RELIGIOUS STUDIES Major Map
BACHELOR OF ARTS HONOURS (MAJOR, MEDIAL, MINOR) │ BACHELOR OF ARTS (GENERAL) │ BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (MINOR)
Get the
Courses
You Need
Get
Relevant
Experience
1st Year
2nd Year
3rd Year
Final Year
Take first year courses in the
study of religion (RELS 1XX) or
pick up one of these in a later
year.
Select from a range of RELS
courses in major religious
traditions or thematic courses.
Take 3rd year required courses.
Take fourth year level required
courses.
For plan requirements or
thresholds, see the Arts and
Science website. Speak to an
academic counselor at the Arts
and Science Office or the
Undergraduate Chair for help.
Declare RELS as a Major or a
Medial.
Join teams or clubs on campus,
such as the Queen’s International
Affairs Association; see the CoCurricular Opportunities
Directory or the AMS Clubs
Directory for ideas.
Select from a range of RELS
courses in major religious
traditions or thematic courses.
Complete remaining required
number of units.
Apply to graduate on SOLUS.
Consider becoming Departmental
Student Council (DSC)
representative for an RELS
course.
Look into summer jobs by
talking to the department or
Career Services about work
through SWEP. Take more
Get involved with the
Departmental Student Council
(DSC) by becoming a DSC
representative for an RELS
course.
Deepen or expand your
experience with clubs and
extracurriculars. Participate in
Consider becoming the
Departmental Student Council
Chair.
Investigate full-time jobs or other
opportunities related to careers of
interest. Assess what experience
you’re lacking and fill in gaps
with volunteering, clubs, or
1st Year
Get
Connected
with Your
Community
Get
Thinking
Globally
Get Ready
for Life
After
Graduation
Volunteer on or off campus with
different community
organizations such as Martha’s
Table andBig Brothers, Big
Sisters.
2nd Year
3rd Year
Final Year
responsibility within different
clubs or extracurriculars.
student or University government
such as the AMS or ASUS
internships.
Do targeted networking with
people working in careers of
interest (with alumni, using
LinkedIn, etc.).
Consider joining professional
associations like the Canadian
Corporation for Studies in
Religion and the American
Academy of Religion.
Consider entrepreneurial
opportunities at programs like the
Queen’s Summer Innovation
Initiative (QSII).
Attend public lectures sponsored
by the School of Religion.
Start or continue volunteering
with organizations such as the
Queen’s Interfaith and
Intercultural Society.
The Queen’s University
International Centre will be your
first stop to internationalizing
your degree. Speak to a QUIC
advisor or get involved in their
many programs, events and
training opportunities.
Is an exchange in your future?
Start thinking about where you
would like to study abroad.
Apply in January for a 3rd year
exchange through the
International Programs Office.
Grappling with program
decisions? – go to different
Major Nights by the departments
or various Career Fairs during the
year. Get some help deciding by
visiting Career Services or
attending the Choosing your
Major workshop.
Explore different careers of
interest by accessing resources in
the Career Services Career
Advising and Resource Area,
such as the Religion and
Theology Career Files, talking to
people whose jobs interest you,
or connecting with alumni on
LinkedIn.
Connect with professors at events
or workshops hosted by the DSC.
If interested, attend the Queen's
Media and Journalism
Conference or the QIAA Global
Passport Online Database and
Internship Fair.
Build your intercultural
competence by getting involved
with other cultures or by
practicing or improving your
language skills. Stop by QUIC
for ideas to go abroad, volunteer
at QUIC or attend one of their
events.
Start focusing on areas of
interest. Learn about the
requirements for careers of
interest – do they need additional
schooling? If so, prepare to take
any required tests (such as the
LSAT or GMAT). Attend Grad
School workshops at Career
Services if interested.
Prepare yourself to work in a
multi-cultural environment by
taking QUIC’s Intercultural
Competency Certificate, and start
thinking about work or further
studies abroad.
Apply to jobs or future education,
or make plans for other
adventures. Prepare reference
letters if you’re applying to
graduate school. Make an
appointment with Career
Services for help with future
plans.
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© Career Services, Queen’s University, 2014-2015
Caution: *This map is meant as a guide to provide suggestions throughout your university career. The activities, resources, and careers mentioned are possibilities – you are not
restricted to them and you don’t have to follow this exact timeline. Every person (including you!) will find their own unique path through their degree at Queen’s and beyond.
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© Career Services, Queen’s University, 2014-2015
Where could I go after graduation?
Advertising
Anthropology
Archives
Business administration
Counselor
Cultural affairs
Education
Ethics
Events management
Faith-based leadership
Foreign Service
Human resources
Human rights
Immigration services
Industrial relations
International development
Journalism
Law
Library sciences
Family and labour relations
Museums
Non-governmental organizations
Non-profit work
Patient advocacy
Politics and government
Public and private research
Public policy
Public relations
Research
Social services
Teaching
Tourism
University professor
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© Career Services, Queen’s University, 2014-2015
*some careers may require additional training
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© Career Services, Queen’s University, 2014-2015
Religious Studies at Queen’s
Why study Religious Studies?
Religious Studies includes understanding the core values and beliefs that shape the world's cultures today. This includes examining
the history of religious traditions, comparing the ideas and values of different religions, and understanding the function of religion
in society. Students of religion use theories from anthropology, sociology, archaeology, literary studies, and cognitive science to
investigate why people are religious, where religion comes from, and how it should be defined and understood. Religious studies is
multi-disciplinary in nature, global in scope, and uniquely focused on one of the most intriguing aspects of the human experience.
What program options are there?

