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Religious Studies
Students in this program take classes in Biblical, historical, and theological studies as well as religion and society, philosophy, and ethics. Students will build a foundation for pastoral ministry and become aware of religious experience and expression. They will engage with Scripture and learn about Christian beliefs and heritage. Through critical study they will become informed on the role of religion in society and as they advance from the program they will be prepared for graduate studies in religion and theology.
Program Offered
Religious Studies
Bachelor of Arts
Quick Facts
Level
Undergraduate
Location
La Sierra Campus
Accreditation
WASC
- Curriculum Sheet
Description:
This major prepares students who want to become religion teachers or who would like to work in pastoral ministry. It can also provide a good foundation for those going into medicine, dentistry, other health professions, anthropology, journalism, or philosophy.
| RELT255 | Theology I: Faith Seeking Understanding | 4 |
| RELT355 | Theology II: God and Creation | 4 |
| RELT436 | Philosophy of Religion | 4 |
| RELT455 | Theology III: Reconciliation and Consummation | 4 |
Religious Studies
Minor
Quick Facts
Level
minor
Location
La Sierra Campus
Accreditation
WASC
- Curriculum Sheet
Description:
The minor in religious studies gives the student an introduction into the vast field of religious studies.
A minor typically consists of taking a portion of the classes required for a major in that same subject. To get an idea of what you would be studying, check out the corresponding major. The requirements for your minor will differ by program, so be sure to ask a counselor to know exactly what courses are in store for you.
Pre-Seminary
Pre-Professional
Quick Facts
Level
Pre-Professional
Location
La Sierra Campus
Accreditation
WASC
- Curriculum Sheet
Description:
The Pre-Seminary program consists of a curriculum which is designed to meet entrance requirements for graduate or professional studies in Seventh-day Adventist or other seminaries or graduate schools. This is a pre-professional program, not a major, and as such does not lead to a bachelor’s degree.
| RELL281 | Beginning Greek I | 3 |
| RELL282 | Beginning Greek II | 3 |
| RELL283 | Beginning Greek III | 3 |
| RELL381 | Intermediate Greek I | 3 |
| RELL382 | Intermediate Greek II | 3 |
| RELL383 | Intermediate Greek III | 3 |
| RELL481 | Basic Hebrew I | 3 |
| RELL482 | Basic Hebrew II | 3 |
Religion
Master of Arts
Quick Facts
Level
Graduate
Location
La Sierra Campus
Accreditation
WASC / ATS
- Curriculum Sheet
Description:
The Master of Arts (MA) degree program is a focused graduate academic program designed to provide students with the opportunity to engage in advanced study and research in a specific academic discipline within the Divinity School. Persons admitted with prior extensive undergraduate studies in their chosen field of study may complete the program in one year (four quarters) of full-time study in addition to the comprehensive examination and optional thesis. Those without such an undergraduate background will require two years of full-time study. The MA program constitutes a first research degree that is suitable as a foundation for later doctoral study.
| Select remaining units from Divinity School courses 510 and above to satify 48 unit requirement. (Except RELM & RELP) |
Career Outlook
2.5% Job Market Growth
$60,540 Median Salary
Job Outlook & Salary
Directors, Religious Activities and Education: Plan, direct, or coordinate programs designed to promote the religious education or activities of a denominational group. May provide counseling and guidance relative to marital, health, financial, and religious problems. The average wage in 2021 for Directors, Religious Activities and Education, was $60,540. Most earned salaries ranging between $30,150 and $ 101,650.
Program Stats
Our Alumni Work in these Occupations
- Clergy28
- C-Suite Executives7
- Social and Human Service Specialists5
- General and Operations Managers5
- Business Development and Marketing Managers4
- Higher Education Teachers4
- Art and Creative Directors2
Our Alumni Work Here
- Southern California Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists4
- Southeastern California Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists3
- Iuoe Local 3122
- The P R Collective2
- Trinity Care Hospice2
- Clark & Associates Consulting, LLC2
- SDA Church2
Student Learning Outcomes
- In addition to the Seventh-day Adventist Christian tradition, summarize familiarity with at least two religious traditions other than their own and be able to engage in informed discussion of its texts, beliefs, history, and practice.
- Show knowledge and proficiency of different methodological approaches to understanding religion (e.g. philosophical anthropological, historical, feminist, postcolonial, theological) while identifying their strengths and weaknesses.
- Demonstrate research on a topic that integrates classroom exposure with original investigation in one area of religious studies.
- Assess various theories, concepts, and materials (e.g., written texts, oral reports, archaeological data) central to the academic study of religion.
- Analyze complex ethical questions through a variety of ethical perspectives including those grounded in religious traditions.
- Identify the unique understanding of the history and meaning of religion from the Seventh-day Adventist Christian perspective.
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Partial information in this page was retrieved from Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wages, Directors, Religious Activities and Education, at https://www.bls.gov/oes/2022/may/oes212021.htm (visited April 25, 2023)
