Why Major in Faith & Social Justice?
In a world filled with injustice, your gifts and commitment are sorely needed. Whether your goal is to lead change or provide direct service, this program will guide you in preparing to engage the world.
You can customize your studies to support your individual interests, from championing social justice issues to serving disadvantaged communities to engaging in mission work. No matter which track you choose, you’ll spend nearly a third of your major gaining practical experience through a three-hour internship and a six-hour externship anywhere in the world.
As you explore your calling to a purpose-filled life, you’ll have countless opportunities to get hands-on experience. You might mentor refugee families, assist with art therapy for the homeless or serve as a ministry intern with a local congregation.
You can also engage in mind-shaping opportunities to see the world. You might travel to sacred sites in Israel, Jordan and Greece or work with Tanzanian nonprofits to address the AIDS epidemic. Or you might share your faith through mission trips in the United States and in places like Brazil, Guatemala and Jerusalem.
What You'll Learn
As a faith and social justice major at Belmont, you'll take classes in humanities, social sciences, arts, quantitative reasoning and wellness to complete the University’s general education BELL Core.
Within the department, you'll study core topics in theology, church history, Christian ethics, spiritual formation and Christian life.
You'll also pursue one of three tracks of focused study:
- Advocacy and Activism prepares you to be a voice of change, leading organizations that champion social justice issues.
- Policy and Development is a good choice if you plan to pursue hands-on work to meet the needs of the less fortunate.
- Missions and Ministry equips you to share your faith with communities around the world while working to right society's wrongs.
No matter which track you choose, you’ll spend nearly a third of your major gaining practical experience in your field.
Career Possibilities
A Belmont education prepares you to follow your calling wherever it takes you, whether that's seminary or divinity school, mission work, church service and other ministries, nonprofit work or entrepreneurial ventures. Here are just a few of the career paths you could take:
- Pastor
- Chaplain
- Nonprofit leader
- Social service agency director
- Attorney
- Social worker
- Teacher
- University administrator
- Social entrepreneur
Program Details
Curriculum
The major in faith & social justice requires 128 credit hours of coursework:
- BELL core requirements: 52 hours
- Religion major tool courses: 6 hours
- Major requirements: 36 hours
- Minor requirements: 18 hours
- General electives: 16 hours
Courses You'll Take
- REL 1250, Introduction to New Testament and Exegetical Methods
An advanced Biblical studies course for religion majors which focuses upon the interpretation of the New Testament and introduces the methodology of biblical exegesis. - REL 2350, Christian Doctrine
A study of the basic doctrines of the Christian faith. - REL 1410, Vocation and the Christian Life
An introduction to the study of religion with emphasis on research skills, writing, and personal development. - REL 2410, Spiritual Formation
An emphasis upon using an entire lifetime to be formed by God. The course focuses upon personal discipline, spiritual reading, journal keeping, and dream interpretation as means of being attentive to God. - REL 2510, Christian Ethics
An introduction to Christian Ethics, with attention given to methodology, biblical foundations, types of ethical thought, and Christian responsibility in relation to current social problems. - REL 3310, Church History I or REL 3320, Church History II
- REL 3310 Church History I: Ancient and Medieval Eras
A survey of the history of Christianity from the first to the fourteenth centuries that explores significant ideas, persons, movements, and institutions. - REL 3320 Church History II: Reformation and Modern Eras
A survey of the history of Christianity from the fifteenth century to the present that explores significant ideas, persons, movements, and institutions.
- REL 3310 Church History I: Ancient and Medieval Eras
- REL 4015, Colloquium for Religion Majors
A colloquium designed as a capstone experience for majors which integrates biblical, theological, historical, and practical studies. The course focuses on the student as a practicing theologian. - World Religions (choose one course)
- REL 3090 Spirituality in World Religions
Does not count toward a major or minor in religion. A comparative exploration of spirituality in the major world religions and select indigenous peoples, examining how these traditions perceive the purpose of human life and ultimate concerns in relation to the divine. This course fulfills the Human Experience category B requirement of the BELL Core. It should be taken in the junior year, or as close to the junior year as possible. - REL 3095 Ethics in World Religions
This course is an exploration of ethics and choice in the major world religions, examining how these traditions perceive the purpose of human life and ultimate concerns in relations to the Divine. This course explores the frameworks of Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Islam. - REL 4590 World Religions
A phenomenological study of the major world religions with emphasis on the attempts of each to deal with the problems which confront humans. - Any REL 3000 level Study Abroad course
- REL 3090 Spirituality in World Religions
- REL 3440, Religion Field Experience
A field experience designed to provide practical experience in a ministry setting. - REL 3510, Poverty and Justice
A study of poverty and homelessness in the United States and the world in light of social, biblical, and theological approaches to economic justice. This course combines experiential and theoretical learning to help students develop an understanding of economic justice. - REL 3520, Faith and Justice
An introduction to a theology of justice in the history of Christian thought, to theories of justice in the Western intellectual tradition, to contemporary practices of justice and the issues which initiated them, and the contemporary components of social change that draw up on the rich tradition of justice grounded in Christian faith.
Find out what God is calling you to do – and then prepare to change the world. At Belmont, you have numerous ways to explore your purpose.
- Explore the world. From addressing the AIDS epidemic in Botswana to visiting important biblical sites, our study-away program immerses you in new experiences around the globe.
- Engage in service. Mentor refugee families or provide art therapy for the homeless. You’ll find limitless opportunities to give back.
- Get practical experience. Our Field Education program gives you hands-on opportunities to explore your vocation and get valuable feedback.
- Join a club. From honor societies to faith-based groups, our student organizations help you grow your faith, broaden your horizons and build lasting friendships.
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Contact Us
College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
Danielle Walden
Admissions Coordinator
615.460.8340