Religious Studies is an academic discipline that looks at religious phenomena worldwide from different perspectives to understand the many roles that religion plays in human life. To this end, students of religion learn to use a variety of theoretical analyses and methods:

• historical methods to understand how religions develop in time;
• critical literary methods to understand religious ideas;
• aesthetic methods to understand religious art and material culture;
• social-scientific methods to understand the relationship between religion, society and culture.

Religious studies can also engage a variety of professional disciplines in analysis of how religion functions in economic, educational or political contexts, healthcare and scientific research, and others.

Some ways of studying religion emphasize understanding religions on their own terms, other ways use comparative methods to discern differences and similarities between religions. Students of religion also study ways that people use religious resources to make meaning outside the boundaries of religious institutions and identities. Above all, the field of religious studies requires a willingness to explore different ways of interpreting human life and diligent effort to develop understanding of how religious ideas, symbols, rituals and spaces serve as resources for people in a variety of contexts as they make sense of and live out their lives in the world. Thus, the Religious Studies major provides important preparation for thinking, communicating and functioning professionally and personally in a complex, multidimensional world.

How to Get in

Requirements

To earn the certificate, students must complete 15 credits from:

Residence & Quality of Work

• Minimum 2.000 GPA in all RELIG ST and certificate courses.
• At least 9 credits for the certificate must be earned in residence.

Undergraduate/Special Student Certificates

This certificate is intended to be completed in the context of an undergraduate degree and for those seeking this certificate that is preferred. For students who have substantially completed this certificate at UW–Madison and may need one or two courses to complete the certificate, they may do so immediately after completion of the bachelor’s degree by enrolling in the course as a University Special (nondegree) student. The certificate must be completed within a year of completion of the bachelor’s degree. Students should keep in mind that University Special students have the last registration priority and that may limit availability of desired courses. Financial aid is not available when enrolled as a University Special student to complete an undergraduate certificate. 

Learning Outcomes

1. Proficiency in close reading, interpretation, and written and oral analysis.
2. Proficiency in accessing, appraising, and utilizing a variety of resources and methods for research across disciplinary lines.
3. Proficiency in categorizing, analyzing and comparing diverse systems of value and belief in a variety of contexts.
4. Global and local religious literacy; identifying, evaluating, and interpreting the interrelationships and impact of religious worldviews and communities in Wisconsin, the United States and globally.

Advising and Careers

Advising

Dr. Corrie Norman (cenorman@wisc.edu) is the undergraduate advisor and Honors in the Major advisor. Students are encouraged to meet with Dr. Norman early to plan for successful completion and take advantage of opportunities such as Honors, special research, internship, service learning or study abroad opportunities in associate with the major or certificate.

Because Religious Studies is an interdisciplinary major drawing upon many subject areas, some courses may have requisites that must be fulfilled even though the requisites themselves are not part of the Religious Studies major's courses. Students are responsible for ensuring that they have met all the requisites to enroll in a course. See: Religious Studies courses.

Careers

Religious studies engages a variety of professional disciplines and provides important preparation for thinking, communicating, and functioning professionally in a complex, multi-dimensional world.

Religious studies sponsors workshops and other career exploration vehicles, often in collaboration with SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science, to aid students in articulating the value of religious studies for their career preparation. Student-developed capstone projects often make specific connections to experiential learning and career preparation in a range of fields. Talk with Dr. Norman about possibilities for combining internships and other forms of preprofessional training with the major and certificate.

SuccessWorks

SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps you turn the academic skills learned in your classes into a fulfilling life, guiding you every step of the way to securing jobs, internships, or admission to graduate school.

Through one-on-one career advising, events, and resources, you can explore career options, build valuable internship and research experience, and connect with supportive alumni and employers who open doors of opportunity.

• What you can do with your major  (Major Skills & Outcomes Sheets)
• Make a career advising appointment
• Learn about internships and internship funding
• Try “Jobs, Internships, & How to Get Them,” an interactive guide in Canvas for enrolled UW–Madison students