Religion Minor

Program Coordinator/Contact

A. James Murphy, Associate Professor of Religion
School of American and Global Studies
West Hall Room 118, Box 510
605-688-4311

Program Information

The Religion minor introduces students to the various historical and contemporary expressions of diverse religious traditions as a dimension of the human experience.  Religion scholars seek to understand how believers understand their own of traditions, as well as examining contributing historical, psychological, and social factors of religious systems and movements.

Students pursuing religion minors may go on to church-related careers through graduate degrees in theology or religious studies.  These students may also select the pre-ministerial interest area .  However, the minor pairs well with a variety of majors that support students career choices requiring global perspectives, critical thinking, and strong communication skills.  Students also select an Interdisciplinary Studies (B.A./B.S.)  with an emphasis on religion.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates will demonstrate skills in:

• critical thinking, analytical reasoning, problem solving, and written communication.
• religious literacy:
  • articulating the nature and role of symbols to express societal values and the interpretive issues involved in Religion.
  • comparing and contrasting the historical developments, practices, and beliefs of diverse religious traditions.

Course Delivery Format

The program provides courses online and face to face on campus and at various off-campus attendance centers.