The religious studies specialization is comparative in nature, but complemented by a philosophical component focused on religion and unique electives designed to accommodate student interests. Students may choose either a 50- or 62-credit specialization, which consists of (1) a 25-credit core and (2) required coursework (25-37 credits). In order to graduate, a student who completes the 50-credit specialization must also have a minor or second major in another discipline. A student who completes the 62-credit specialization is not required to have a minor or second major.

Departmental Honors in Philosophy and Religious Studies

The honors program in Philosophy and Religious Studies recognizes the exceptional scholarship of qualified students in either the Philosophy major or Religious Studies specialization. To qualify, students must have completed at least 25 credits in their major or specialization and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 overall and 3.5 in their major coursework. In addition to their normal coursework, students seeking departmental honors must take one additional upper division course in their program, complete a superior thesis (RELS 497: Honors Thesis) to be evaluated by a second reader from the departmental faculty, and make an oral presentation. Students graduating with honors will have that accomplishment recorded on their transcripts.

1. Core Requirements

PHIL 302 Ethics: (5)

Select either:
PHIL 352 Western Philosophy I: Ancient Greek Philosophy (5) OR
PHIL 209 - Asian Philosophy (5)

Select either:
PHIL 353 - Western Philosophy II: Rationalism and Empiricism (5) OR
PHIL 305 - Philosophy of Religion (5)

Select either:
PHIL 354 - Western Philosophy III: Kant and the 19th Century (5) OR
RELS 376 - Contemporary Religious Thought (5)

Select either:
PHIL 494 - Undergraduate Thesis Preparation Credits: (2) OR
RELS 494 - Undergraduate Thesis Preparation Credits: (2)

Select either:
PHIL 495 Undergraduate Thesis (3) OR
RELS 495 Undergraduate Thesis (3) OR
PHIL 497 Honors Thesis (3) OR
RELS 497 Honors Thesis (3)

NOTE: PHIL 209, PHIL 305, RELS 376, RELS 494, RELS 495, PHIL 497 and RELS 497 are by advisor’s approval.

Total Core Credits: 25

2. Required Coursework

RELS 101 World Religions: (5)
RELS 201 Sacred Books of the World: (5)
RELS 490 Cooperative Education: (2 credits) (required only for the 62 credit major)

History of religions required courses: (10 Credits)
RELS 351 Religions of China and Japan (5) OR
RELS 352 Religions of India (5)
RELS 353 Judaism (5) OR
RELS 354 Christianity (5) OR
RELS 355 Islam (5)

Department-approved electives: (5-15 credits)
Any RELS upper-division courses (at least 5 credits at the 400-level) and department-approved courses.

Total Credits: 50 or 62

Click here to view major requirements and current curriculum in CWU's Online Electronic Catalog.

The Online Electronic Catalog (OEC) is the official University´s compilation for all curriculum. The OEC will serve as the basis for major, minor and program requirements for the academic year.

For current policy and curriculum requirements refer to CWU online catalog. When a printed catalog is produced, its publication will take place immediately following the freezing of the OEC for that year. Undergraduate catalogs are valid for five years.

Students must follow that catalog for major and program requirements that are in effect at the time they are admitted to the major. Please contact your academic department if you have questions. For current policy and curriculum requirements refer to CWU online catalog.