Carnegie Mellon University

Religious Studies Minor

The minor in Religious Studies introduces students to several academic and intellectual approaches to understanding religion as a social, cultural, and historical phenomenon. Students may study the philosophy of religion, sociological and behavioral approaches to religion, historical analyses of religious subjects and actors, literary and critical analysis of religious texts, and anthropological treatments of religious practice. The minor enables students to apply intellectual tools from across disciplinary boundaries to diverse religious traditions.

The curriculum consists of 54 units. All students are required to take 79-281 Introduction to Religion. In addition to the required Core Course, students must complete Distribution Courses totaling 18 units (usually two 9-unit courses). A Distribution Course is one that applies a particular discipline to more than one religion. The remainder of the minor is 27 units of electives. Students are encouraged to consider courses offered at the University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne, Chatham, and other institutions through the Pittsburgh Consortium on Higher Education. The option to cross-register for relevant courses at other local institutions allows students some flexibility in meeting the minor’s requirements and gives them the opportunity to explore interests in religious subjects that might not otherwise be covered at CMU. Students who wish to cross-register for courses at other institutions should consult with the Faculty Advisor, Dr. Allyson Creasman.

Please view the undergraduate catalog for the most up to date listing of courses that satisfy this requirement.