Religious Studies, B.A. Suggested 4-Year Plan

How to Use your 4-year Plan

This is a suggested 4-year plan for your major and not meant to replace regular academic advising.
The plan is flexible and can be changed to accommodate studying abroad, a second major/minor(s) or AP/IB credits.
You should work with an academic advisor to develop a plan that meets your interests and goals.
You must earn a minimum of 120 credits to graduate and 36 major-specific credits to earn a B.A. in English with Journalism as your Area of Study.
Transfer students and those looking to add B.A. in Religious Studies as a second major should contact the program advisor for degree planning.
If you have any questions, please contact nmartin@chapman.edu.

Suggested 4-year Plan

We encourage you to select your General Education (GE) and minor/second major/Themed Inquiry/Honors program around the plan below. Once you fill your GE classes around your major classes, you will have a better idea of space remaining each semester when choosing your Exploration Focus.
To be enrolled full time, you must take at least 12 credits a semester.
In order to graduate within 4 years, we recommend you take 30 credits a year.
This plan is meant to provide guidance only. Students may adjust which semesters they choose to fulfill their major requirements to fit both their interests with respect to electives offered and the requirements of their possible second majors and minors, in consultation with their Religious Studies program advisor.
Students must take the following core courses in Religious Studies to complete their major: REL 115, REL 130, REL 398, and REL 498.
Students must also take elective courses in the following areas: Judeo-Christian-Islamic Scriptures and Traditions (3 credits), Asian Scriptures and Traditions (3 credits), Philosophy of Religion and Theology (3 credits), and Religion, Ethics, and Society (6 credits).
Students then select three additional courses (9 credits) in an area of interest, to be chosen in discussion with a departmental advisor.

Year 1

REL 115 and REL 130 are foundational core requirements for the major and should be taken as soon as possible after declaring the major.
Fall Semester (3 credits for major)
REL 115 - Living Religions of the World 3 credits
Spring Semester (6 credits for major)
REL 130 - The Study of Religion 3 credits
REL 100-200 course (3 credits)

Year 2

Electives in required areas may be taken in any order. No more than three of these electives can be 100-200 level as seven courses (21 credits) must be at the 300-400 level).

Fall Semester (6 credits for major)

REL 200-300 course (required areas) (3 credits)
REL 200-300 course (required areas) (3 credits)

Spring Semester (6 credits for major)

REL 200-300 course (required areas) (3 credits)
REL 200-300 course (required areas) (3 credits)

Year 3

Students are encouraged to Study Abroad junior year in a program that includes courses for Religious Studies and/or GE requirements.
REL 398 may be taken in the fall of junior or senior year (it is offered every other fall semester). Please check with your departmental advisor regarding the course availability.
Fall Semester (6-9 credits for major)
REL 398 - Junior-Senior Seminar 3 credits (if available)
REL 300 course (required areas) (3 credits)
REL 300 course (area of interest) (3 credits)
Spring Semester (6 credits for major)
REL 300 course (area of interest) (3 credits)
REL 300 course (area of interest) (3 credits)

Year 4

REL 398 may be taken in the junior or senior year. REL 499 Individual Advanced Research is encouraged as an “Area of Interest” course to prepare for REL 498 Senior Capstone Project.
Fall Semester (3 credits for major)
REL 398 - Junior-Senior Seminar 3 credits (if available)
Spring Semester (3 credits for major)
REL 498 - Senior Capstone Project 3 credits