Religious Studies Program
Program Description | Mentoring Opportunities | Admissions Criteria | Scholarship Opportunities
Career & Employment Outlook | Religion Major Courses | General Religion Courses

Program Description
Religion is a complex network of ideas and actions (ethical and ritual) that express a group’s sense of the ultimate meaning of life. The academic study of religion examines how the beliefs and values of contemporary and historical cultures shape and are shaped by societal factors, long-standing traditions, and distinctive forms of literary and artistic expression. Religion scholars ask not whether certain beliefs are true but what they mean to those who hold them to be true, how they came to have a particular form and content, and what impact they have on their intellectual and social environments. Skill in close reading of texts and critical ana1ysis of concepts and historical relationships are among the benefits of such study, which has been found helpful by many preparing for careers in theology, education, law, medicine, journalism, international business, government, and social work.

Iowa Central’s Religious Studies curriculum helps to develop communication and critical thinking skills, and a basic understanding of religious institutions, ethics, and human values. Students planning to pursue a major in Religious Studies can complete their first two years of coursework at Iowa Central before transferring to a public or private college for the remaining two years.
^Top

Mentoring Opportunities
Iowa Central’s Religious Studies program includes a mentoring component coordinated by the Webster County Volunteer Center in Fort Dodge. Students enrolling in Social Problems and Psychology of Human Relations are required to serve as mentors in the area. Mentors are expected to act as good role models and participate in occasional activities such as going to the cinema, playing games, attending sporting events, helping with homework, etc. Experience in mentoring is essential for all students planning to someday work in the Religious Studies field. For these and other reasons, Social Problems and Psychology of Human Relations are two of our most interesting and rewarding courses in the Religious Studies program.
^Top

Admissions Criteria
To complete admission procedures, the following requirements are necessary: (1) complete an application form and return it to Enrollment Services, (2) submit an official high school transcript, or GED scores, and official transcripts from all colleges previously attended, and (3) provide test scores from either ACT or ASSET placement assessments.
^Top

Scholarship Opportunities
Iowa Central is committed to recognizing and rewarding outstanding students. The College awards scholarships to students based on need and grade point average. If you are interested in applying, please contact the department chair of the Social Science department or Enrollment Services at ext. 4800. Applications are mailed upon request.
^Top

Career & Employment Outlook
A career in the Religious Studies field offers the reward of making a permanent impression upon the lives of thousands of children and adults. An understanding of ethical issues and religious sensibilities are increasingly important to employers worldwide. The job outlook for graduates of Religious Studies programs is generally good, depending on one’s educational credentials and willingness to relocate.

Religious Studies Careers: