Preparation for Transfer as a Religious Studies Major
The following sequences are suggested courses to take in your semesters prior to transferring to SMU as a religious studies major. For students attending a Texas public community college or university, Texas Common Course Numbers (TCCNS) are listed. If you are transferring from a college or university outside of Texas, click on the SMU course for a course description which may be used to select/compare courses at your current institution.
CC listings refer to SMU’s Common Curriculum, which all undergraduates are required to complete. Refer to the Common Curriculum Transfer Guide for a list of courses satisfying CC components. Interactive equivalency guides organized by transfer institution are available on the Transfer and Transition Services’ website.
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Preparing for a Smooth Transfer
A seamless transfer to SMU and the Religious Studies major requires planning. This guide is designed to assist you in planning your transition. Transfer students who take time to prepare for their move to SMU are some of our most successful students. The following are a few important points to remember:
- The second language requirement of the Common Curriculum may be satisfied by 1) transferring two terms of college courses in the same world language, 2) placing out of four terms of world language by taking an SMU placement test or through AP or IB credit, or 3) being literate in a native language other than English.
- SMU accepts AP scores of 4 or 5.
- Work on the Common Curriculum prior to transfer is highly encouraged.
- Compare Course Descriptions found in SMU’s University Catalog to course descriptions at your current institution to maximize your awarded transfer credits.
- For additional information on the Religious Studies major, visit the department homepage or call 214-768-2095.
- For more information about transferring to SMU, click here or call 214-768-3417.
B.A. in Religious Studies
SCHs = Semester Credit Hours
|
First Year
|
| Fall |
TCCN |
SCHs |
| WRTR 10XX - First Year Writing I |
ENGL 1301 |
3 |
| RELI 10U1 |
PHIL 1304 |
3 |
| CC Math Course |
Choose One: MATH 1324, MATH 1332, MATH 1325, MATH 1425, MATH 2413, MATH 2320, MATH 1342, BUSN 2305 |
3 |
| CC Breadth Course - Creativity and Aesthetics |
Choose One: ARTS 1301, ARTS 1316, ARTS 2316 , ARTS 2326, ARTS 2333, ARTS 2346, ARTS 2356, DRAM 1351, HUMA 1315, MUSI 1306 |
3 |
| World Language Course* |
4 |
| |
SCHs |
16 |
| Spring |
TCCN |
SCHs |
| WRTR 10YY - First Year Writing II |
ENGL 1302 |
3 |
| SPCH 10XX |
SPCH 1315 |
3 |
| CC Breadth Course - Historical Contexts |
Choose One: ARTS 1303, ARTS 1304, HIST 1301, HIST 1302, HIST 2321, HIST 2322 |
3 |
| CC Breadth Course - Social and Behavioral Sciences |
Choose One: ANTH 2351, GOVT 2305, GOVT 2371, PSYC 2301, PSYC 2314, PSYC 2319, SOCI 1301 |
3 |
| World Language Course* |
4 |
| |
SCHs |
16 |
|
Second Year
|
| Fall |
TCCN |
SCHs |
| CC Breadth Course - Literary Analysis and Interpretation |
Choose One: ENGL 2321, ENGL 2322, ENGL 2323, ENGL 2326, ENGL 2327, ENGL 2328, ENGL 2331, ENGL 2332, ENGL 2333 |
3 |
| CC Breadth Course - Exploring Science |
Choose One: BIOL 1406, BIOL 1407, BIOL 1408, BIOL 1411, BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402, CHEM 1405, CHEM 1411, CHEM 1412, ENVR 1401, ENVR 1402, GEOL 1401, GEOL 1403, GEOL 1405, GEOL 1445, PHYS 1401, PHYS 1402, PHYS 1403, PHYS 1405, PHYS 1404, PHYS 1407, PHYS 1415, PHYS 1417, PHYS 2425, PHYS 2426 |
4 |
| Second major, minor or elective courses |
9 |
| |
SCHs |
16 |
| Spring |
TCCN |
SCHs |
| CC Breadth Course - Philosophical, Religious and Ethical Inquiry |
Choose One: PHIL 1301, PHIL 1304, PHIL 2303, PHIL 2306 |
3 |
| CC Breadth Course - Technological TAdvances and Society |
Choose One: COSC 1301/1401, BCIS 1305, COSC 1309 |
3 |
| Second major, minor or elective courses |
9 |
| |
SCHs |
15 |
Note
*The second language requirement may be satisfied by (1) transferring two terms of college courses in the same world language, (2) placing out of four terms of a world language by taking an SMU placement test or through AP or IB credit, or (3) being literate in a native language other than English.
The Religious Studies Program
The Department of Religious Studies is committed to fostering greater understanding of the roles of religion in the contemporary world and throughout history. Its approach is interdisciplinary, employing methods drawn from across the humanities and social sciences to examine the world’s religious traditions as social, cultural and historical phenomena. In addition to exploring the development, practices and beliefs of different religions, courses emphasize analytical skills, critical reflection, persuasive argumentation, and strong writing. Challenging courses employ one or more of the following methodological approaches: philosophical, historical, social, scientific, and literary. The requirements of both the major and minor are flexible, allowing students to tailor their programs of study to their own needs and interests. Class sizes are usually limited to 35 or fewer students. Many students double major in religious studies and another field.
Possible Career Paths
Students graduate from this program with a global perspective, sensitivity to cultural diversity, and a strong liberal arts background. They pursue careers in a variety of fields, such as law, education, social services, medicine, ministry, journalism and business. Recent graduates have accepted positions in the Peace Corps, Teach for America, denominational publications and church ministry.
Majoring or Minoring in Religious Studies
A Major in Religious Studies requires 30 semester hours of work in the department, 24 of which must be in courses numbered 3000 or above. Students planning to pursue graduate studies are strongly encouraged to complete 12 hours of either French or German as early as possible.
To Minor in Religious Studies , 15 semester hours must be completed in the department, nine of which must be in courses numbered 3000 or above. The minor has no specific required courses, allowing students to tailor their plans of study to individual needs and interests.
SMU Degree
A degree from SMU is typically comprised of a minimum of 120 hours, 60 of which must be completed through SMU, 42 of which must be in courses at the 3000 and higher levels. Components of the degree include:
- Courses in your major.
- Courses required for the Common Curriculum (CC) .
- Elective courses. These electives may be used to add a second major or minor.
The Common Curriculum (CC)
The Common Curriculum is required of all undergraduate students and consists of three main components:
- Foundations - 6 hours of Writing courses, 3 hours of Quantitative Reasoning courses, proficiency in a second language.
- Breadth - 7 Breadth courses which may double count with majors and minors.
- Proficiencies and Experiences - 8 Proficiencies and Experiences requirements, met through coursework or approved, noncredit activities.
NOTE: If you transfer with 23 or fewer credit hours and/or transfer in your first year out of high school, transfer work earned prior to high school graduation (dual/concurrent credit) will not satisfy CC requirements.
Apply Now!
Click here for more information about transferring to SMU.
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