The undergraduate minor in the Department of Religious Studies is a research, analysis, and writing intensive program that features close work with faculty in small classroom settings. It seeks to develop a foundational knowledge of the world’s diversity of religious cultures and critical awareness of the ways in which religion shapes how we see and act toward ourselves, others, and the environment around us. Through the study of specific religious traditions and settings, students come away with a background that is invaluable to understanding and working with people of other cultures, whether in international business or simply as an informed global citizen.
Career Opportunities
Religious studies majors and minors develop expertise and skills that serve them well wherever life takes them. Our graduates have been successful in many different areas. Studying religion provides a solid foundation for work in fields as diverse as journalism, law, politics, nongovernmental organizations, ministry, and education. No matter what their intended careers, students benefit from the critical reading, writing, and analytical skills that the academic study of religion instills.
Religious Studies Minor
The Religious Studies minor consists of a required course, distribution requirements, and electives. The required introductory course focuses on theoretical and methodological issues in the study of religion. Distribution requirements encourage students to approach the study of religion from a variety of angles, from a focus on individual religions to the interaction between religions in specific regions to the exploration of comparative issues and themes. Electives allow students to tailor their course of study to their specific interests and pursue a depth of knowledge in particular aspects of the study of religion.
Religious Studies Minor Course Requirements
Students selecting this minor must complete a course in each of the following areas:
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| 3 |
| Introduction to Religious Studies | |
| 3 |
| Jews, Christians, Muslims | |
| Understanding the Bible | |
| Understanding the Bible, Honors | |
| Introduction to Judaism | |
| The Talmud: Its Origins, Nature, and Evolution | |
| Native American Religions | |
| Christianity | |
| Islam | |
| The Buddhist Tradition in Asia | |
| Jews and Christians | |
| Magic and Myth in Ancient Egypt | |
| 3 |
| Asian Religions | |
| Religion in American Society | |
| Religion in India | |
| Religion in Japan | |
| Religion in Korea | |
| History of Religion in America | |
| Religion in Japan | |
| 3 |
| Introduction to Religious Ethics | |
| Violence and Religious Ethics | |
| Religious Ethics and Moral Decisions | |
| Religion and Moral Decisions, Honors | |
| Religious Zionisms | |
| Mysticism | |
| Women and Gender in Islam | |
| Studies in Yoga & Meditation | |
| Judaism and Sexuality | |
| Religion and the Environment in the United States | |
| Religious Perspectives on Selfhood and Sexuality | |
| Prophets and Profits | |
| Religions, Epidemics, & Pandemics | |
| Gender and Religion | |
| Judaism and Political Theology | |
| 6 |
Religious Studies Minor Hours & Minor GPA
While completing all required courses (above), minors must also meet each of the following hour and grade-point average minimum standards:
Minor Hours
Satisfied by 18 hours of major courses.
Minor Hours in Residence
Satisfied by a minimum of 9 junior/senior (300+) hours of KU resident credit in the minor.
Minor Junior/Senior (300+) Hours
Satisfied by a minimum of 12 hours from junior/senior courses (300+) in the minor.
Minor Graduation GPA
Satisfied by a minimum of a 2.0 KU GPA in all departmental courses in the minor. GPA calculations include courses in the field of study including F’s and repeated courses. See the Semester/Cumulative GPA Calculator.
