
Spirituality and Religion
Why pursue a spirituality and religion degree at North Central College?
An undergraduate degree in Spirituality and Religion promotes personal growth and helps prepare students for a wide range of careers and life circumstances. Within the Spirituality and Religion major and minor, you will learn to engage with sacred texts, historical voices, and contemporary sources with a critical eye. You’ll discuss life’s big questions and draw from the wisdom of different cultural traditions. You’ll reflect on your spiritual past and build a vision for your spiritual future.
At North Central College, you’ll also work closely with faculty to explore how spirituality and religion interact with other fields, like philosophy, history, psychology, neuroscience, environmental studies, anthropology, and sociology. As an expert at evaluating, reasoning, and navigating through complex issues, Spirituality and Religion majors add value to a wide range of environments.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN
- Examining the spiritual dimension of our personal and communal lives
- Preparing for a leadership role within a religious group, the non-profit sector, international business, or another career that requires cultural literacy
- Learning about spiritual practices and religious teachings within Christianity and other worldviews
then this degree might be for you.
Why study spirituality and religion at North Central College?
In the Classroom
Coursework topics:
- Wisdom, Worldviews, and Wonder
- Nature and Well Being
- Christian Spirituality
- Introduction to the Bible
- Jesus
- Religion and Healthcare
- Suffering and Meaning
- Death and Dying
- Hollywood, Values and Religion
- Vices and Virtues
Beyond the Classroom
As a spirituality and religion major, you can:
- Apply for internships and jobs through robust faculty and alumni networks or the Center for Career and Professional Development.
- Engage in Breakaway community service projects.
- Begin graduate-level coursework at Garrett- Evangelical Theological Seminary, with up to 15 hours of elective credit put towards your undergraduate and graduate degrees.
- Participate in Focus, Catholic Cardinals, Orthodox Christian Fellowship, the Muslim Student Association, Witches Brew, or other student groups centered on faith and spiritual life.
Spirituality and Religion, B.A.
Students critically explore spirituality and religion through a variety of academic methods and experiential opportunities. Engaging with various worldviews provides a foundation for developing a deeper understanding of diverse cultural perspectives.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Philosophy and Spirituality & Religion.
A minimum of 32 credit hours, including:
Required Courses
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SPRE 150 - Nature and Well Being
SPRE 150 - Nature and Well Being
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SPRE 498 - Spirituality and Religion Capstone
SPRE 498 - Spirituality and Religion Capstone
Spirituality and Religion Electives
20 credit hours of SPRE elective courses with at least four credit hours at the 300-level or above.
Additional Elective
Complete four additional credit hours of SPRE or from the following approved elective courses:
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ANTH 345 - Religion, Spirituality and Community
ANTH 345 - Religion, Spirituality and Community
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CLSS 250 - Classical Mythology
CLSS 250 - Classical Mythology
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GREK 101 - Elementary Ancient Greek I
GREK 101 - Elementary Ancient Greek I
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GREK 102 - Elementary Ancient Greek II
GREK 102 - Elementary Ancient Greek II
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HIST 230 - East Asian Thought
HIST 230 - East Asian Thought
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HIST 350 - Science, Religion and Magic in Early Modern Europe
HIST 350 - Science, Religion and Magic in Early Modern Europe
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LEAD 230 - Conflict Resolution
LEAD 230 - Conflict Resolution
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LEAD 350 - Ethnic and Religious Conflict Resolution
LEAD 350 - Ethnic and Religious Conflict Resolution
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PHIL 260 - Ancient and Medieval Philosophy
PHIL 260 - Ancient and Medieval Philosophy
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PHIL 360 - Philosophy of Religion
PHIL 360 - Philosophy of Religion
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SHMR 224 - The Search for Meaning in Religion
SHMR 224 - The Search for Meaning in Religion
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SHMR 337 - Deals with the Devil
SHMR 337 - Deals with the Devil
Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the
Spirituality and Religion Minor
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Philosophy and Spirituality & Religion.
A minimum of 16 credit hours, including:
Spirituality and Religion Electives
Twelve credit hours of SPRE elective courses with at least four credit hours at the 300-level or above.
Additional Elective
Complete four additional credit hours of SPRE or from the following approved elective courses:
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ANTH 345 - Religion, Spirituality and Community
ANTH 345 - Religion, Spirituality and Community
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CLSS 250 - Classical Mythology
CLSS 250 - Classical Mythology
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GREK 101 - Elementary Ancient Greek I
GREK 101 - Elementary Ancient Greek I
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GREK 102 - Elementary Ancient Greek II
GREK 102 - Elementary Ancient Greek II
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HIST 230 - East Asian Thought
HIST 230 - East Asian Thought
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HIST 350 - Science, Religion and Magic in Early Modern Europe
HIST 350 - Science, Religion and Magic in Early Modern Europe
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LEAD 230 - Conflict Resolution
LEAD 230 - Conflict Resolution
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LEAD 350 - Ethnic and Religious Conflict Resolution
LEAD 350 - Ethnic and Religious Conflict Resolution
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PHIL 260 - Ancient and Medieval Philosophy
PHIL 260 - Ancient and Medieval Philosophy
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PHIL 360 - Philosophy of Religion
PHIL 360 - Philosophy of Religion
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SHMR 224 - The Search for Meaning in Religion
SHMR 224 - The Search for Meaning in Religion
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SHMR 337 - Deals with the Devil
SHMR 337 - Deals with the Devil
Spirituality and Religion Internships and Jobs
A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. By gaining your spirituality and religion degree, you will foster a deeper understanding of other cultures and their religious traditions. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.
Internships
- Assistant program director, Mountain Tennessee Outreach Project, Coalmont, TN
- Intern, Junior/Senior Scholars, Naperville
- Intern, Humanitarian Service Project, Carol Stream, IL
Graduate School
Recent graduates have been accepted at:
- Princeton Theological Seminary
- Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
- Chicago Theological Seminary
- Vanderbilt University
- DePaul University
- Illinois State University
Careers
Recent graduates include:
- Executive Director, Center for Faith and Human Rights
- Professor of Law, DePaul University
- Associate Porfessor, Garrett- Evangelical Theological Seminary
- Senior Manager, Disney Corporation
- CEO, Tri-State Media Ministry
- Acute Care Social Worker, Middleton VA Medical Center
- Chaplain, Springfield Memorial Center
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