Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies
Please select the appropriate Undergraduate Catalog year range for your degree plan. Catalogs specify degree requirements and policies and procedures that govern your graduation. It is imperative that you speak with your advisor to determine which catalog applies to you, since the requirements and lists vary by catalog. Failure to comply with the rules of your catalog can result in taking classes that will not count toward your degree.
In general, catalog eligibility is based on your first semester enrolled at The University of Texas at Austin or at another Texas public college or university. You may be eligible for a different catalog. Speak with your academic advisor to discuss catalog options.
2010-12 Catalog
Part 1
One course in each of the following areas (12 hours):
• Area I: Religions of Asia
• Area II: Religions of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa
• Area III: Religions of the Americas
• Area IV: Approaches to the study of religion and comparative studies of religion
** A list of current courses divided by area is available through the advising office.
Part 2
Primary Area: 6 additional hours of upper-division coursework concentrated in one of the four areas listed above. Selection of the Primary Area should be made in consultation with the Religious Studies Advisor
Part 3
R S 375S Advanced Seminar in Religious Studies: This required course, taken during the senior year or second semester of the junior year, is designed to serve as a capstone experience for Religious Studies majors. Advanced Seminars cover multiple religious traditions and focus on thematic and methodological issues in the study of religion.
Part 4
9 additional hours of Religious Studies: These courses can be in any area, allowing students flexibility to explore a diverse range of traditions and themes or further specialize in a particular area of interest.
Minor
12 hours (including 6 hours upper-division and 6 hours in residence) in any one field of study at the university.
** As an alternative, students may take 12 lower-division hours in a second foreign language to fulfill the Religious Studies minor.
2008-10 Catalog
(also valid for 2006-08 catalog)
Part 1
One course from each of the following two lists:
- R S 305 - Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion
R S 310 - Introduction to the Study of Religion
- R S 302 - History of the Religions of Asia
R S 304 - Judaism, Christianity, Islam: An Introduction
R S 318 - The Rise of Christianity
R S 319 - Introduction to Islam
Any of the courses in Part 1 may also count toward the requirements in Part 2 as applicable.
Part 2
At least three semester hours in each of the following four areas:
• Area I: Religions of Asia
• Area II: Religions of Europe, Middle East, and Africa
• Area III: Religions of the Americas
• Area IV: Approaches to the Study of Religion and Comparative Studies of Religion
** A list of current courses divided by area is available through the advising office.
Part 3
Primary Area: An additional 9 semester hours of upper-division coursework concentrated in one of the four Areas listed above. Selection for the Primary Area should be made in consultation with the Religious Studies Advisor.
Minor
12 hours (including 6 hours upper-division and 6 hours in residence) in any one field of study at the university.
Additional Degree Information
Official Religious Studies Degree Plan - 2010-2012 Catalog (PDF)Religious Studies Sample Four-Year Plan - 2010-2012 Catalog (PDF)
Official Religious Studies Degree Plan - 2008-2010 Catalog (PDF)
Religious Studies Sample Four-Year Plan - 2008-2010 Catalog (PDF)
Official Religious Studies Degree Plan - 2006-2008 Catalog (PDF)
