Department of Religious Studies
Welcome to the Department of Religious Studies at the University of the Incarnate Word. Religious Studies furthers the study and understanding of the Roman Catholic tradition, offering broader cultural and global contexts in which it is celebrated, and prepares students to pursue futures in religious, academic and other related fields.
The Department of Religious Studies serves a distinctive function in connection with the Catholic liberal arts mission of the University of the Incarnate Word and the institution's commitment to the eternal relevance of the Incarnation. Courses offered by the department engage with the conviction at the heart of the incarnational tradition: that the search for truth is inextricably related to the search for God. The department carries this conviction into the undergraduate curriculum, preparing graduates to encounter the Catholic intellectual tradition and the world's diverse religious heritage with scholarly rigor, ethical sensitivity and a spirit of humility.
Through this preparation, students develop the scholarly methods, historical awareness and reflective habits needed to interpret religious texts, practices and worldviews across cultural contexts — through interdisciplinary inquiry spanning biblical scholarship, theology and ethics, the history of religions and comparative religious studies. This preparation supports UIW's commitments to social justice, spiritual integration and global and historical consciousness, equipping graduates for advanced study in theology and religious studies and for lives of engaged, responsible leadership in a world profoundly shaped by religion.
Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies
This degree program takes an in-depth look at the Roman Catholic tradition, examining how the tradition influences the world today as students gain a deeper understanding of their faith and how it applies to their career options.
Minor in Religious Studies
A minor in Religious Studies is ideal for students interested in religious education and/or church ministry, as well as those who wish to augment their academic background as they pursue their chosen professional career.