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Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Culture (Co-op)
Waterloo
INTAKE: Jan & Sept
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Culture (Co-op) at Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) offers students a profound exploration of religious traditions, beliefs, and practices within the context of diverse cultural landscapes. This interdisciplinary program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the role of religion in shaping societies, ethics, and worldviews, while also preparing them for a variety of career paths in fields such as academia, social services, international relations, and more.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Culture (Co-op) at WLU is designed to provide students with a broad and interdisciplinary foundation in religious studies, cultural studies, philosophy, and social sciences. Courses cover a wide range of topics, including the history of religions, religious texts and traditions, theology, ethics, spirituality, and the intersection of religion with politics, gender, and globalization. Students have the opportunity to explore diverse religious traditions from around the world and engage critically with contemporary issues in religion and culture.
Research Focus: Wilfrid Laurier University is committed to fostering a culture of research excellence in the field of Religion and Culture. Faculty members are actively engaged in research projects that explore various aspects of religious belief, practice, and identity, as well as their impact on individuals and societies. Students have the opportunity to participate in research initiatives, working closely with faculty mentors to develop research skills, conduct original research, and contribute to scholarly conversations in the field of religious studies.
Industry Engagement: WLU recognizes the importance of industry engagement in preparing students for successful careers in fields related to Religion and Culture. Through its co-operative education program, students have the opportunity to gain practical work experience in a variety of professional settings, including religious organizations, non-profit agencies, community service organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies. Co-op placements provide students with valuable hands-on experience, professional networking opportunities, and exposure to diverse career paths in the field of religion and culture.
Global Perspective: The Bachelor of Arts program in Religion and Culture (Co-op) at Wilfrid Laurier University emphasizes a global perspective, exploring the diversity of religious traditions and cultural practices from around the world. Courses incorporate cross-cultural comparisons, examining similarities and differences between religious beliefs, rituals, and values across different cultural contexts. The program also encourages students to engage with issues of religious pluralism, interfaith dialogue, and globalization, fostering a nuanced understanding of the complexities of religion and culture in a globalized world.
Location
Waterloo
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
CAD 32251
Application fee: CAD$ 80 + Applying through OUAC 105F Portal charges CAD$ 156 + International Charges CAD$ 10
Academic Requirements: International undergraduate applicants are typically required to have a minimum academic average of 70% or its equivalent in their secondary school studies.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: An overall band score of 6.5, with no individual band score less than 6.
- TOEFL: A minimum score of 83 on the internet-based test (iBT).
- PTE: A minimum score of 59 on the Pearson Test of English.
- DET: A minimum score of 120 on the Duolingo English Test.
Wilfrid Laurier University offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities to support international students in their academic pursuits. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievement, leadership qualities, and community involvement.
International Student Entrance Scholarships: Wilfrid Laurier University offers several entrance scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and are available for both undergraduate and graduate students. The value of these scholarships varies, with some covering a significant portion of tuition fees.
President's Gold Scholarship of Distinction: This prestigious scholarship is awarded to exceptional incoming international undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, and community involvement. Recipients of this scholarship receive a renewable award that covers a significant portion of their tuition fees.
International Student Scholarship: The International Student Scholarship is awarded to international undergraduate students who have demonstrated academic excellence and are entering their first year of study at Wilfrid Laurier University. The scholarship amount varies based on the student's academic achievements.
In-Course Scholarships: Wilfrid Laurier University also offers in-course scholarships for international students who have completed at least one year of study at the university. These scholarships are based on academic performance and may be awarded to students who have achieved a certain GPA or have excelled in specific areas of study.
Faculty-specific Scholarships: Some faculties and departments within Wilfrid Laurier University may offer scholarships and awards specific to their respective fields of study. These scholarships may be available to international students based on academic performance, leadership, or other criteria determined by the faculty or department.
External Scholarships and Partnerships: In addition to the university-specific scholarships, international students at Wilfrid Laurier University can also explore external scholarships and funding opportunities. The university has partnerships with various organizations and agencies that offer scholarships to international students, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
It is important to note that scholarship eligibility and application processes may vary, and some scholarships may have specific requirements or deadlines.
Embarking on a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Culture (Co-op) at Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) opens the door to a diverse array of career opportunities.
Religious Educator/Leader: Graduates can pursue careers as religious educators or leaders, working within religious institutions to teach religious doctrines, lead worship services, and provide spiritual guidance to congregants. They may work as ministers, priests, rabbis, imams, or lay leaders within various religious denominations.
Interfaith Coordinator: With a deep understanding of religious diversity and interfaith dialogue, graduates can work as interfaith coordinators, facilitating dialogue and cooperation between individuals and groups from different religious traditions. They may work for religious organizations, non-profit agencies, or educational institutions, organizing interfaith events, workshops, and community initiatives.
Community Service Coordinator: Graduates can pursue careers as community service coordinators, working for non-profit organizations or social service agencies that serve diverse communities. They may develop and coordinate programs that address social issues such as poverty, homelessness, or addiction, integrating religious values and principles into their work.
Religious Studies Teacher/Professor: Graduates can work in academia as religious studies teachers or professors, teaching courses on religious traditions, ethics, philosophy, and culture at secondary schools, colleges, or universities. They may also conduct research in their field of expertise and publish scholarly articles or books.
Cultural Anthropologist: With their understanding of religious and cultural dynamics, graduates can work as cultural anthropologists, studying human societies and cultures and how they are shaped by religion. They may conduct fieldwork, analyze cultural practices, and write reports or articles for academic journals or research institutions.
International Aid Worker: Graduates can pursue careers in international development or humanitarian aid organizations, working to address global issues such as poverty, conflict, or human rights. They may work for organizations that partner with religious groups to provide aid and support to communities in need around the world.
Journalist/Writer: Graduates can work as journalists or writers, specializing in religion and culture reporting. They may write articles, essays, or books on religious topics for newspapers, magazines, websites, or publishing houses, contributing to public discourse on religion and society.
