Students majoring in religion have gone on to work with non-government organizations and religious communities, including pastoral work and administration. Students receive truly interdisciplinary training and many have gone on to pursue advanced degrees in the humanities, social sciences, law, education, journalism, and social services. The religion program complements many other programs at the University of Florida, including Latin American studies, sustainability studies, Jewish studies, African studies, and Asian studies.

Coursework for the Major

The program consists of 10 courses, which include at least one in Asian religions, one in Islam, and one in Jewish or Christian scripture. In addition, all majors must complete a junior seminar on methods and theories in the study of religion and a comparative East-West capstone seminar.

The 10 courses (30 credits) for the undergraduate major in religion must be completed with minimum grades of C. These courses must be taken from the introductory, intermediate and advanced levels of the religion curriculum and they must expose the student to both eastern and western thought.

Required Coursework

• Majors cannot count more than three introductory courses (2000-level, 9 credits) toward the 30 credits.
• No more than three courses (9 credits) can be in approved cognate courses from other departments.
• No more than four courses (12 credits) can be transferred from another institution.
• Every two semesters all majors must consult the undergraduate advisor.

There are no prerequisites for 2000-level courses. Detailed descriptions of current and prospective courses are available in 107 Anderson Hall and from faculty members before registration.

Overseas Studies

The department encourages study abroad. Overseas Studies, within the UF International Center (UFIC), offers the opportunity to study in a wide range of academic and cultural settings. The office coordinates 32 semester and yearlong programs and 28 summer programs in 24 countries. Study abroad programs satisfy the general education international and diversity requirements and also may fulfill requirements for a major or minor, as well as basic distribution area requirements and UF summer residency. Interested students should contact the UF International Center in 170 Hub or the undergraduate coordinator.

Related Religion Programs

• Combined Degree
• Religion minor
• Religious Ethics minor

Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses that are required for entry to each major. Please note the critical-tracking requirements below on a per-semester basis.

For degree requirements outside of the major, refer to CLAS Degree Requirements: Structure of a CLAS Degree.

Equivalent critical-tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.

Semester 1

• 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 2

• 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 3

• Complete 1 religion course
• 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 4

• Complete 1 additional religion course with a 2.5 critical-tracking GPA
• 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 5

• Complete 1 additional religion course with a 2.5 critical-tracking GPA
• 2.0 UF GPA required

Students are expected to complete the writing requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. Students are also expected to complete the general education international (GE-N) and diversity (GE-D) requirements concurrently with another general education requirement (typically, GE-C, H, or S).

To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold. These courses must be completed by the terms as listed above in the Critical Tracking criteria.

This semester plan represents an example progression through the major. Actual courses and course order may be different depending on the student's academic record and scheduling availability of courses. Prerequisites still apply.

The major in religion examines religion as a significant and pervasive element in human culture. Through study of a variety of religious traditions, students learn about the history, beliefs and practices of the world's religions. Emphasis on method and theory and religion's comparative dimensions enables students to read and analyze current literature. Students will be able to locate and use reference tools and demonstrate the ability to communicate independent, critical perspectives.

Before Graduating Students Must

• Achieve satisfactory evaluation of assignment from REL 3931.
• Achieve satisfactory evaluation of assignment from REL 4933.
• Complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree, as determined by faculty.

Students in the Major Will Learn to

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Content

1. Identify, describe and explain religion as a significant and pervasive element in human culture.

Critical Thinking

2. Read and analyze current literature on method and theory in a study of religion.
3. Read and analyze current literature on comparative religion.

Communication

4. Effectively communicate, in speech and in writing, and disseminate the results of research in a coherent and organized manner.

Curriculum Map

I = Introduced; R = Reinforced; A = Assessed

Assessment Types

• Papers
• Additional assessment include the department's senior survey