2022-2023 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Religious Studies, B.A.


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The major in religion offers students a strong liberal arts education and a thorough grounding in the field of religion. Students are encouraged to complement the major with a major or minor in another discipline consistent with their interests and future career orientation. Up to three religion courses may be taken at either Aquinas Institute or Saint Louis University.

Baccalaureate Degree and Residency Requirements

All requirements for an undergraduate degree are listed in the Academic Policies and Regulations  section in this catalog. These requirements include a graduation requirement of at least one course in religious studies.

Learning Outcomes


  • Students possess general knowledge of different methodological approaches to the study of religion or theology, and an in-depth knowledge of at least one method.    
  • Students demonstrate general knowledge of the beliefs and practices of the major world religions, and in-depth knowledge of the beliefs and practices of at least one major religious tradition.  
  • Students are familiar with a broad range of historical, cultural, and systematic issues in religious studies or theology, and the ability to do research in a specific area.  
  • Students have competency in using religious and theological concepts in oral and written communication.  
  • Students understand the relationships of religion to other areas of knowledge, e.g., humanities, sciences, art.   
  • Students demonstrate that they are prepared to succeed in their profession or graduate studies. 

General Education Requirements


The 42 credit hours of general education requirements are presented in the General Education  section in this catalog. A course that meets a general education requirement may also meet a course requirement in the major or a course requirement in another discipline.

The following specific general education courses must be chosen to meet the requirements for this major:

Choose one from the following.


Theology: Fontbonne/Aquinas Institute of Theology Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Agreement


This agreement gives Fontbonne’s Religious Studies major accelerated access to graduate education.

Ecumenical in scope, this program appeals to students who wish to pursue graduate studies, careers in theological education, and a variety of lay ministries.

The Fontbonne/Aquinas agreement enables students to take all or part of the minimum of three upper-level courses requirement mentioned above at Aquinas Institute of Theology. These courses are accepted as meeting Fontbonne undergraduate requirements and credited graduate credit on an Aquinas transcript.

  • REL 400 Pro-seminar Credit(s): 3
  • REL 401 Bible Interpretation Credit(s): 3
  • REL 402 Church History I Credit(s): 3
  • REL 403 Church History II Credit(s): 3
  • REL 404 Introduction to Theology and Theological Method Credit(s): 3
  • REL 405 The Use of Philosophy in Theology Credit(s): 3

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