Religious Studies Major

[Tappinfool66]

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I'm considering switching to a religious studies major (not sure why - kind of spur of the moment). Any religion majors on here (current or graduated) willing to share their experiences? Did it help you at all as a doctor (better able to communicate, more understanding of patients' differences, etc.)? Do you regret it? Did you get anything/nothing out of it? I tried doing a search, but it seemed like everything I found was about being religious and going into medicine or was years old.

 

[obscurehero]

I'm considering switching to a religious studies major (not sure why - kind of spur of the moment). Any religion majors on here (current or graduated) willing to share their experiences? Did it help you at all as a doctor (better able to communicate, more understanding of patients' differences, etc.)? Do you regret it? Did you get anything/nothing out of it? I tried doing a search, but it seemed like everything I found was about being religious and going into medicine or was years old.

what's your current major? why change?

Religious studies is interesting. I wouldn't choose a major based on what's simply fascinating to you. I'm the kind of person with a plan A, B, and maybe C...so if I didn't do med school I wanted my major to be semi-useful in the workforce. Maybe a religious studies major is fine, but it seems to me, other than medicine, you'd either have to go on to graduate school or go to seminary.

What does one get out of any education in general? The most important thing for your education, to me, is learning how to think. Pure and simple. If you know how to think (i guess that's sufficiently ambiguous), you can tackle most things. I also liked my liberal arts undergrad, because I was able to challenge myself in many fields that I wouldn't have otherwise (classics, literature, philosophy, religion, politics, and economics). To me, it was both fascinating and useful.

Basically, I wouldn't choose a major primarily because it is fascinating. It's a plus, but to me its not the only reason. I tend to steer people away from majors a la Super Sad True Love Story's "major in Images and a minor in assertiveness"...a real life equivalent, no offense, would be business communications (to me, at least).

I hope that was mildly helpful.

 

[Tappinfool66]

what's your current major? why change?

Religious studies is interesting. I wouldn't choose a major based on what's simply fascinating to you. I'm the kind of person with a plan A, B, and maybe C...so if I didn't do med school I wanted my major to be semi-useful in the workforce. Maybe a religious studies major is fine, but it seems to me, other than medicine, you'd either have to go on to graduate school or go to seminary.

What does one get out of any education in general? The most important thing for your education, to me, is learning how to think. Pure and simple. If you know how to think (i guess that's sufficiently ambiguous), you can tackle most things. I also liked my liberal arts undergrad, because I was able to challenge myself in many fields that I wouldn't have otherwise (classics, literature, philosophy, religion, politics, and economics). To me, it was both fascinating and useful.

Basically, I wouldn't choose a major primarily because it is fascinating. It's a plus, but to me its not the only reason. I tend to steer people away from majors a la Super Sad True Love Story's "major in Images and a minor in assertiveness"...a real life equivalent, no offense, would be business communications (to me, at least).

I hope that was mildly helpful.

I was never really 'set' on a major, but right now I guess I'm on track for a bio major (not much of a job market for that either). I know what you mean by having everything planned out (I'm usually like that too). The problem is that I don't see myself ever having a back up plan, because I can't see myself doing anything else outside of medicine and being happy. So I figured that I have to get into medical school, and that my major ultimately won't matter in terms of having a plan B lined up. Kind of foolish, I know :/

 

[obscurehero]

I was never really 'set' on a major, but right now I guess I'm on track for a bio major (not much of a job market for that either). I know what you mean by having everything planned out (I'm usually like that too). The problem is that I don't see myself ever having a back up plan, because I can't see myself doing anything else outside of medicine and being happy. So I figured that I have to get into medical school, and that my major ultimately won't matter in terms of having a plan B lined up. Kind of foolish, I know :/

No, no, no... 🙂

Not foolish. You're an undergrad, early in your education, and you have plenty of time to work these things out. As a freshman, I had no idea what major to choose. I was an "undecided sciences" major... How's that for hypocrisy!

There's plenty of things you can do with a bio major... it's a good foundation for a lot of things in the biomedical sciences. If you're going to be a pre-med, you're going to have to take a lot of those classes anyhow, so I suppose you could minor in biology/chemistry/biotechnology something like that and be a religious studies major.

Most pre-meds love contingency plans! 😉 so I don't think we're alone on this one.

