Compare Your Options
So you've decided that the study of religion would be a useful addition to your professional skills set. What next?
At Miami, you have three options for a sustained program of study in religion (more sustained than just a course or two). Which option you pick depends on how deeply you want to develop your expertise in this area.
- Thematic Sequence: A series of courses, totaling 9 credit hours, that introduces you to either "Religion in American Life" or "Thinking through Problems in Religion," depending on which sequence you choose.
- Minor: A flexible program totaling 18 credit hours.
- Major: A highly flexible, interdisciplinary program totaling 42 credit hours, including a senior research seminar. This program is designed to work well as a second major.
Follow the links to learn more about each option, or use the table below for a side-by-side comparison. Which option gives you what you need for your career goals?
| Thematic Sequence | Minor | Major |
|---|---|---|
| 9 credit hours. | 18 credit hours. | 42 credit hours. |
| Gives you a choice between two themes: “Religion in American Life” or “Thinking through Problems in Religion.” | Gives you freedom to pursue your specialized interests after completing 9 hours of introductory coursework. | Gives you freedom to pursue your specialized interests after completing 12 hours of introductory coursework. |
| Offers possibilities for interdisciplinary work, in the form of cross-listed courses. | Offers possibilities for interdisciplinary work, in the form of cross-listed courses and an option to complete 3 hours in another department. | Is interdisciplinary by nature: A minimum of 15 hours must be completed in other departments. |
| Develops your marketable skills in writing, critical reading, critical thinking, analysis, and intercultural competence. | Develops your marketable skills in writing, critical reading, critical thinking, analysis,and intercultural competence. | Develops your marketable skills in writing, critical reading, critical thinking, analysis,and intercultural competence. |
| Exposes you, in passing, to a diversity of religious traditions. | Exposes you, in a systematic way, to a diversity of religious traditions. | Exposes you, in a systematic way, to a diversity of religious traditions. |
| Gives you a basic understanding of how religions influence individuals and societies. | Gives you a deeper introduction to two religious traditions (or religions from two regions of the world). | Gives you a deeper introduction to two religious traditions (or religions from two regions of the world). |
| May formally introduce you to theories and methods for the study of religion, depending on the sequence you choose. | Formally introduces you to theories and methods for the study of religion. | Formally introduces you to theories and methods for the study of religion. |
| Gives you opportunities to apply theories and methods to specific questions about religion in society and culture. | Gives you opportunities to apply theories and methods to specific questions about religion in society and culture. | |
| Provides a mentored senior research experience. | ||
| Is designed to work well as a second major, to complement a related subject area (international relations, psychology, social justice studies, etc.). |
From a graduate:
"Studying religion at Miami allowed me to take a wide breadth of subjects, which helped me learn so much about how people think and are affected by their culture."
Tori Saba
Psychology