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St. Francis Xavier University is a prestigious institution renowned for its quality edu...
Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies
Antigonish
INTAKE: Jan & Sept
Program Overview
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada, offers a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies program. This program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of religious traditions, beliefs, practices, and their significance in shaping societies, cultures, and individuals.
Curriculum: The Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies curriculum at StFX covers a wide range of topics related to religion, including religious texts, history, theology, ethics, and comparative religion. Students study major religious traditions such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and indigenous religions, exploring their origins, development, and contemporary expressions. The curriculum includes courses that examine religious rituals, beliefs, and symbols, as well as their intersections with politics, culture, gender, and society.
Research Focus: StFX emphasizes research within the Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies program. Students have the opportunity to engage in research projects under the guidance of faculty mentors, exploring topics such as religious ethics, spirituality, religious diversity, or religious experiences. They may conduct original research, analyze religious texts, or examine religious phenomena in contemporary society. The university's research initiatives in religious studies contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field and provide students with valuable research experience that prepares them for graduate studies or careers in religious studies, theology, or related fields.
Industry Engagement: St. Francis Xavier University fosters close collaboration with industry partners to provide students in the Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies program with valuable real-world experience. Through internships, co-op placements, or fieldwork opportunities, students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in settings such as religious organizations, interfaith groups, or non-profit organizations. This industry engagement not only enhances students' learning experience but also prepares them for careers in fields such as religious leadership, education, counseling, social services, or advocacy.
Global Perspective: The Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies program at StFX emphasizes the importance of a global perspective in understanding religious beliefs and practices. Courses explore religious traditions from around the world, highlighting their diversity, complexity, and interconnectedness. Through coursework, international study tours, or cross-cultural exchanges, students gain an understanding of religion from diverse global perspectives and develop the cross-cultural competencies needed to engage with religious communities and issues in a globalized world.
Location
Antigonish
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
CAD 19876
Application Fees: CAD$ 100
Academic Qualifications: International students applying for undergraduate programs at StFX are required to have completed their 10+2 or equivalent secondary education with a strong academic record. They should have achieved a minimum overall average of 70% or higher.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5, with no band score less than 6.
- TOEFL: A minimum score of 90 on the internet-based test (iBT).
- PTE Academic: A minimum score of 60.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): A minimum score of 115.
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) offers several scholarship opportunities to international students to support their academic pursuits. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievement, leadership qualities, and community involvement.
International Student Scholarships: StFX offers a range of scholarships exclusively for international students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and may vary in terms of eligibility criteria and award amounts. Some of the international student scholarships at StFX include the Entrance Scholarship for International Students, the International Student Distinction Award, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Excellence Award.
President's Scholarship: The President's Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship program offered to international students with exceptional academic records. This scholarship provides full tuition coverage for up to four years of undergraduate study at StFX. Recipients of the President's Scholarship are chosen based on their academic achievements, leadership potential, and contributions to their communities.
Xaverian Awards: The Xaverian Awards are merit-based scholarships available to international students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievements. These awards recognize students who have achieved high grades in their previous studies and who demonstrate leadership qualities and a commitment to community involvement. The Xaverian Awards range in value and are renewable for subsequent years of study at StFX.
Entrance Scholarships: StFX offers a variety of entrance scholarships for international students, including the International Merit Scholarship and the X-Culture Scholarship. These scholarships are awarded to incoming international students based on their academic achievements and potential to contribute to the StFX community.
External Scholarships and Funding: StFX encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities from government agencies, foundations, and organizations in their home countries. The university's scholarship office provides guidance and support in identifying and applying for these external funding sources.
It is important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application processes may vary each year.
Graduates of St. Francis Xavier University's Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies program possess a diverse skill set that prepares them for various career paths in fields such as academia, religious leadership, counseling, social services, interfaith work, and more.
Academia and Education: One common career path for graduates is in academia and education. They may pursue further education, such as a master's degree or a Ph.D., and become professors, researchers, or scholars in the field of religious studies. Graduates may teach courses on religious traditions, ethics, theology, or comparative religion at colleges, universities, or seminaries. They may also work in education administration, curriculum development, or religious education, designing and implementing educational programs for schools, religious institutions, or community organizations.
Religious Leadership: Another career option is in religious leadership. Graduates may pursue careers as clergy, ministers, priests, rabbis, imams, or other religious leaders within their respective traditions. They may lead worship services, provide pastoral care, offer spiritual guidance, and facilitate religious rituals and ceremonies for their congregations. Graduates may also work in roles such as chaplains, youth ministers, or religious educators, serving specific populations within their communities or institutions.
Counseling and Social Services: Many graduates choose careers in counseling and social services. They may work as counselors, therapists, or social workers, providing support and guidance to individuals and families facing spiritual, emotional, or relational challenges. Graduates may specialize in areas such as grief counseling, addiction counseling, marriage and family therapy, or trauma counseling, working in settings such as hospitals, mental health clinics, or non-profit organizations.
Interfaith Work and Community Engagement: Another career option is in interfaith work and community engagement. Graduates may work for interfaith organizations, religious councils, or non-profit groups that promote dialogue, cooperation, and understanding among diverse religious communities. They may facilitate interfaith events, organize community service projects, or advocate for social justice and peacebuilding initiatives that bridge religious divides and foster mutual respect and cooperation.
Research and Advocacy: Some graduates may pursue careers in research and advocacy. They may work for research institutes, think tanks, or advocacy organizations that focus on religious freedom, human rights, or social justice issues. Graduates may conduct research on topics such as religious discrimination, religious extremism, or religious tolerance, contributing to public discourse and policy debates on matters of religious significance.
Publishing and Media: Another career option is in publishing and media. Graduates may work for religious publishing houses, media outlets, or digital platforms, producing content such as books, articles, podcasts, or documentaries on religious topics. They may serve as editors, writers, or producers, creating content that educates, informs, or inspires audiences about religious beliefs, practices, and traditions.
