The Religious Studies Certificate

Whether you decide you want to major in Religious Studies or make it a major support of another major, you may want to have something in hand that says to future employers that you are ready to meet the global experience, able to think from many different vantage points, and interested in people who are different from you. All of that will come bundled in the Religious Studies Certificate from Mesa Community College.

MCC offers you a very rare opportunity to explore Religious Studies through dozens of courses. The Religious Studies Certificate will allow you to find a thread that weaves courses together. You will be able to earn your certificate with an Associates degree that includes twelve hours of Religious Studies course work in either of two tracks:

 

Track One: The Traditions Approach

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Description: The Traditions Approach track is designed for students who plan on continuing on to a baccalaureate in Religious Studies. The emphasis is historical and doctrinal. (Electives may be drawn from either the Exploring Traditions or the Exploring Scriptures lists.)

Required: REL 243 World Religions

Electives (Exploring Traditions):

• REL 203 American Indian Religions
• REL 225 African-American Religions
• REL 270 Introduction to Christianity
• REL 212 Introduction to Islam
• REL 210 Introduction to Judaism

Electives: (Exploring Scriptures):

• REL 201 Classics of Western Religions
• REL 202 Classics of Asian Religions
• REL 211 Introduction to the Hebrew Bible
• REL 213 Introduction to the Qur'an
• REL 271 Introduction to the New Testament

 

Track Two: The Topical Approach

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Description: The Topical Approach track is designed for students who may not be planning further Religious Studies pursuits, but seek an academic basis for contemporary work in a multi-faith world. The emphasis is topical and current. (Electives may be drawn from either the Global Challenges or the Alternative Approaches lists.)

Required: REL 205 Religion and the Modern World or REL 206 Religion in America

Electives (Global Challenges):

• REL 200 Religion and Film
• REL 218 Religion and Culture
• REL 240 Religion and Science
• REL 245 Religion and the Earth
• REL 246 Religion, Peace and Violence
• REL 290 Women and Religion
• REL 291 Religion and Sexuality

Electives: (Alternative Approaches):

• REL 277 Mysticism East and West
• REL 223 Spiritual but not Religious

 

Important Disclaimer

The certificate approval process is just underway. It is not yet available, and we have no solid date for when it will be. Please be patient and check back here for news as the process unfolds.