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Description | Skills
| Experience | Sample Careers/Work
Settings | Salary Description of MajorReligious Studies is an inter-disciplinary field of inquiry which investigates the religious traditions of humans, in all their historical, cultural, and doctrinal complexity. Rather than teaching a religion from the standpoint of a believer, Religious Studies approaches these complicated traditions of beliefs and practices in the same way as a political theorist regards systems of governance or a literary critic reads canonical literature: that is, we do not attempt to assess the “truth” or the merits of particular religions, but instead seek to understand how they have come about, what they are made of, what their practitioners do, and how they affect culture and society. NC State courses in Religious Studies provide students with the opportunity to study the history, texts, and practices of well-known religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, for example), as well as those which are lesser known (e.g., Vodou or Wicca). Our faculty strive to help students develop a variety of methods for understanding and interpreting these traditions, focusing on historical studies (the narrative of a particular tradition or geographic territory), textual studies (oriented towards a particular body of sacred texts or towards a specific theme), and critical/theoretical studies (which investigate broad comparative or analytical questions on, for example, the meanings of ritual, the role of gender, or the relationship between politics and religions).
Religious Studies majors often tend to register higher scores on objective tests such as the GRE and LSAT, and the major provides an excellent preparation for graduate school in the humanities, as well as for any field that requires critical and constructive thinking. Religious Studies majors will be particularly well prepared for careers in law, business, public and political service, and education. The Religious Studies program will also effectively prepare students for advanced study in the discipline or related fields on the graduate level, and for professional seminary and divinity school study. The degree is also especially well suited for those students seeking a broad-based liberal arts degree or simply a general education. Courses include:
Skills You Develop In This Major
Gaining Career-Related ExperienceYou are strongly encouraged to gain career-related experience prior to graduation in the form of an internship, summer job, or co-op. Though course credit is not available for this experience through the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, you may receive compensation from the employer. Co-op is a program of alternating semesters of work and school. Paid work terms of increasing responsibility enable students to graduate with the minimum equivalent of one year of relevant work experience. Full-time enrollment during the semester prior to the first work term is required. You can begin co-op after completion of at least two semesters (30 credit hours) at NC State (one semester for transfers and graduate students). An NC State transcript must show grades and admission to a degree program. A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.50 (3.00 for graduate students) is required. The Co-op Office web site lists the Orientation Schedule, which is the first step to program participation. Internships are typically full-time during the summer or (for some) part-time during the semester. You can start interning or seeking summer jobs related to your field, whenever you are ready. The University Career Center provides services to help you get started. Participate in ePack, the Career Center's on-line system that connects employees with students through internship postings, on-campus interviews, information sessions, and resume searches. You may activate your ePack account at any time. Internship ExampleServing a local community or church ministry through the Youth Advocacy and Involvement Office.Sample Career Titles and Possible Work SettingsThe following lists provide a brief sampling of the kind of jobs and work environments you might find with a degree in this major. These titles and work settings are by no means an exhaustive listing. Because the world of work is always changing, over time job titles and work settings can change. The below listing is provided in hopes of giving you initial insight into a particular career field that would employ the skills and knowledge gained through this major.
Careers Needing Advanced Degrees
Salary
Baccalaureate - $ 31,904 (general humanities degree) The salary listed above is an average starting salary based on skills and experiences gained at the Bachelors level. Keep in mind that salary level typically increases with additional experience and/or educational degrees. Furthermore, you may have the opportunity to mold an entry-level position into your dream job and subsequently increase your salary as you learn more, add responsibilities and gain experience. NC State Related Organizations & Clubs
Professional Resources (Outside NC State)These resources include organizations, clubs, and conferences not affiliated with NC State and can be an important part of your career pursuit.
Links to Related Resources
Next StepsNeed more information about this major? Contact the expert on
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Last updated: 21st of September, 2010 at 12:57:53 PM |
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