I would, however, think through what else you can do. What if you don't get in? What if you end up deciding you don't like medicine? I like to fully explore what other interest I might have. I'm the type of person who's good at a lot of things and not very good at any one specific thing. For me it was hard, but my college roommate came into college knowing he wanted to be a mechanical engineer without a doubt. He went through his education and is now an engineer. He never waffled once. You might be that way.

Not to be a downer, but plenty of people have lived their whole lives doing something they either hate or are indifferent to. Chances are, even medicine will be that way to you sometimes. Yes, it's ideal to be in a career you love. However, not everyone gets that luxury...and most everyone has times where they don't particularly enjoy the career they usually love. I guess that's just being realistic 🙄

Anyway, hopefully your school has an adviser or mentor that can help you navigate these tough choices. Many professors and doctors have a wealth of wisdom to offer, and guidance to share! Maybe try to partner with one if you haven't already!

 

[Zarika]

In undergrad I was a chemistry major and a religion studies major. (I ended up with a BA and a BS).

I did the chem major b/c I wanted something useful if I didn't go to med school, and you can work for a pharm company/biotech lab with a chem degree and eventually grad school. I also toyed with the idea of a PhD instead of med school during my freshman/soph year before I realized I didn't want to be stuck in a lab forever.

But, I picked up the religion major after taking a religion course during study abroad. (It was summer study abroad, so we had to take the language class and 1 of 4 other choices.) I ended up finding it really interesting, so much so that my Senior year I did an honors thesis.

I think it was really good for several reasons:
1) Even though you can't tell from this post, it really taught me how to write.
2) It was nice to have a break from the science/math classes that go with a chem degree. It varied your studies so they weren't so boring. Science is more interesting when it's not all you do.
3) When med school interviews came around, all my interviewers were interested in talking about it. It was somewhat unique.

 

[Tappinfool66]

No, no, no... 🙂

Not foolish. You're an undergrad, early in your education, and you have plenty of time to work these things out. As a freshman, I had no idea what major to choose. I was an "undecided sciences" major... How's that for hypocrisy!

There's plenty of things you can do with a bio major... it's a good foundation for a lot of things in the biomedical sciences. If you're going to be a pre-med, you're going to have to take a lot of those classes anyhow, so I suppose you could minor in biology/chemistry/biotechnology something like that and be a religious studies major.

Most pre-meds love contingency plans! 😉 so I don't think we're alone on this one.

I would, however, think through what else you can do. What if you don't get in? What if you end up deciding you don't like medicine? I like to fully explore what other interest I might have. I'm the type of person who's good at a lot of things and not very good at any one specific thing. For me it was hard, but my college roommate came into college knowing he wanted to be a mechanical engineer without a doubt. He went through his education and is now an engineer. He never waffled once. You might be that way.

Not to be a downer, but plenty of people have lived their whole lives doing something they either hate or are indifferent to. Chances are, even medicine will be that way to you sometimes. Yes, it's ideal to be in a career you love. However, not everyone gets that luxury...and most everyone has times where they don't particularly enjoy the career they usually love. I guess that's just being realistic 🙄

Anyway, hopefully your school has an adviser or mentor that can help you navigate these tough choices. Many professors and doctors have a wealth of wisdom to offer, and guidance to share! Maybe try to partner with one if you haven't already!

Haha well, I'm actually in not a freshman, so I don't have too much time to decide. I do know by now that medicine is for me. I do plan on seeing my pre-med advisor when I get back to school though.

In undergrad I was a chemistry major and a religion studies major. (I ended up with a BA and a BS).

I did the chem major b/c I wanted something useful if I didn't go to med school, and you can work for a pharm company/biotech lab with a chem degree and eventually grad school. I also toyed with the idea of a PhD instead of med school during my freshman/soph year before I realized I didn't want to be stuck in a lab forever.

But, I picked up the religion major after taking a religion course during study abroad. (It was summer study abroad, so we had to take the language class and 1 of 4 other choices.) I ended up finding it really interesting, so much so that my Senior year I did an honors thesis.

I think it was really good for several reasons:
1) Even though you can't tell from this post, it really taught me how to write.
2) It was nice to have a break from the science/math classes that go with a chem degree. It varied your studies so they weren't so boring. Science is more interesting when it's not all you do.
3) When med school interviews came around, all my interviewers were interested in talking about it. It was somewhat unique.

That's cool. If I can fit it, I might double major in religion and biology. I don't think I want to major in just science though, but I'm not positive that religion is the right choice either.

