Religious studies offers undergrad certificate

A new certificate for undergraduate students interested in the Religious Studies Program at the UW–Madison caps a complete renovation of the program started three years ago.

According to program director Charles L. Cohen, UW–Madison professor of history, those three years have seen the number of faculty affiliated with the program quadruple to 50 instructors from more than 20 departments.

“Such breadth allows students to study the world’s religions, including ancient, folk and indigenous traditions, as well as major classical traditions of the East and West from ancient to modern times and in historical, social and cultural perspective,” he says.

Students may earn the certificate by taking at least 18 credits in Religious Studies courses, approaching the subject from three methodological perspectives and studying at least two faith traditions. The program does not yet award a bachelor’s degree, but Cohen says plans are underway for a major within five years.

Meanwhile, students wishing to major in religious studies can do so through the Individual Majors Program in the College of Letters and Science. At the graduate level, the program offers a Ph.D. minor to doctoral candidates in other fields. For more information about the program or the certificate, contact Angela Powell, program administrator, 262-0524.