Religious Diversity and Leadership in the Professions - Certificate
Program Overview
Shenandoah University's Religious Diversity and Leadership in the Professions certificate program equips students with the knowledge and skills to navigate religious diversity effectively in professional settings. The program offers a combination of academic study and practical application opportunities, preparing students for careers in various fields where understanding and navigating religious diversity are essential. Graduates are well-prepared to promote respectful and inclusive environments and contribute to a more just and equitable society.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Religious Diversity and Leadership in the Professions certificate program at Shenandoah University equips students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience to navigate religious diversity effectively in their professional settings. This 12-credit program caters to individuals working in various fields, including private business, public sector, health professions, media professions, and performing arts.
Objectives:
- Enhance understanding of religious diversity: Students will gain a deeper understanding of various religious traditions and their impact on individual beliefs and practices.
- Develop skills for navigating religious diversity: The program focuses on equipping students with the ability to identify, analyze, and address challenges arising from religious diversity in professional environments.
- Promote cooperation and collaboration: Students will acquire the skills necessary to collaborate effectively with colleagues, serve clients respectfully, and develop inclusive products and services. It also offers practical application opportunities within the student's chosen professional field.
Outline:
Content:
The program delves into the complexities of religious diversity and its impact on professional settings. It explores various religious traditions, their beliefs, and practices, and equips students with practical skills to navigate these diverse environments effectively.
Structure:
The certificate program comprises six courses, with three core courses and three elective courses chosen based on the student's specific professional field.
Course Schedule:
- Core Courses:
- REL 202: Navigating Religious Diversity (3 credits)
- REL 203: Religious Diversity and Civic Cooperation (3 credits)
- Three elective credits from a list of approved courses relevant to the student's professional area of study.
- Elective Courses:
- BA 453: Human Resource Management and Business Ethics (3 credits)
- CJ 323: Corrections (3 credits)
- EDU 310: The Teaching Profession (3 credits)
- EHP 101: HP Seminar I: Investigating the Health Professions (1 credit)
- EHP 201: HP Seminar II: Navigating the Health Professions (1 credit)
- EHP 301: HP Seminar III: Experiencing the Health Professions (1 credit)
- MCOM 211: Media Ethics (3 credits)
- PH 202: Global Health (3 credits)
- PHIL 130: Introduction to Medical Ethics (3 credits)
- BA 498: Business Internship (3 credits)
- CJ 401: Internship in Criminal Justice (3 credits)
- EDU 441: Student Teaching in the Middle and Secondary Schools (3 credits)
- EDU 461: Student Teaching in Elementary and Middle and Schools (3 credits)
- EXSC 430: Experiential Learning in Exercise Science (3 credits)
- FILM 349: Religion and Film (3 credits)
- HP 317: Spirituality in Patient Care (3 credits)
- MCOM 498: Field Internship (3 credits)
- PH 490: Internship in Public Health (3 credits)
- REL 497: Interreligious Internship (3 credits)
Module Descriptions:
- REL 202: Navigating Religious Diversity: This course introduces students to the concept of religious diversity and its implications in professional settings. It explores various religious traditions and their impact on individual beliefs and practices.
- REL 203: Religious Diversity and Civic Cooperation: This course focuses on developing skills for navigating religious diversity effectively. It equips students with the ability to identify, analyze, and address challenges arising from religious diversity in professional environments.
- Elective Courses: Students choose three elective courses from the list provided, based on their specific professional field. These courses delve deeper into relevant topics and provide practical application opportunities.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
The program employs various assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
- Examinations: Students will take written exams to assess their understanding of key concepts and theories.
- Assignments: Students will complete individual and group assignments to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios.
- Presentations: Students will participate in presentations to showcase their understanding and communication skills.
- Reflective Assignments: For internship-based elective courses, students will complete reflective assignments that explore the application of interreligious leadership within their internship setting.
- Knowledge: Students' understanding of key concepts and theories related to religious diversity.
- Analysis: Students' ability to analyze complex situations involving religious diversity.
- Communication: Students' ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Application: Students' ability to apply their knowledge and skills in professional settings.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods to cater to diverse learning styles, including:
- Interactive lectures: Engaging lectures that encourage student participation and discussion.
- Case studies: Real-world examples to illustrate key concepts and challenges related to religious diversity.
- Group discussions: Collaborative learning activities to promote critical thinking and problem-solving.
- Role-playing exercises: Simulated scenarios that allow students to practice navigating religious diversity in professional settings.
- Guest speakers: Experts from various fields sharing their insights and experiences with religious diversity.
Faculty:
The program is taught by experienced faculty members with expertise in religious studies, pre-professional preparation, and diversity and inclusion. The faculty is committed to creating a supportive and engaging learning environment.
Unique Approaches:
The program incorporates experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and service-learning projects, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings.
Careers:
Career Paths:
- Human Resource Management
- Corrections
- Teaching
- Healthcare
- Media
- Performing Arts
- Public Health
- Non-profit organizations
- Government agencies
Opportunities:
The program prepares students for various career paths where understanding and navigating religious diversity are essential. Graduates can pursue opportunities in leadership roles, diversity and inclusion initiatives, community relations, and various other areas.
Outcomes:
The program helps students develop skills and knowledge that are highly valued by employers in today's diverse workplace. Graduates are well-prepared to navigate complex issues related to religious diversity, promote respectful and inclusive environments, and contribute to a more just and equitable society.
Other:
Learning Support Services:
Shenandoah University provides comprehensive learning support services to all students, including peer tutoring, writing assistance, and math and science support.
Related Programs:
Students interested in Religious Diversity and Leadership in the Professions may also consider other majors, minors, and certificates offered by Shenandoah University, such as:
- Minors: Gender & Women's Studies, Global Studies, Sociology, Psychology, Political Science
- Certificates: Christian Leadership
- Graduate Degree: Master of Divinity