 

[LizzyM]

If you can manage to earn nothing less than an A- in the courses that would be required for the major, and if it interests you, go for it. You need not major in a science and adcoms tend not to care what you major in (as long it is not something totally silly like Recreation and Leisure Studies).

Liberal arts, which would include religous studies majors, teach one to think, to write, to communicate and about different cultural believes and practices which is more useful in a number of places than you might imagine.

 

[goldenwest]

Recreation and Leisure Studies

Where do I sign up? Backup plan for med-school: being a mooch.

 

[mrsonsai]

I know exactly what you mean. I'm a Theology major, and I've struggled since my freshman year (I'm a junior) deciding what I want to do with my life.

I originally planned to apply into the cycle this year, but I'm hoping to apply next cycle. I'm using the time to reflect. I spent my first two years going hardcore into the science courses, and I took last semester to finally start taking courses in my major; I LOVED last semester, but it also made me question why I want to go into medicine. Thus, I am spending the next year in internal dialogue with myself debating whether I should spend the effort and resources into applying for medical school.

I love Theology, and I think I love medicine too, but I'm in no form to present myself to an adcom right now.

I'd love to stay in touch and hear about what you end up doing. It's such a rare breed to find another person with an interest in medicine and religion/theology.

 

[Tappinfool66]

If you can manage to earn nothing less than an A- in the courses that would be required for the major, and if it interests you, go for it. You need not major in a science and adcoms tend not to care what you major in (as long it is not something totally silly like Recreation and Leisure Studies).

Liberal arts, which would include religous studies majors, teach one to think, to write, to communicate and about different cultural believes and practices which is more useful in a number of places than you might imagine.

I definitely plan on doing very well, but this confused me a little. The idea I was getting from SDN was that A's are obviously preferred, but that one or a few B's (or even a C) will not kill your application. I'll be aiming for straight A's, but is there something I'm missing? Are you expected to get only A's in your major?

I know exactly what you mean. I'm a Theology major, and I've struggled since my freshman year (I'm a junior) deciding what I want to do with my life.

I originally planned to apply into the cycle this year, but I'm hoping to apply next cycle. I'm using the time to reflect. I spent my first two years going hardcore into the science courses, and I took last semester to finally start taking courses in my major; I LOVED last semester, but it also made me question why I want to go into medicine. Thus, I am spending the next year in internal dialogue with myself debating whether I should spend the effort and resources into applying for medical school.

I love Theology, and I think I love medicine too, but I'm in no form to present myself to an adcom right now.

I'd love to stay in touch and hear about what you end up doing. It's such a rare breed to find another person with an interest in medicine and religion/theology.

It's probably better to take the time to make sure medicine is for you. I'd do the same thing if I wasn't positive at the time I was applying. And for sure stay in touch! Judging from the amount of responses on this thread, it looks like you're right about people interested in both medicine and religion/theology being rare

 

[Geneticist]

If you switch to religious studies, you better hope you get into medical school. I'm not aware of very many good jobs out there with a degree in religious studies.

 

[KTownGT]

Why not minor in it and still pursue a bio/science major?

 

[Danlee07]

Uh well think about this. I'm a religion minor, but it's a minor. It's really a piece of paper that's more of a hobby and doesn't really signify anything.

If med school doesn't pan out, then you have little or nothing with the major. But... if you have a connection, then I guess it'll work out. However, taking the religion classes helps writing but also, it's pretty much one of those bs majors that is really easy.

 

[Tappinfool66]

If you switch to religious studies, you better hope you get into medical school. I'm not aware of very many good jobs out there with a degree in religious studies.

Why not minor in it and still pursue a bio/science major?

I might actually double major if I can fit both in. If med school doesn't happen for whatever reason though, I don't think I'd really plan on doing anything with a science degree.

Uh well think about this. I'm a religion minor, but it's a minor. It's really a piece of paper that's more of a hobby and doesn't really signify anything.

If med school doesn't pan out, then you have little or nothing with the major. But... if you have a connection, then I guess it'll work out. However, taking the religion classes helps writing but also, it's pretty much one of those bs majors that is really easy.

I think a religion major would actually be more difficult for me than a science major. I'm pretty science-oriented and my BCPM gpa is solid, but I want to really enjoy what I study rather than just be mildly content.

 

[LizzyM]

I definitely plan on doing very well, but this confused me a little. The idea I was getting from SDN was that A's are obviously preferred, but that one or a few B's (or even a C) will not kill your application. I'll be aiming for straight A's, but is there something I'm missing? Are you expected to get only A's in your major?

