Religious Studies

Major/Minor

Religious Studies and Theology Department

The Department of Religious Studies offers an intellectually rigorous and socially engaged exploration of religion's role in shaping human experience. Rooted in an interdisciplinary approach, our program fosters critical thinking by examining religious traditions, ethical questions, and theological perspectives through historical, cultural, and philosophical lenses. With a strong emphasis on social justice, we challenge students to grapple with pressing global issues--such as human rights, environmental ethics, or racial justice--while cultivating skills in analysis, communication, and moral reasoning. Our graduates are well-prepared for diverse career paths in education, medicine, nonprofit work, law, ministry, and beyond, equipping them to become thoughtful leaders in an increasingly complex world.

Program Location

Main Campus

Online

Available Majors

Religious Studies

Available Minors

Religious Studies
Religion and Health Care
Women in Religion

Additional Study Options

Graduate School Preparation

Course Topics

Ethics
Biblical Studies
American Catholicism
Systematic Theology
History of World Religions

What Makes Our Program Unique

Women's contributions to spirituality, religious thought and history, as well as the ecumenical and interfaith aspects of the discipline, are woven into the program and are treated in greater depth in courses devoted exclusively to these topics.

Four-Year Plan

Sample Program of Study for Religious Studies Major. Students should select courses with the assistance of the program coordinator.

Fall		Spring
First Year
NDMU-100 Perspectives in Education	4	RST-300/400-Level Course	3
ENG-101 College Writing	3	Foreign Language	3
Foreign Language	3	General Education/Electives	9
RST-105 Religion and the Big Question	3	[15 credits]
General Education/Electives	3
[15 credits]
Second Year
RST-300/400-Level Course	9	RST-300/400-Level Courses	9
General Education/Electives	6	General Education/Electives	6
[15 credits]		[15 credits]
Third Year
RST-300/400-Level Course	9	RST-300/400-Level Course	6
General Education/Electives	6	General Education/Electives	9
[15 credits]		[15 credits]
Fourth Year
RST-300/400-Level Course	3	RST-300/400-Level Course	3
General Education/Electives	12	General Education/Electives	12
[15 credits]		[15 credits]

http://catalog.ndm.edu/undergraduate-catalog/school-of-arts-and-sciences/religious-studies

What to Expect Studying at Notre Dame of Maryland University

Small class sizes and personal attention enhance the student expertise, allowing for a combination of rich lecture and robust discussion.

Alum

Megan Wood

The Skills and Confidence to Succeed

Alum, NDMU Class of 2017

Religious Studies

NDMU has helped me develop the skills and confidence I need to succeed at anything I do. I look forward to moving closer to achieving my dream of becoming a counselor. What's Next for Megan: Therapeutic Support Staff (TSS) at Pennsylvania Counseling Services

Capstone Experience

The capstone experience synthesizes everything you learn and has three related components:

Preparation Workshop and Compilation of a Portfolio
Interview with Department Faculty
Presentation to Department Faculty, Current Students and Alumnae