Religious Studies Major

Overview

The Religious Studies offerings are integral to the Liberal Arts Core of the University. Through Religious Studies courses, the student is challenged to examine the religious dimension of human existence. The student is asked to explore the manner in which religious traditions and symbols have provided and continue to offer an interpretation of human life. In addition to courses that probe the Roman Catholic tradition, courses in Contemporary Protestantism, Judaism, the culture of Islam and Asian religions also are available.
The Religious Studies program at Stritch allows you to study the historical, theoretical and practical aspects of the religious experience in a global setting. In addition to courses focused on the Roman Catholic tradition, courses in contemporary Protestantism, Judaism, the culture of Islam and Asian religions are also part of the curriculum. If you’re interested in ministry, Stritch offers ministry certification in adult and family, urban, and youth ministries. You can also use the major to prepare yourself for graduate work in theology/religious studies.

In addition, the Department offers a balanced selection of upper division courses that enable the interested student to acquire a more in-depth background to pursue a major in religious studies.

All religious studies students will be involved in pastoral, human, and spiritual experiences through the St. Clare Center for Ministry Formation. You’ll have opportunities for spiritual direction, theological reflection, and pastoral placement in areas such as Youth Ministry, Adult and Family Education and Urban Ministry.

Religious Studies Major: 34 credits
Required courses for Major:
REL 101, 201, 401 and others with departmental approval to a total of 34 credits. One additional Philosophy and History course also required.
Tracks in Major:
Preparation for graduate studies in Theology/Religious Studies.
Ministry Preparation for Youth Ministers, Directors of Religious Education, Hospital Ministry, Adult and Family Ministry, Urban Ministry, and related careers.

Entry into the ministry tracks is subject to department approval.

Religious Studies Minor: 24 credits

Faculty

Daniel G. Di Domizio
Professor
(414) 410-4161
dgdidomizio@stritch.edu

Coletta Dunn, OSF
Professor
(414) 410-4163
cdunn@stritch.edu

John M. Perry
Professor
(414) 410-4164
jmperry@stritch.edu

Lance Richey
Associate Professor
(414) 410-4743
lbrichey@stritch.edu

Dan Scholz
Assistant Professor
(414) 410-4162
djscholz@stritch.edu

Alumni

Marc Puechner, Director of TYME OUT Center, Milwaukee
Vicki Clark, Pastoral associate, Lumen Christi Parish, Milwaukee
Jackie Lichter, Theology department chair, Pius XI High School, Milwaukee
Tony Phillips, Youth volunteer coordinator, St. Ann’s Intergenerational Center, Milwaukee