Major: Religious Education
Not everyone can devote their lives to asking the deeper questions. But everyone deserves to do so at least sometimes. It’s a key part of human dignity.
Religion teachers have two priorities. They care about their faith: They want to get as close to life's mystery as they can and to abide by their creed's moral guidelines. They also care about helping others develop strong faith, knowing that it can help people cope with everyday trials as well as moments of crisis. If you share these priorities, consider majoring in religious education.
Religious education majors learn how to teach students of various ages in religious schools and organizations. They also learn how to oversee and teach religious education programs.
Did You Know?
- Most religious education programs prepare you to work in religious settings. To increase your options, you could do the additional course work needed to teach academic subjects.
Are You Ready To...?
- Worship regularly
- Study sacred texts intensively
- Do volunteer or paid work as a camp counselor or tutor
- Join an honorary society such as Delta Epsilon Chi
It Helps to Be...
Someone who loves to study, has deep religious beliefs, and enjoys helping others learn. If you're versatile and creative, you'll adapt easily to teaching a variety of groups, from preschoolers to families to the elderly.
College Checklist
- Is the program accredited by the state department of education and a national accrediting agency such as the Association for Biblical Higher Education?
- Will you be required to double major?
- What ages will you be prepared to teach?
- Will you be able to do additional course work for public-school certification?
- What is the role of women among professors and students?
- Will the program help you find work after graduation?
Did You Know?
- While every faith in America provides religious education for its members, most undergraduate majors specifically focused on religious education are Christian.
Course Spotlight
Before you graduate, you'll complete an internship in a place of worship, religious school, or other religious organization. This is your chance to practice teaching with a seasoned educator. How do you make sacred texts exciting and relevant? How do you balance lecture and discussion? How do you guide your students in discussions of right and wrong? Practicing such skills will give you confidence when you jump into your first official teaching position.
