Major code BA5215

College of Arts and Sciences  
Classics and Religious Studies  
Ellis 201B
Phone: 740.597.2100
classics@ohio.edu
www.ohio.edu/cas/classics/contact

Loren Lybarger, contact person
lybarger@ohio.edu

Program Overview

Religious texts, beliefs, and practices are central to being human, as is conflict over religion. World religions majors acquire both a theoretical knowledge of the components and dynamics of religions and a specific knowledge of religious ideas and pratices. Our courses cover Judaism, early Christianity, Greek and Roman religions, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism. Each student chooses an area of specialization, and learns a foreign language connected with that specialization. Students in the world religions major have also majored in English, history, and sociology. World religions majors with a GPA of 3.5 or higher can complete a departmental honors thesis in one or two terms for 3-6 credit hours in addition to the regular requirements for the major. Preapproved application and interview required.

Admissions Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission

No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Change of Program Policy

No selective or limited admission requirements.

External Transfer Admission

No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

The demand for people knowledgeable in the religions of this increasingly smaller globe is growing, and the United States is also becoming increasingly diverse religiously. Expertise in the study of a number of religious traditions benefits students preparing for careers in journalism, politics, and business. It can also be part of one’s preparation for leadership in religious communities. Often pre-professionals are encouraged to pursue a broad liberal arts education in which world religions may be a significant component. Courses in world religions are also of interest to many graduate programs. Our graduates have gone on to further study in religious studies and theology graduate programs.  Outside academia, World Religions graduates have gone on to work abroad in the Peace Corps and for NGOs; others have become counselors and therapists; others have entered into business careers and work in government.

Students can also browse through dozens of internship opportunities and full-time job postings for Ohio University students and alumni on Handshake, OHIO’s key resource for researching jobs, employers, and workshops and events for professional development.

Requirements