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Programs and Requirements

Core Requirements in General Education

Students must take two courses offered by the Department to fulfill the core requirement in Religious Studies. There are three types of courses:

• 200-249 Introduction to the sacred texts, history and thought of a particular tradition.
• 250-299 Introduction to a particular question, theme or problem that emerges from these traditions as they develop and interact with the world.
• 300-399 Advanced courses of study - some restrictions may apply.

Any two courses described above will fulfill the core requirement.

Major in Religious Studies

The major in religious studies consists of a minimum of 39 semester-hours in the department, six of which may be fulfilled by the core requirement in religious studies. In consultation with a departmental adviser and with the final approval of the department, majors will formulate a program of studies that best suits their educational and career objectives. All major programs must include the following:

The department strongly encourages students who major in religious studies to develop a significant body of complementary work, perhaps leading to a second major or a minor program of study in another academic area of the University.

Religious studies majors who wish to focus on ministry may do so within their program of studies by earning a Certificate in Pastoral Ministry. Theology and Ministry (PASTM 350) and either RELST 295 God and Social Action (RELST 295//PASTM 295) or Ministry Practicum (PASTM 380) are required for the Pastoral Ministry Certificate. Theology and Ministry and God and Social Action will satisfy course requirements for the religious studies major. For more details, consult the catalog entry under Pastoral Ministry Institute.

Minor in Religious Studies

The minor in religious studies consists of 18 semester-hours, six of which may be fulfilled by the core requirement in religious studies. Minors may fulfill the requirements by successfully completing any four or more additional courses from those offered by the department, including one seminar.

Minor in Catholic Studies

The minor in Catholic studies consists of 18 semester-hours, six of which will fulfill the core requirements in religious studies. The program of study is designed to include three required courses from the following:

The department also requires two courses from either:

One elective course completes the program. This elective may be one 3-credit course from the offerings of the Religious Studies Department or the Pastoral Ministry Institute, including three (1) credit-hour seminars.

Pastoral Ministry Minor

The Pastoral Ministry Institute offers a program affiliated with the Department of Religious Studies. Students wishing to pursue expertise in the practice of ministry should consult the entry on the Institute in this catalog. The Institute’s certificate program is a minor course of study and may be of particular interest to any student who seeks to focus on the practice of ministry. For more details, consult the catalogue entry under Pastoral Ministry Institute.

Pre-Master of Divinity Program

In accordance with the undergraduate theological and philosophical requirements identified by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops in the Program of Priestly Formation, the Saint Xavier University Departments of Philosophy and Religious Studies offer a curriculum for those preparing to enter Master of Divinity programs or those preparing to meet academic expectations as part of religious formation.