WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MAJOR IN... RELIGIOUS STUDIES

1. WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MAJOR IN... RELIGIOUS STUDIES www.sc.edu/career

2. re-lig-ion • Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe. • A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship. • The life or condition of a person in a religious order. • A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader. • A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.* *"religion." The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004. 07 Aug. 2009. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/religion>.

3. Religious Studies Majors Study The variety and depth of the world's religious traditions, including their histories, scriptures, systems of belief, rituals, sacred art, and social institutions Human perception, motivation, and emotion How to see from multiple points of view How to communicate thought and expression through speech and writing Reshaping and evaluating ideas in the light of new circumstance ...and more

4. Religious Studies At The University Of South Carolina

5. Religious Studies Majors Develop Skills In • Reshaping ideas in light of new facts • Recognizing patterns and errors of logic • Using library and primary resources to find answers to questions • Supporting and counseling others • Persevering through difficult intellectual pursuits • Reducing sophisticated language to comprehensive terms • Stating and explaining ideas verbally and in writing

6. Employment To increase employment prospects, it is recommended that a religious studies major: Seek part-time, summer or internship positions while a student Select an occupationally related minor or a second major (i.E. Computer science, finance, management, marketing, education, and english)

7. With Additional Education, A Degree In Religion Is An Excellent Background For • Mathematics • Business • Arts • Occupational therapy • Ministry • Social sciences • Counseling Law Teaching Diplomacy Public service Social welfare Publishing Journalism

8. Employment Settings • Business & Commerce:Includesmanagement and direction of for-profit organizations including the development of business plans, marketing strategies, product development, and human resource management.

9. Sample Occupational Titles Associated WithBusiness & Commerce • Marketing Research Analyst • Policy Analyst • Project Planner • Public Relations Assistant • Recruiter • Research Analyst • Service Representative • Underwriter Claims Adjuster Communications Director Community Planner Credit Analyst Employment Interviewer Lawyer Lobbyist

10. Employment Settings • Communication & Journalism: Includes print, television, radio, and Internet media. Encompasses everything from business planning and capital development to producing, researching, and writing original news or entertainment material.

11. Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Communication & Journalism • Political Commentator • Press Secretary • Public Relations Specialist • Producer • Publisher • Reporter • Technical Writer • Writer/Author Advertising Agent Announcer Communications Director Copy Editor Director Foreign Correspondent Opinion Writer

12. Employment Settings • Consulting: Includes historical and ethnographic research; political surveying, social/cultural assessments, designing bilingual and bicultural curricula; assessing services, training plans, and more.

13. Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Consulting • Ethicist • Mediator • Management Consultant • Policy Analyst • Public Health Advisor • Recruitment Consultant • Training Specialist Bicultural Curricula Developer Bioethicist Business Consultant Community Planner Corporate Communications Consultant Employee Relations Specialist

14. Employment Settings • Social Services: Includes among others counseling, social work, program management, public service, non-profit work, ministry, and positions in correctional facilities. Most ministry and counseling positions requirethe completion of a special certification or degree program.

15. Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Social Services • Correctional Worker • Drug Counselor • Fund Raiser • Grant Writer • Mediator • Minister/Pastor • Missionary • Non-Profit Researcher • Police Officer • Policy Analyst • Public Service Specialist • Rabbi • Recreational Worker • Social Columnist • Social Scientist • Social Worker • Therapist

16. Strategies For Developing Skills To Get The Job You Want • Develop a concentration like mathematics, medical or business ethics, philosophy, etc. • Secure an internship, part-time, or summer employment in an area of interest Develop excellent verbal and written communication skills Double major in an additional area of interest Obtain an advanced degree for teaching and research positions

17. Strategies For Developing Skills To Get The Job You Want • Develop a concentration like mathematics, medical or business ethics, philosophy, etc. • Secure an internship, part-time, or summer employment in an area of interest Develop excellent verbal and written communication skills Double major in an additional area of interest Obtain an advanced degree for teaching and research positions

18. Resources for more information Department of Religious Studies www.cas.sc.edu/relg Career Center Library http://www.sc.edu/career/Library/library.html Religious Studies Related Websites http://www.sc.edu/career/la/religion.html CAS Career Development Website www.sc.edu/career/cascdp/index.html

19. Career Center Contact Information University of South Carolina Career Center 6th Floor, H. William Close Building (BA Building) Columbia, SC 29208 Phone: (803) 777-7280 On-call counseling without an appointment: M - F, 1:00 am - 4:00 pm (Summer and holiday hours may differ, please check the website at www.sc/edu/career)