The Department of Religious Studies offers an intellectually rigorous and socially engaged exploration of religion's role in shaping human experience. Rooted in an interdisciplinary approach, our program fosters critical thinking by examining religious traditions, ethical questions, and theological perspectives through historical, cultural, and philosophical lenses. With a strong emphasis on social justice, we challenge students to grapple with pressing global issues--such as human rights, environmental ethics, or racial justice--while cultivating skills in analysis, communication, and moral reasoning. Our graduates are well-prepared for diverse career paths in education, medicine, nonprofit work, law, ministry, and beyond, equipping them to become thoughtful leaders in an increasingly complex world.
What to Expect Studying at Notre Dame of Maryland University
Small class sizes and personal attention enhance the student expertise, allowing for a combination of rich lecture and robust discussion.
Religious Studies Careers
Employers are looking for candidates who have the capacity to do quality research, analyze data critically, consider alternative perspectives, and work in a diverse environment.
A degree in Religious Studies prepares you to work in any field by:
- Cultivating intercultural awareness
- Critical thinking and writing
- Moral reasoning
- Engaging with the big questions that concern all people
Possible Career Fields
- Law School
- Medical School
- Nursing
- Clinical Psychology
- Education
- Journalism
- Business
- Policy
- Church Administration
Internships & Employment
Graduates are currently working as:
- Hospice nurses
- Clinical Nurse Practitioners
- Physicians
- Counseling
- Psychologists
- Employees of NGOs
- Journalists
- Counseling psychologists
- Elementary and middle school teachers
- Parish educators
- School principals
- Legislative aides
- Real estate agents
- Attorneys
Additional Info
Sample Program of Study for Religious Studies Major. Students should select courses with the assistance of the program coordinator.
| Fall | Spring | ||
|---|---|---|---|
First Year |
|||
| ENG-101 College Writing 3 Foreign Language | 3 | Foreign Language | 3 |
| IDS-100 Perspectives in Education | 3 | History | 3 |
| COM-106 | 3 | Mathematics | 3 |
| RST-105 Introduction to Religious Studies | 3 | Social Science | 3 |
| NDMU 100 | 3 | RST 300/400 level Ethics | 3 |
| [15 credits] | [15 credits] | ||
Second Year |
|||
| PHL-201 Introduction to Philosophy | 3 | PHL 300/400-level course | 3 |
| Fine Arts | 3 | RST-317 New Testament | 3 |
| RST-315 Old Testament | 3 | RST 300/400 Systematic Theology | 3 |
| COM-106 Fundamentals of Oral Communication | 3 | English Literature | 3 |
| General Education/Electives | 3 | General Education/Electives | 3 |
| [15 credits] | [15 credits] | ||
Third Year |
|||
| RST 300/400 Religion and Culture Course | 9 | RST 300/400 Elective | 6 |
| RST 300/400 Practical Theology Course | 6 | RST 300/400 Elective | 9 |
| General Education/Electives | 6 | General Education/Electives | 9 |
| [15 credits] | [15 credits] | ||
Fourth Year |
|||
| RST-300/400-Level Course | 3 | RST-300/400-Level Course | 3 |
| General Education/Electives | 3 | General Education/Electives | 12 |
| General Education/Electives | 9 | ||
| [15 credits] | [15 credits] | ||