Religious Studies

Religion plays an essential function today, in the political, social, cultural and historical life of all societies across the world. If you find yourself captivated by belief systems and its philosophies, you can consider taking courses at an online college. The Religious studies academic field induces studying holy texts, comparing between two different religious texts and interpreting beliefs and behaviors of believers inducted in them by institutions and religious teachings. This secular branch of study explains religion in an unbiased manner giving enough emphasis on historical research and cultural understanding along with sociology, anthropology and philosophy methodologies. Getting your bachelor's degree in religious studies through an online school or university is not only possible and accessible, but also worthwhile.

Online Religious studies degrees are taught typically at the bachelor's degree, master's degree and doctoral degree levels. Different educational institutes provide different degree specializations, so prospective students like you should scan through several online programs to find the one most essential for your planned career paths. An online degree course includes historical analysis, modern theology, influences of language, major religions of the world, religious texts, major religious figures, archeology etc which is largely similar to an on campus program. Some modules offer a literary approach to religious texts, while other modules discuss the texts around several perspectives on religion.

After pursuing an online religious studies program and if you have developed a strong moral sense along with deep passion for religion, if your oral and written communication skills have benefited you will be able find an appropriate career around religion. However, you must also have deep compassion for fellow human beings and feel the importance to help others to successful in pursue a career in religion or theology. Some graduates of an online religious studies degree program go on to become religious dignitaries, such as priests, ministers and rabbis. Many others choose to take up support roles within religious institutions, as ministers, youth group leaders or even administrative officials in such institutions. There jobs also appropriate outside the sector of religion as well. Many students become college lecturers or schoolteachers or college professors. Others use the degree as a foundation for a specialized career in law, healthcare, business or journalism.

Being a humanities subject, religious studies requires extensive reading. Some online universities may subscribe to a compilation of articles and snippets of texts, while others recommend a series of historical, literature books along with religious texts like the Bible and the Quran depending on the length and levels of the course. Some of the most subscribed textbooks include ‘The Sacred Paths: Understanding the Religions of the World’ written by T. Ludwig, ‘Studying Religion: An Introduction through Cases’ written by G. Kessler or ‘Religious Journeys’ by J.E. Campo.You can select from several online colleges or universities that are specifically geared toward degrees in religious education.