RELIHPBS - Religious Studies for Health Professionals

Bachelor of Science

College of Humanities

Undergraduate

The Religious Studies for Health Professionals major develops students' abilities to apply critical thinking, intercultural competence, and communication skills to the areas of health and science. Through interdisciplinary coursework in Religious Studies and Science/Health, RSHP majors will gain a well-rounded education geared toward health-related careers. Students will learn about diverse religious beliefs and practices that 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 to navigate these complex human and institutional relationships and meanings in ways that are both informed and respectful.

- 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.
- Communication on Religion and Health: Research, interpret, and communicate ideas and data about religion and health effectively for multiple types of audiences.
- Academic-based Claims in Religious Studies: Differentiate academic-based approaches in the field of Religious Studies from faith-based approaches.