Program Overview:
Religious Studies stands at the intersection of all major disciplines of the arts and sciences as we meet them in a liberal arts context. The program in Religious Studies at The College of Saint Rose offers students the opportunity to study the intellectual and religious traditions and institutions of the world, past and present. It aims at a balance between a generalized coverage of the religious beliefs, practices and cultures of all major traditions, and increasing depth in understanding particular traditions.
At The College of Saint Rose, the major in Religious Studies is not a faith-based program of inquiry. Students of all faith traditions (including students whose personal commitments are non-theistic) are strongly encouraged to join the exploration and discovery characteristic of a discipline devoted to the study of one of the most permanent and significant facets of human life. Such study consistently enables students to appreciate their own faith tradition, as well as the diversity of faith and values in the human community.
Religious Studies involves a wide variety of subjects for study: texts, individuals, spiritual practices, lifestyles, communities, and cultures. Diverse methods of study foster broad intellectual inquiry skills. This department encourages students to major and minor with us, both for the content of our courses, as well as the intellectual skills they foster.
The major in Religious Studies is compact. Requiring a minimum of 42 credit hours, it is designed so that students can combine this program with another major or minor which reinforces their area of study and/or connects with their career and professional goals. This course of study, both through its content and its methods, prepares students for graduate study (and professional employment) in Religious Studies, Ethics, Religious Publishing/Communications, Cultural Diversity, and Law, as well as careers in the Human Services. Besides a minor, the department also offers minors in Religious Studies and Interfaith Studies
Program Contacts:
To email the Department Chair,
Dr. Laura Weed, Philosophy/Religious Studies Department
Program Webpage:
Religious Studies, BA
Program Requirements:
Major in Religious Studies (42 credits)
Core Requirements (21 credits)
Electives – seven courses, at least one of which is taken from each of these groups:
American Religions
| RLS 124 | New Religious Movements | 3 |
| RLS 171 | Sacred Place: Sacred Space | 3 |
| RLS 180 | Angels, Roadside Crosses and Garage Sales: Informal Religious Dimensions of American Culture | 3 |
| RLS 185 | Heroes, Scapegoats, Victims | 3 |
| RLS 240 | Native American Religions | 3 |
| RLS 280 | American Catholicism | 3 |
| RLS 381 | Special Topics in American Religions | |
Asian Religions
Ethics
Sacred Texts
Western Traditions
| RLS 122 | Christian Traditions | 3 |
| RLS 316 | Mysticism/Contemplat/Prayer | 3 |
| RLS 330 | Contempory Christian Theology | 3 |
| RLS 332 | Sacraments,Worship,Praise | 3 |
| RLS 345 | Doctors of the Church | 3 |
| RLS 385 | Special Topics in Western Traditions | |
Internship/Field Experiences/Service:
Required Courses
Culminating Academic Experiences:
Required Courses
An opportunity for a self-directed student to study a topic not offered this semester or not listed in the catalog, one on one with a particular professor. Must be arranged with a professor for a specific topic prior to registration.
Professional Accreditation:
The College of Saint Rose, sponsored by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet, Albany Province, is chartered by the Board of Regents of New York State. All of its degrees and programs are registered and its professional programs fully approved by the Board of Regents through the New York State Education Department.
The College of Saint Rose is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. (267-284-5000) The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. http://www.msche.org
Career Opportunities and Graduate Study:
In a world that is often divided by religious strife, majoring in the study of religions shows your dedication to understanding the world's problems and working to overcome the ignorance that divides one group against another. It will testify to your commitment to principled thinking, disciplined work habits, problem-solving abilities, and interfaith insights. Check us out.
Minor(s):
Complete minors listing
Admissions and Financial Aid Information:
The Undergraduate Admissions Office begins review of Freshman applications each fall in late September for the following Fall. Students are encouraged to submit a complete an application as early as November. The Admissions Team will return a decision on complete applications within just three weeks. The College awards academic scholarships at the same time.
What Makes an Application Complete
- Online or Paper application (fee waived for online applicants!)
- Official High School Transcripts
- Official Transcripts for any College Level Courses
- SAT or ACT scores (See Test Optional FAQ's)
- Letter of Recommendation from a Counselor or Teacher
- Essay or Graded Paper
- Applicants may also apply via the Common Application Online.
- Art applicants are required to complete a portfolio review.
Admissions contact information (telephone number, admissions web pages)
Scholarships and Financial Aid
See Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid section for more information.
The Bottom Line
The total cost of The College of Saint Rose (including tuition, fees, room and board) is one of the lowest of any private college in the Northeast, and we still award more than $25 million in Saint Rose scholarships, grants and financial aid.
Take a look at our bottom line, and view a cost comparison with a four-year public institution.
More about Financial Aid
Financial Aid is defined as any grant, scholarship, loan, or employment opportunity given with the express purpose of assisting you with education-related expenses to make you education affordable. Financial Aid is awarded on the basis of student need and the availability of funds.
The Admission and Financial Aid teams have designed a Guide to Scholarships and Financial Aid to help prospective students and families get to the bottom line and find that The College of Saint Rose is one of the lowest of any private college in the Northeast--while maintaining powerful academic opportunities.
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