Academic Programs and Services

Liberal Arts – Religious Studies Option

The Liberal Arts – Religious Studies Option is designed for students preparing to transfer to a baccalaureate degree-granting institution with a major in religion or theology, students contemplating a career in religion either as a scholar or a cleric, students who want to explore their own religious beliefs in relation to the beliefs of others, and students interested in the role of religion in the contemporary world.

The Liberal Arts degree program is for liberal arts students planning to transfer to baccalaureate programs or professional schools after study at the Community College of Philadelphia. Students are expected to consult with an academic advisor or counselor upon entry to the program and in subsequent semesters.

Transfer planning should begin early so that the student can gain the most benefit from the curriculum. Students who follow the Liberal Arts curriculum and plan to attend a specific four-year college after graduation should choose elective courses that duplicate as closely as possible those in the first two years of the program of that college.

Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this program graduates will be able to:

• Demonstrate critical analysis of arguments and evaluation of an argument’s major assertions, its background assumptions and the evidence used to support its assertions.
• Communicate effectively through written and oral means including essays, research papers and classroom presentations.
• Discuss and analyze the history and significance of major world religious traditions as cultural, social and intellectual phenomena.
• Identify and explain the use of history, philosophy, social science and theology in the study of religion.

Program Entry Requirements:
Students are typically required to take the College’s placement tests at their time of entry. Students identified as needing developmental course work must satisfactorily complete the appropriate English and mathematics courses as a part of their degree program.

Program of Study and Graduation Requirements:
To qualify for the Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree in Liberal Arts – Religious Studies Option, a student must complete a minimum of 61 credit hours as prescribed and attain a grade point average of 2.0 ("C"average).

Download a printable degree description (PDF File) that includes a recommended course sequence grid.