239 Trinity Hall
Chico, California
95929-0740
Phone: 530/898-5661
Fax: 530/898-5468
Email: rs@csuchico.edu
Chico, California
95929-0740
Phone: 530/898-5661
Fax: 530/898-5468
Email: rs@csuchico.edu
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People think about the relationship between a college major and a career in fairly predictable ways. Some argue that one's education or major should be its own intrinsic reward, and so talk of careers or careerism is wrongheaded. From this perspective career talk fails to understand that a Bachelor of Arts in religious studies is first and foremost about an extended engagement with classical liberal education and a distinct field of study. |
Other people argue that higher education is too expensive (to students, but to their parents as well) and time-consuming not to think about jobs and careers after college. And the sad fact, many of these people conclude, is that an RS degree is only worth the time and effort if one plans to be a religious leader/practitioner (for example, a minister, pastor, youth director, or monk) or a college teacher. A BA in religious studies, then, requires a commitment to a narrow career teaching the subjects you studied as an undergraduate, and then only after you pursue a long continuing career as a graduate student. In light of the fact that such careers are difficult to establish and don't pay very well, it is clear that pursuing an RS major is, for most people, not a good choice.
A third way to think about an RS degree is to view it in part as a first step toward establishing one's professional niche in the world. Enrollment in a strong RS major that provides one with important and valuable knowledge, skills, attitudes, values, and experiences will allow the RS major to move into a range of careers in the years following college. When coupled with personal drive, determination, a willingness to imaginatively explore a range of careers and professions, and a plan for the future, it's clear that there are plenty of interesting and fulfilling possibilities out there. Our faculty work with students to develop educational and life goals that will culminate in a meaningful professional life. We think that you should pursue the major that you love and that captures your imagination. For many of you, that major is religious studies. But we're realists as well: We live in a world where the emphasis on careers in colleges is very strong and where our own university and the culture send the unambiguous message that the reason we are here is to prepare ourselves for "work" in a conventional and narrow sense.
College graduates need to earn a living. But we believe that a proper balance is needed between the practical concerns of work and the education of the person in the fuller sense. Your task is not only to prepare for the world of work; it is to keep in your sights as well the classical liberal appreciation of education. The more attention you give to how your course of study can enhance your career and professional life as well as your personal flourishing, the better. Over the years, most RS majors from CSU, Chico have gone on to careers outside of religious studies. As the comments of some of our former students from many majors in our university make clear, it sometimes takes months or years to get clear on what the fit is between your degree and your life path or career aspirations.
As a way to help students through that process, we provide the following links to career resources in religious studies that will assist as you think about the life of work after graduation.