Your odds are best if you can earn a gpa of 3.8 or better. While a B or a C won't kill your chances, it is easiest to achieve a great gpa if you can manage A and A- grades in your major.

 

[JESSFALLING]

I think religious studies is a fantastic major/minor choice. Like philosophy, religious studies would provide you with a strong liberal arts foundation, with which you can do most anything ~ i.e. law, med, MBA, etc. Obviously, it's not the best prep for certain select careers like engineering, but it should be of great value for any career where analytical thinking, reading and writing is valued. Medical school is a great fit for someone with these skills and a talent for science. Additionally, religious studies courses frequently deal with both ethical and end-of-life issues. These are very relevant to the well-rounded physician. The multicultural and pluralistic focus of the major should also add a depth of character to your application that few other majors can match.

 

[mrsonsai]

If you switch to religious studies, you better hope you get into medical school. I'm not aware of very many good jobs out there with a degree in religious studies.

I have to agree. I'm majoring in Theology mainly as a self-interest pursuit. When will I have the chance to delve into theology with the resources of my university and at the depth that they provide? Very unlikely post-undergrad.

Pragmatically, there is no purpose in Theology or Religion. One of my professors brought this point up in class one day regarding the humanities and classics. Universities are dropping departments like Latin and Religion because they are "useless". This, I think, is most unfortunate for the academy and the laity. Yes, these humanities serve no pragmatic purpose, but what is life without them? Their worth is in the commonfolk. Paraphrasing my professor, "Theology will die if it is not used by the laymen."

And so . . . I am going to stay in school for one more year and finish off a Physiological Sciences major (since I have already completed half the required credits just for medical school requirements/recommendations). I earnestly wish there were some practical career that combined Theology and Medicine, though.

I hate when people say that Religion or Theology is an "easy" major, though. Easy in what sense? Do you think Religion or Theology can be reduced to a bunch of facts that you learn? If that is what you think of these disciplines, then I am keen to say that you don't grasp the nature of them. Theology, in fact, is described by one of the early church fathers as being a study for the learned; it is not necessary for the lamest of the congregation to understand, but it is certainly beneficial.

 

[LizzyM]

I have to agree. I'm majoring in Theology mainly as a self-interest pursuit. When will I have the chance to delve into theology with the resources of my university and at the depth that they provide? Very unlikely post-undergrad.

Pragmatically, there is no purpose in Theology or Religion. One of my professors brought this point up in class one day regarding the humanities and classics. Universities are dropping departments like Latin and Religion because they are "useless". This, I think, is most unfortunate for the academy and the laity. Yes, these humanities serve no pragmatic purpose, but what is life without them? Their worth is in the commonfolk. Paraphrasing my professor, "Theology will die if it is not used by the laymen."

And so . . . I am going to stay in school for one more year and finish off a Physiological Sciences major (since I have already completed half the required credits just for medical school requirements/recommendations). I earnestly wish there were some practical career that combined Theology and Medicine, though.

I hate when people say that Religion or Theology is an "easy" major, though. Easy in what sense? Do you think Religion or Theology can be reduced to a bunch of facts that you learn? If that is what you think of these disciplines, then I am keen to say that you don't grasp the nature of them. Theology, in fact, is described by one of the early church fathers as being a study for the learned; it is not necessary for the lamest of the congregation to understand, but it is certainly beneficial.

May I suggest that you consider learning more about opportunities in bioethics and medical humanities? Some phycisians think deep thoughts, write and teach about things at the intersection of medicine and theology including the tensions between religious and cultural prohibitions, restrictions and taboos and medical care and how best to help patients who struggle with medical decisions that are colored by their religious beliefs.

 

[Gaboon]

I did undergrad & graduate work in theology before I applied. PM me if you wanna chat.

 

[Malice]

If you do Religious Studies, you better do well. I just did a Google search for "low GPA religious study major job opportunities" and it returned no results.

 

[mrsonsai]

May I suggest that you consider learning more about opportunities in bioethics and medical humanities? Some phycisians think deep thoughts, write and teach about things at the intersection of medicine and theology including the tensions between religious and cultural prohibitions, restrictions and taboos and medical care and how best to help patients who struggle with medical decisions that are colored by their religious beliefs.

