Bachelors of Religious Studies - Religion and Nonprofits Track

The Religion and Nonprofits Track within the Religious Studies major at Franklin College is tailored for students passionate about creating meaningful change in their communities. It blends the academic exploration of religious diversity and timeless concepts of faith with a practical focus on modern issues and the operational aspects of nonprofit leadership. This track prepares students for careers in faith-based organizations, broader nonprofit organizations, and ministry, by providing a robust curriculum that delves into the history of religion and social movements, the intricacies of nonprofit management, and the role of giving and philanthropy within religious contexts.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA in Religious Studies with a Religion and Nonprofits Track is comprehensive and interdisciplinary. Core Religious Studies courses include "Introduction to Religion," "Historical Faith and Modern Culture," "Philosophy of Religion," and a "Senior Competency Practicum." Students also explore foundational texts and traditions through courses like "Old Testament Life and Literature," "New Testament Life and Literature," "Living Religions East," and "Living Religions West." The specific Nonprofit Track integrates courses such as "Social Problems and Nonprofit Responses," "Introduction to Nonprofits," "Nonprofit Leadership Capstone," and "Giving in Religion." An independent study focusing on research related to "Religion and Philanthropy" is also a key component. This blend ensures students gain both theoretical knowledge of religion and practical skills in nonprofit administration.

Research Focus: Franklin College's Religious Studies program, including the Religion and Nonprofits Track, places a significant emphasis on developing students' research and analytical skills. Students participate in a "senior research seminar," exploring topics of personal interest that often bridge religious studies and contemporary issues. Past research topics have included "religious freedom and Supreme Court cases," "religious rhetoric used in presidential State of the Union addresses," and the "intersection of role playing games and religion." The program encourages students to work with the college's Center for Technology and Innovation's digital fluency initiative, producing research that involves 3D printing, digital storytelling, and student-centered podcasts, demonstrating an innovative approach to academic inquiry. The "Independent Study – research topic concerning Religion and Philanthropy" also highlights a dedicated research component within the Nonprofit Track.

Industry Engagement: Franklin College demonstrates strong industry engagement for its Religious Studies majors, particularly within the Religion and Nonprofits Track. Every Religious Studies major is required to complete at least one internship. The department has established connections with local and national for-profit and non-profit organizations, providing a "menu of potential internship opportunities." Students receive one-on-one assistance to secure internship placements, ensuring valuable "real-world experience." Past internships have included organizations like the Peace Learning Center, Interfaith Youth Core, Exodus Refugee Immigration, the Red Cross of Central Indiana, and the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. This direct exposure to professional settings, especially within the nonprofit sector, is crucial for career preparation.

Global Perspective: The Religious Studies program at Franklin College inherently fosters a strong global perspective through its comparative study of world religions and cultures. Students become "familiar with the religious perceptions and practices in Western and Eastern cultures" and analyze "religious expressions in this culture and in the global community." Faculty members regularly bring their international experiences to campus, and students have opportunities for "immersive travel abroad to explore religion in the Middle East or Asia." The college also facilitates unique cultural exchanges, such as regular dinners with visiting Tibetan Buddhist monks, providing direct inter-religious dialogue. This emphasis on diverse traditions and international engagement prepares graduates to understand and collaborate with people from various backgrounds in an increasingly interconnected world.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fee: $40

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of  6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
• PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.

Franklin College offers a range of scholarship opportunities to support international students in pursuing their academic goals. These scholarships are designed to recognize outstanding academic achievement, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement, making higher education more accessible and affordable for students from around the world.

Merit-Based Scholarships: International students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships upon admission. These awards are competitive and primarily based on academic performance, standardized test scores, and personal achievements. Scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and may be renewable each year based on satisfactory academic progress.

Specialized Scholarships: In addition to general merit awards, Franklin College provides targeted scholarships for students excelling in specific fields such as science, arts, athletics, or community service. Some scholarships also focus on promoting diversity and inclusion by supporting students from underrepresented regions or backgrounds.

Franklin College's Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies with a Religion and Nonprofits Track is uniquely designed for students seeking to blend academic inquiry into diverse faiths with practical skills for community engagement and leadership within the non-profit sector.

Nonprofit Program Coordinator/Manager: Graduates are well-suited to manage and oversee specific programs within non-profit organizations, which may or may not be faith-based. This involves planning, implementation, budgeting, and evaluation of initiatives like community outreach, education, or social services.

Fundraising/Development Coordinator: These professionals work to secure financial resources for non-profit organizations. Their understanding of values, ethics, and community needs, combined with practical skills in the non-profit track, makes them effective in donor relations, grant writing, and campaign management.

Community Outreach Coordinator: Graduates can work to build and maintain relationships between non-profit organizations and the communities they serve. This often involves organizing events, recruiting volunteers, and engaging with diverse groups to address social issues.

Volunteer Coordinator: Many non-profits rely heavily on volunteers. Graduates can manage volunteer recruitment, training, scheduling, and retention, ensuring that the organization has the human resources needed to achieve its mission.

Faith-Based Social Worker/Aid Worker: While potentially requiring further certification or a master's degree for clinical roles, the program provides an excellent foundation for social service roles within faith-based charities or humanitarian aid organizations, working directly with individuals or communities in need.

Religious Educator/Youth Director: Graduates can work in religious institutions (churches, synagogues, mosques, temples), private faith-based schools, or community centers, designing and leading educational programs, youth groups, or spiritual development activities.

Interfaith Dialogue/Relations Specialist: With their knowledge of diverse religious traditions and cross-cultural communication skills, graduates can work for organizations promoting understanding and cooperation between different faith groups, often in educational or advocacy roles.

Communications/Marketing Specialist (Nonprofit): Graduates can utilize their strong communication and ethical reasoning skills to craft compelling messages, manage social media, and develop marketing strategies that align with a non-profit's mission and values to engage supporters and the public.

Grant Writer: Many non-profits rely on grants for funding. Graduates with strong research, writing, and analytical skills (honed through religious studies and the non-profit track) can specialize in researching grant opportunities and writing persuasive proposals.

Further Education (Ministry, Social Work, Public Administration, Law): The program provides a strong liberal arts foundation for advanced studies. Graduates may pursue master's degrees in Divinity or Theology for ministry, Master of Social Work (MSW) for direct social service roles, Master of Public Administration (MPA) for non-profit leadership, or even law school, particularly for careers in public interest law or advocacy.