of minors online. Combine religious studies and a history minor to create an even more powerful résumé fit for today's job market.
Notice: Oregon State University students may now take part in internships anywhere in the United States. Read more about Ecampus’ authorization to operate in your state.
Important dates
See our academic calendar for our full quarter term schedule.
Degree details
* Oregon State University is on a quarter-term system. There are four quarters each year and classes are 11 weeks long. This program's 180 quarter credits are equal to 120 semester credits.
† Cost per credit is calculated using tuition per credit for the current academic year. It does not include associated fees, course materials, textbook expenses, and other expenses related to courses.
‡ You can complete all courses 100% online. Some courses may require proctored exams in your local area.
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