Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Religious and Theological Studies
Get a competitive edge in the job market with a semester-long service project at a hospice, religious center or school.
Take a deep dive into the world of religious and theological studies, exploring multiple religions and understanding their effects on our world.
Religious and Theological Studies Degree at a Glance
Program Type
Major
Mode of Study
On Campus
Internship
Guaranteed
Est. Time
4 Years
Start Terms
Fall, Spring
Cost
School
Accreditation
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The Religious and Theological Studies Major
Merrimack’s religious and theological studies major is designed to provide you with an education that is equal parts enlightening, engaging and empowering.
What You'll Study
Gain a deeper understanding of the impact religion has on our everyday lives – from ethics and morals to research and cultural influence.
World Religions
Life of St. Augustine
Christianity in Context
Quest for Meaning
Art of the Middle Ages
Renaissance
Music and Spirituality
Asian Philosophy
Skills You'll Learn
Gain skills that are not only valuable for theology-related careers but also for personal development and many other professional paths!
Critical Thinking
Cultural Awareness
Ethical Reasoning
Interpersonal Skills
Religious and Theological Studies Courses You'll Take
WORLD
RELIGIONS
RTS 1010
This course is an introduction to a variety of the world’s religious traditions, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Indigenous Traditions, Christianity, Islam, and Taoism. We examine origins, beliefs, practices and sacred texts as well as historical and cultural aspects.
QUEST
FOR MEANING
RTS 1050
What is the meaning of life? Why am I here? What is my purpose? What constitutes a life well lived? Questions like these have plagued human beings for centuries. This course will examine a variety answers to the question “What is the meaning of life?”
MUSIC
AND SPIRITUALITY
MUS 3100
This course uses musical activity as a lens to explore the multifarious ways in which music participants seek to connect with the sacred world. We will investigate a variety of compositions from many different cultures that directly address the divine.
See All Courses & Options Available to Religious and Theological Studies Majors
Religious and Theological Studies Major Requirements
General Education Requirements
In addition to the major requirements below, you will also need to complete Merrimack’s general education requirements. To see more details about the major, please visit catalog.merrimack.edu.Sample Four-Year Schedule - Curriculum Guide
Why Choose the Bachelor of Arts in Religious and Theological Studies?
Our program is designed to provide you with a variety of skills and real-world experience for both theological and other related career paths!
AUGUSTINIAN APPROACH
Follow in the footsteps of St. Augustine and how to apply valid rules of ethical reasoning in order to make sound moral decisions.
VERSATILITY
The skills you'll learn through this degree will reinforce your journey into any career pathway you may choose.
UNDERSTANDING
Gain a deeper understanding of how religious ideologies are the backbones to every society.
Career Outlook: Where Can a Religious and Theological Studies Degree Take You?
Career Outcomes Rate
94% of the undergraduate class of 2023 in Arts & Sciences were either employed, participating in voluntary service or continuing their education within nine months of graduation.
Experiential Learning
90% of the undergraduate class of 2023 participated in at least one internship, co-op, clinical, practicum or research opportunity while at Merrimack.
Graduate School
Merrimack, New England School of Law, George Washington University and Boston College are just some of the graduate programs Arts & Sciences graduates are attending.
Jobs with a Religious and Theological Studies Degree
Upon completing our program, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue graduate study or a career in religious and theological studies and related disciplines. Positions may include:
- Religious Leader
- Theology Professor
- Religious Writer
- Missionary
- Nonprofit Worker
- Social Worker
- Community Organizer
- Ethics Consultant
Beyond the Classroom
Student Life
You’ll have endless opportunities to find your fit, get involved and pursue what makes you happy—all while making lifelong friends (and memories!).
Explore your passions alongside others with similar interests, whether that means a cappella singing or outdoor adventuring.
- 70+ student organizations
- Division I Athletics, club and intramural sports
- Beloved traditions like Homecoming, Block Party and Spring Concert
- Fraternities and sororities
Internships & Co-Ops
Our students gain valuable work experience and connections with leading companies through guaranteed internships and the Warriors at Work co-op program. Recent placements include:
- Interning with Homeland Security Investigations, shadowing special agents
- Interning at Delta Tech-Ops, working in components engineering
- Working as a tax intern at Baker Tilly
Research with Faculty
With access to cutting-edge tools, undergraduate students can collaborate with faculty on research projects that can lead to presentations and publications.
- Explore the complexities of the human mind in a state-of-the-art psychology lab.
- Understand how inflammation affects immune cell aging in our Shared Instrumentation and Research Facility.
- Build fully functional battle bots for competitions.
Study Abroad
Global Merrimack provides transformative, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Our 30+ study abroad programs include semesters abroad, faculty-led trips and international internships.
- Explore and study in the Dominican Republic or Iceland.
- Immerse yourself in cities like Dublin, Madrid or Rome.
- Experience a semester at sea or intern in vibrant cities like London or Paris.
Service Learning
Community and service are at the heart of our Augustinian mission.
Over 1,000 students work together to engage in hands-on service learning projects each year, supporting our communities and those in need.
- Participate in our campus-wide Mack Gives Back volunteer days.
- Spend your winter, spring, or summer break on an immersive SEND trip in the U.S. or abroad, helping those in need.
- Tutor students in nearby school districts.
See for Yourself
Programs Related to the Religious and Theological Studies Major
Explore other areas and where they can take you.
Take the Next Step (We're Here to Help)
At Merrimack, we are ready to meet you where you are and get you where you want to go. And, we make the process simple along the way!
Upcoming Events
Info Session & Campus Tour
Monday-Friday & Most Saturdays
Attend a 20-minute info session led by an admission counselor and then take a student-led campus tour. Registration is required.
Merrimack College Awards & Recognition
U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2024)
- Most Innovative Schools (#5)
- Regional Universities North (#39)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (#19)
- Best Colleges for Veterans (#15)
- Best Value Schools (#51)
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