My school offers a Bioethics internship with the local medical college. I've been eyeing that baby for 3 years, but I've had trouble finding a faculty member agree to mentor/facilitate my experience there. It really does sound like a fantastic opportunity, though -- and right up my alley! As of recently, I've taken to reading about Bioethics, and approaching another professor about the internship again.

I've always wondered what exactly a doctor does in Bioethics, though. I've never read or seen a doctor with an emphasis in the discipline. From my browsing, it appears that a certification or degree in Bioethics is more of a self-fulfillment or program of interest for established persons with a terminal degree or vocation. This, to me, is subtly indicative that there is no room for an "unpragmatic" study like ethics. Moreover, I don't know that I would completely enjoy tackling ethical situations. They're fun to read, but sometimes I wonder if they are overly sensationalized. They also seem to play out with a judicial or legal curve; I'm not very fond of the study of law.

Nonetheless, Bioethics is something I definitely think I should explore. I'm interested in what you mean by medical humanities, though. I know some programs that allow for the study of the history of medicine (I'm quite fond on reading the anthropology of disease, or just reading propositions for the improving of efficiency in the system and/or in the individual professional), but what else do you mean by medical humanities? I love to think and analyze outside of science, but, in terms of a career, I want to combine that passion with the doctor's work and study.

 

[LizzyM]

Northwestern, University of Louisville, University of Buffalo, Medical College of Wisconsin, SUNY Stony Brook, and a number of other schools offer programs in bioethics and medical humanities to medical students and others.

The American Society for Bioethics and Humanities has over 200 members who are physicians. Its other members are philosophers, lawyers, social scientists, nurses, clinical social workers, and professors of history and literature.

Physicians interested in ethics often become involved in hospital ethics committees. While there may be legal aspects to ethical decisions, sometimes the decision comes down to a determination of whether something that is legal is the right thing to do under the circumstances. For example, see the controversy surrounding the "Ashley Treatment" (google it).

Physicians seldom specialize in bioethics but generally add it to an interest in a specific medical discipline. For example, John Lantos is a physician/bioethicist who is also trained in pediatrics. The U of Chicago has a center for ethics and a list of their faculty shows how broad the group in in terms of training (one is even a Franciscan brother "OFM") http://medicine.uchicago.edu/centers/ethics/faculty.html
http://www.americancatholic.org/Messenger/May2010/Feature2.asp

 

[schrizto]

At Pitt, we have a top philosophy department (consistently ranked top 5 and particularly strong in philosophy of science) as well as a top medical school and so bioethics is pretty big here. One of the professors here is actually both a psychiatrist and philosopher (MD with a PhD in philosophy) which is pretty insane. The medical school offers a bioethics concentration as well a combined MD/MA in bioethics. http://www.bioethics.pitt.edu/

I recommend to anyone interested in bioethics to consider taking an Intro to Ethics course within the philosophy department at their school. A warning though, a well taught ethics course will always be logic and analogy based. Don't expect the discussions to be of the typical ethics discussions you hear in the news, either. It will consist of thought experiments, for example, one day you wake up and find you're attached to a world famous violinist, and it turns out that you were kidnapped by the Society of Music Lovers as the violinist's only possible kidney match and must now stay attached to him for several months in order to keep him alive until he finds a permanent kidney. Are you obliged to stay attached to the violinist, knowing that it will affect your quality of life for several months but that he would die without your help? This was used as an analogy for abortion in class (in the case of an unplanned pregnancy, and then giving up the child for adoption).

 

[Avoidthetiger]

i didn't read must of the above thread,

but I would say if you are interested in religious studies, GO FOR IT!

Try to double major and aim for a solid GPA (as LizzyM says)

but do what is interesting to you -- and don't worry about what happens if you don't get into medical school. There will be other opportunities with your major -- stuff that could help build you application if you do decide to apply to medical school after graduating. Or you could do a more science orientated post-bac. Must students here saying that they want a back-up plan if they don't get into medicine -- so they are going with a science major -- but really, to do anything with your science major, you need to go to graduate school nowadays. So unless you go into engineering or business, you really have no back-up plan (unless you get a BS in a science, but even then you will be lucky to get a research technician job)

 

[hmockingbird]

I would go for it, if it is something you are truly interested in. It will make you stand out when applying and show you are well-rounded. You don't have to have a science major to get into med school, but if you are interested in both than maybe double major or minor in one of them. I would agree that critical thinking skills are vital to your future career as a physician, and you definitely learn that from a religious studies major.