Religious Studies

Seek and you will find. One of the great tasks of young adulthood is to construct a world view – a way of making sense of life as a whole. Religion study and spirituality shape our mission and identity as each student is invited to deepen their spiritual values and understanding of vocation. The Religious Studies program at Clarke University serves the Church and attends to marginalized and vulnerable populations, from the local community to the wider world. Raising social consciousness, reflecting on the Catholic social tradition, and acting for justice is integral to the student experience. Studying religious studies at Clarke University gives students new perspectives that translate into job advantage, graduate school, enrichment, and preparation for living thoughtfully and courageously in the 21st century. If you are interested in getting a Religious Studies degree, check out our campus visits and virtual visits in Dubuque, Iowa, so you can see for yourself that Clarke is one of the best religious study programs in the Midwest.

You might ask, what is the value, why study religion? Whether you are certain in your faith, unsure, or just searching for more – you can minor in Religious Studies programs to address your “big questions” and explore a meaning to life rooted in self-awareness and compassion. Religious education degree students have opportunities to work closely with faculty members to explore their interests through independent studies, book discussions, and guided research.

Working with advisors in the Religious Studies degree department and another department such as psychology, English, history, music, nursing, or sociology, and taking a selection of courses in both disciplines, students craft individualized learning plans. Combining your religious education degree with related fields further enhances your career preparation.

MINISTRY TRACKS (for Religious Studies degree minors)

• Youth Ministry
  Can you see yourself as a youth minister in a parish, congregation, or school setting? Combine religious studies with psychology.
• Music Ministry
  Are you a music major considering future work as a choir director or liturgist? Study music and religious studies.
• Health Care Ministry
  Are you a student who would like to serve patients in a holistic and faith-filled way? Combine your major in nursing with religious studies.
• Social Work & Faith-Based Service
  Do you feel called to be a social worker in a faith-based or nonprofit setting? Combine your major in social work with religious studies.

SPIRITUALITY AND LEADERSHIP TRACK
Students desiring to deepen their faith or explore the religious dimensions of their future professions may pursue the Spirituality and Leadership Track. Students work with a mentor to integrate Religious Studies coursework into another academic major or professional program around questions of faith, spirituality, and vocation. This 15 credit track is recognized on a student’s university transcript and includes:

• 3 hours of RELS 100 Foundations of the Spiritual Life
• 6 hours of 200 level Religious Studies electives
• 6 hours from any 300 level or 400 level Religious Studies courses
• Faith & Leadership Activity – With the guidance of a mentor, students lead or participate in an activity that demonstrates an integration of spirituality and the Clarke University mission. This may happen in an academic course, a student life activity, an extracurricular event, a faith community, or off-site with a learning contract.

The Power of Liberal Arts

When learning about schools with philosophy and religious studies, you should seek a school with strong liberal arts and religious studies programs, as they will be the backbone of your learning. The ability to write well, speak well, and problem solve are some of the top skills employers seek when hiring new graduates. Leaders need to know how to create, collaborate, innovate, and inspire. A liberal arts education and emphasis in Religious Studies prepares you to do just that, forming those critical skills that separate leaders from followers. And, because a liberal arts education translates to many different careers, you also have the option of easily jumping into a new job if you’re ready to try something different.