RELIGIOUS STUDIES MAJOR
at Meredith College
According to recent career surveys, multicultural competence and ethics are among the skills most desired by prospective employers. As a religious and ethical studies major, you’ll develop global awareness, cultural sensitivity, and ethical decision-making skills that will not only help you in a variety of career paths but also enrich your personal growth.
Our Bachelor’s in Religious Studies
The religious and ethical studies major at Meredith offers an informed look at the world, its rich and varied religious traditions, and its ethical and cultural perspectives – from ancient times to popular culture.
We prepare students to live in our ever-changing societies where multiple religious and ethical commitments both inform and challenge our understanding of how people inhabit, experience, and ultimately shape the world we all share. Our faculty members specialize in a wide range of fields in textual, historical, and cultural approaches to religious studies, ethical theory, and applied ethics.
Religious Studies Programs
The Bachelor of Arts in Religious and Ethical Studies requires students to complete 30 credit hours, including 12 credit hours of core courses, 3 credit hours of an internship or research course, and 15 credit hours of elective courses.
Students minoring in Religious and Ethical Studies are required to complete 18 credit hours, including 12 credit hours of core courses and 6 credit hours of elective courses.
Why Study Religious Studies at Meredith?
- The religious and ethical studies program offers a lecture series that brings leading scholars to campus who speak on a range of topics – from biblical interpretation to the visual arts and architecture to ethical religious concerns.
- There are a number of scholarships available specifically for religious and ethics students, including the Roger H. Crook Scholarship, McLain Memorial Award, Romulus Ferdinand Hall and Bessie Stanton Hall Scholarship, Rebecca Jean Morris Lewis Scholarship, Jo Welch Hull Scholarship, and Parker-Freeman Scholarship.
- This major is an ideal second major, enhancing any other major at Meredith with the ability to deepen and expand your understanding of the religious and ethical issues in your area of study.
- You’ll have the flexibility to study abroad. Recent offerings led by religious studies faculty include a semester program in Italy and a summer program in Iceland.
- You will have the opportunity to join Theta Alpha Kappa, the National Honorary Society for Religious and/or Theological Studies.
What Can You Do With a Degree in Religious Studies?
A religious and ethical studies degree will prepare you for graduate study and a wide array of potential careers in law, ministry, business, public policy, psychology, human services, writing, medical research, environmental studies, social work, and more.
Jobs in Religious Studies
Companies that have hired recent graduates of Meredith’s religious studies program include
- Credit Suisse
- Interfaith America
- SAS Institute
Graduate Study
Recent graduates have gone on to attend top graduate schools including
- Campbell University Divinity School
- Duke University
- Emory University
- Union Presbyterian Seminary
- University of Montana
- University of Southern California
- Vanderbilt University
- Wake Forest University
Religious and ethical studies major Ellie Jones, ’20, will continue her studies at the University of Montana in Missoula, where she will pursue an M.A. in environmental philosophy with full funding and a teaching assistant position.
The daughter of missionaries, Keliy Grobbelaar, ’20, has experienced a lot. Living all over the world helped her develop a great sense of cultural inclusivity and a passion for people from all backgrounds.
Raleigh native Molly Smerko, ’18, knew from the moment she toured the Meredith College campus that it was where she belonged.
Videos About Meredith’s Religious Studies Major
A double major in psychology and religious and ethical studies, Katy made the most of her Meredith experience. She studied abroad in the Tuscany region of Italy, traveled to Ghana as part of a service trip and wrote an honors thesis that drew on both of her majors. She also participated in the Meredith Autism Program – the only program of its kind in the country where undergraduate students gain hands-on clinical experience working with children with autism.
Religious Studies News
Professor of Religion Shannon Grimes recently visited Egypt for the first time to present a keynote speech at the international Hermopolis Symposium. Her talk was on Seshat, a goddess of scholars, scribes, and temple artisans.
Dawn Blagrove, attorney and executive director of Emancipate NC, presented the 2024 Summer Reading Program Lecture on Thursday, Sept. 19, at 7 p.m. in Jones Auditorium.
Professor of Religious and Ethical Studies Steven A. Benko is the editor of a recently published book that explores ethical concepts through popular television shows. Better Living Through TV: Contemporary TV and Moral Identity Formation addresses the moral meanings that audiences might take from television shows of the last 20 years.
Contact Information
Shannon Grimes
Head, Religious Studies
216 Lux
(919) 760-8749
grimessh@meredith.edu
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