Major (Arts) – Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

Medial in Religious Studies – Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

General in Religious Studies – Bachelor Of Arts

Minor in Religious Studies with Bachelor of Arts or Science
See the department website for course requirements: queensu.ca/religion/rels/undergrad.html
Getting what you need to succeed in the workplace
What do employers want?
In a recent survey from the Canadian Council of Chief Executives the top 6 skills sought by employers were:
1 People skills
2 Communication skills
3 Problem-solving skills
4 Analytical abilities
5 Leadership skills
6 Industry-specific Knowledge
How do I get the skills I need?
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© Career Services, Queen’s University, 2014-2015
It is important to develop a balanced skill set – many of which you will develop during your studies. To stand out from the crowd,
gain experience outside the classroom through the multitude of clubs and activities in and around Queen’s. Check out ideas in the
Get Relevant Experience section of this map.
What can I learn studying Religious Studies at Queen’s?
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Ability to examine the historical, textual, and cultural dimensions of diverse religious traditions
Understanding of religion and culture – articulate characteristics of religion as a cultural phenomenon in the social, political, and
economic aspects of public life
Analytical skills – analyze issues of history, culture, politics, race, gender, and science in the construction of religion
Ability to employ the methods and theories used in the academic study of religion
Interdisciplinary knowledge – engage in inter-disciplinary analysis of religion
Research skills – use primary and secondary literature in the study of religion
Ability to engage in self-reflective, open, informed, and civil conversation about diverse religious traditions
Communication – conceptualize and develop arguments through careful analysis, cogent writing, effective speaking, and critical
thinking
What makes ME special?
You have a unique set of skills and experiences. Take the time to think about the skills you have personally developed at Queen’s. Explaining your
strengths with compelling examples will be important for applications to employers and further education. For help, check out the Career Services
skills workshop.
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© Career Services, Queen’s University, 2014-2015
Religious Studies Major Map
How to use this map
• Got
questions about careers and classes?
• Feeling a little lost or overwhelmed by choices?
• Wondering what you are “supposed” to be doing?
Use this map to plan for success in five overlapping areas of career and academic life. Each map helps you explore possibilities, set
goals and track accomplishments. To make your own custom map, use the My Major Map tool.
Don’t stress if you haven’t done all of the suggested activities. The map is not a prescription – it’s a tool for finding your own way at
Queen’s.
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© Career Services, Queen’s University, 2014-2015
Support for Student Success
Aspect of Student Health
Personal and Physical Health
Socio-Cultural and Spiritual Health
Career and Professional Health
Academic and Intellectual Health
Emotional and Mental Health
Social and Interpersonal Health
Resources
Athletics and Recreation
Health Counselling and
Disability Services
Aboriginal Student Centre
International Centre
Chaplain
Outreach Counsellor
Cross-Cultural Counsellor
Town-Gown
Career Services
AMS
International Centre
Student Academic Success
Services: Learning
Strategies and the Writing Centre
Academic Advising
Adaptive Technologies
Learning Commons
Health Counselling and
Disability Services
Peer Support Centre
AMS
Rector
Residence Life
Student Experience Office
Queen’s Legal Aid
See queensu.ca/studentaffairs for details
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© Career Services, Queen’s University, 2014-2015
Faculty of Arts and Science
Theological Hall
85 Stuart Street
613.533.2106
queensu.ca/religion
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© Career Services, Queen’s University, 2014-2015