Religious Studies, Minor
UCI's Religious Studies program offers a critical multidisciplinary lens into world religions, history, global philosophies, and culture.
Students critically analyze multiple global traditions using diverse interdisciplinary theories and methods. These traditions include, but are not limited to, internally diverse communities of Atheism, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Indigenous and Native traditions, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, New Religious Movements, Sikhism, and Zoroastrianism.
Far from dismissing religion as an irrelevant factor in society, students develop skills in writing, speaking, cross-cultural dialog, and/or research to effectively communicate the value of a global study of religions for public life and global citizenship.
Our Religious Studies student research hub links faculty mentors with students across campus interested in conducting research projects in the study of religion and current projects can be seen on our homepage.
Recent students have combined their Religious Studies major or minor (or new three-class certificate) with degrees in chemistry, neurobiology, psychology, mathematics, business administration, political science, history, art, and other programs. These combinations enable students to enrich their resumes and job prospects with cross-cultural fluency, interdisciplinary rigor, and greater comfort with complexity.
Requirements for the Minor
Seven courses (28 units) are required for the minor.
| A. Complete: | |
| REL STD 5A | World Religions I |
| REL STD 5B | World Religions II |
| REL STD 5C | Religious Dialogue |
| REL STD 110W | Thinking about Religion: Theories and Methodologies |
| B. Three upper-division electives selected from the two categories under B in the B.A. in Religious Studies, including at least one course from both categories 1 and 2. Other courses may be applied by petition with approval from the Program Director. | |
Residence Requirement for the Minor: Four upper-division courses required for the minor must be completed successfully at UCI. Two of the four may be taken through the UC Education Abroad Program, provided course content is approved by the Director of the Religious Studies program.