Program Overview
The Religious Studies for Health Professionals (RSHP) major prepares students to navigate the complex relationships between religion and health. By applying critical thinking, intercultural competence, and communication skills, RSHP majors gain a deep understanding of religious perspectives on health, healing, and end-of-life issues. This interdisciplinary degree prepares graduates for careers in healthcare administration, public health, counseling, and other health-related fields.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Religious Studies for Health Professionals (RSHP) major develops students' abilities to apply critical thinking, intercultural competence, and communication skills to the areas of health and science. By applying the interdisciplinary approaches of Religious Studies to these topics, RSHP majors will gain a well-rounded education geared toward health-related careers. The program demonstrates how diverse religious beliefs and practices have shaped understandings and experiences of health, illness, healing, and dying; diverse religious perspectives on life cycle issues from birth through the end of life; as well as the impact of religion on past and present healthcare, including the politics and policies surrounding healthcare. This undergraduate degree will help future professionals navigate these complex human and institutional relationships and meanings in ways that are both informed and respectful.
Learning Outcomes:
- Religious Diversity and Health: Recognize religious diversity and explain its influence on understandings and experiences of sickness and healing.
- Religious History of Science and Medicine: Demonstrate increased research-based knowledge of religious history and how religions have interacted with and influenced the fields of science and medicine.
- Critical Reading of Sources on Religion and Health: Demonstrate independent critical thinking by assessing and critiquing a variety of sources on religion and health, including popular and scholarly discourses.
- Academic-based Claims in Religious Studies: Differentiate academic-based approaches in the field of Religious Studies from faith-based approaches.
Outline:
Coursework:
- Religious Diversity and Health
- Religious History of Science and Medicine
- Critical Reading of Sources on Religion and Health
- Communication on Religion and Health
Careers:
The RSHP major prepares students for careers in various health-related fields, including:
- Healthcare administration
- Public health
- Social work
- Counseling
- Chaplaincy
- Medical research
- Health policy
- Health education
Other:
- The RSHP major is offered by the College of Humanities.
- The degree is a Bachelor of Science (B.S.).
- The program requires a minimum of 120 credit hours.
- Students must complete a second-semester proficiency in a second language.
- The program is designed to be completed in four years.
