The Eberly College of Arts ands Sciences is offering an online minor in religious studies for part-time non-traditional students. The convenience of online classes makes it easy for the working professional. These classes may also be taken by part-time students in the Regents Bachelor of Arts and Multidisciplinary Studies Program.
The minor explores the great world religions including Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Coursework permits students to study religion across cultures.
With a religious studies minor, students will have a foundation for any vocation that requires one to work and interact with people from other cultures and faiths. Examples of such career fields include medicine, business, education, and law.
Students will complete five courses, 15 credit hours, in order to obtain the minor.
Required Courses
RELG 102 Introduction to World Religions
This course explores five of the most widely practiced world religions; Judaism,
Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Students are introduced to the
history and basic tenets of each faith. This course is typically offered
during the spring, summer and fall terms.
RELG 219 The History of Christianity
This course explores the birth and evolution of Christianity from its inception
until the modern era. Emphasis will be placed upon the significant people
and events that shaped Christianity. This course is typically offered during
the spring and summer terms.
Select three courses (9 credit hours)
RELG 303 Studies in Christian Scriptures
This course explores the origin and development of the Christian Bible. The
historical, cultural, and religious settings of the texts, as well as their
theological intent, will be examined. This course is typically offered during
the fall and summer terms.
RELG 304 Studies in Hebrew Scriptures
This course explores the origin and development of the Hebrew Bible. The
historical, cultural, and religious settings of the texts, as well as their
theological intent, will be examined. This course is typically offered during
the spring and summer terms.
RELG 305 Biblical History/Archaeology
This course explores development of the biblical world from 2,000 BCE through
the first century CE. Various cultures will be examined socially, historically,
and religiously. How biblical archaeology impacts understanding of the Bible
will also be discussed. This course is typically offered during the spring
and summer terms.
RELG 310 Historical Theology
This course surveys the theology of Christianity from a historical perspective.
Major Christian thinkers and doctrines from the beginnings of Christianity
to the present will be analyzed and discussed. This course is typically offered
during the fall and summer terms.
RELG 350 Biblical Ethics/Current Issues
This course covers principal types of ethics; biblical teaching on sin, guilt,
law, grace, the state, perfection, etc., with application to contemporary
issues: bioethics, euthanasia, ecology, sex, cybernation, etc. This course
is typically offered during the fall and summer terms.
To earn a minor in public relations a student must earn a grade of C or better in each of the five courses. Students completing the entire minor online can expect to complete it in one year.
For additional information contact Aaron Gale at Aaron.Gale@mail.wvu.edu. To register for online courses, contact WVU Online at (800) 253-2762 or email WVUOnlineInquiry@mail.wvu.edu.