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Religious
studies expands
By
Elizabeth Eide
Online Forty-Niner
Contributing Writer
Cal
State Long Beach is the first Cal State
school to offer a masters degree in religious
studies. The first group of students to
complete the program graduated in spring
2004.
An
attempt to start the master's program began
in 1988, but budget cuts in the 90s and
anti-religious bias at administrative levels
kept it from getting off the ground, according
to Dr. Carlos Piar, the religious studies
department head. A new administration approved
the budget and the religious studies masters
program has been going strong for two years.
Dr.
Piar says a master's degree offers an alternative
to students who want to study religion as
a discipline rather than an advocacy, as
well as to students who do not wish to enter
the ministry. This program has accepted
a diverse group of students, teachers and
even a Buddhist monk from Burma who traveled
to the United States to study at CSULB.
While some are seeking to earn their doctorate,
others eagerly await a pay raise for earning
their masters degree.
The
religious studies department requires a
3.0 GPA and a bachelor's degree in religious
studies or a related field. The cost is
$816 for every six units of coursework.
Like other masters programs on campus, one
of the benefits is working as a graduate
assistant. Students can work for decent
pay and priceless training.
Kevin
Scull, a student in the master's program,
said working as a graduate assistant helps
offset the cost. His goal is to earn his
Ph.D. and teach at a university. Scull said
the best part of the religious studies master's
program is that the students are very motivated
and he can engage in great discussions outside
the classroom.
Scull
became interested in the program when he
found out that well known professors were
teaching at CSULB. Many students in the
master's program attend a conference in
the spring called, "Thesis Presis,"
where master students present their thesis
to other masters students and anyone else
who wishes to hear it. This program has
also helped Scull widen his network and
meet more professors who can continue to
steer him on the right path.
According
to professor Stanley Jones, there are three
broad areas of focus. They are Ancient and
Medieval Judaism, Christianity, and Islam,
Buddhism, and Contemporary Religion.
Professor
Jones said about 70 students are enrolled
in the program and that the classes are
not crowded. Although CSULB does not directly
connect religious studies students with
internships, he said internships at Catholic
schools are a growing network.
The
study of religion has gone on for thousands
of years but is still a budding interest
among college students. CSULB hopes to fuel
that interest by broadening the curriculum
in the religious studies department. |
