Major/Minor
School of Arts, Sciences & Business
Religious Studies and Theology Department
Through critical thinking and a deep respect for religious commitments of all persons, the Religious Studies program is grounded in Roman Catholic and ecumenical Christian traditions, but actively engages in dialogue with other world religions. The curriculum is designed to help you develop a deeper understanding of your own traditions as well as others.
student in classroom
Program Location

Available Majors

  • Religious Studies

Available Minors

  • Religious Studies
  • Religion and Health Care
  • Women in Religion

Additional Study Options

Course Topics

  • Ethics
  • Biblical Studies
  • American Catholicism
  • Systematic Theology
  • History of World Religions

What Makes Our Program Unique

Women's contributions to spirituality, religious thought and history, as well as the ecumenical and interfaith aspects of the discipline, are woven into the program and are treated in greater depth in courses devoted exclusively to these topics.

Four-Year Plan

Sample Program of Study for Religious Studies Major. Students should select courses with the assistance of the program coordinator.

Fall Spring
First Year
NDMU-100 Perspectives in Education 4

RST-300/400-Level Course

 3
ENG-101 College Writing 3

Foreign Language

 3
Foreign Language 3

General Education/Electives

 9
RST-105 Religion and the Big Question 3

[15 credits]

  
General Education/Electives 3    
[15 credits]      
Second Year
RST-300/400-Level Course 9

RST-300/400-Level Courses

 9
General Education/Electives 6

General Education/Electives

 6
[15 credits]  

[15 credits]

  
Third Year
RST-300/400-Level Course 9

RST-300/400-Level Course

 6

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 12

General Education/Electives

 12
[15 credits]  

[15 credits]

  
http://catalog.ndm.edu/undergraduate-catalog/school-of-arts-and-sciences/religious-studies

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.

Megan Wood
Alum

Megan Wood

The Skills and Confidence to Succeed

Alum, NDMU Class of 2017
Religious Studies
NDMU has helped me develop the skills and confidence I need to succeed at anything I do. I look forward to moving closer to achieving my dream of becoming a counselor. What's Next for Megan: Therapeutic Support Staff (TSS) at Pennsylvania Counseling Services
Read More

Capstone Experience

The capstone experience synthesizes everything you learn and has three related components:

  1. Preparation Workshop and Compilation of a Portfolio
  2. Interview with Department Faculty
  3. Presentation to Department Faculty, Current Students and Alumnae

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
  • Ministry
  • Church Administration

Internships & Employment

Graduates are currently working as:

  • Doctors and Nurses
  • Teachers
  • Psychologists
  • Journalists
  • Ordained Ministers
  • Guidance Counselors
  • Parish Educators
  • Directors of Religious Education
  • Pastoral and Youth Ministers
  • Campus Ministers
  • Hospital Chaplains
  • Parish Music Ministers
  • Leaders in Diocesan Offices
  • Employees of Catholic Charities