Get the information you need for academic planning and connect with experiences to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes that employers are seeking.

This resource is meant as a guide to provide suggestions throughout your time at university (refer to the Academic Calendar for a complete list of program requirements). Develop a plan and timeline that suits you best. Make intentional choices for your courses and work experiences.

  • Photo of Arij Al Khafagi
  • Student spotlight

    “Do not be afraid to take a wide range of religion classes as well as ask your professors about any interesting classes. Initially I took classes pertaining to my own religion but I found that as I branched off I was intrigued by what other religions have to offer.”

    Arij Al Khafagi, religion student

Religion at UM

As a religion student in the Faculty of Arts, you will examine the histories and functions of a variety of texts, myths, rituals, symbols, and institutions from around the world. The study of religion, also known as comparative religion, the history of religions, religious studies, or the academic study of religion, is part of the humanities and social sciences. Our program aims to examine the history and contemporary forms taken by religion(s) as well as the study of the history and contemporary implications of using the category religion to name aspects of human interaction.

Skills you will gain by studying RELIGION

  • Cultural literacy, the ability to understand the context and idiom of a given culture.
  • Competence in reading, writing, and speaking about the academic study of religion.
  • The ability to describe, compare, interpret, and explain.
  • The ability to think critically and adopt multiple theoretical perspectives and points of view.

 

Year 1 - 30 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


Course requirements:
6 credit hours in religion courses

To do this year:

  1. Know the requirements for your degree. Meet with an academic advisor in the Faculty of Arts to help you plan your program.
  2. If you need academic support, visit the Academic Learning Centre for workshops or to meet with a learning skills instructor.

CAREER TIPS


Start planning your career:

  1. Meet with a career consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills.
  2. Research occupations that match your skills and interests.
  3. Set up a UM Connect account to view job postings and register for workshops and events.
  4. Register for the Experience Record, official record of university-approved activities.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE


Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

  1. Student groups including the Arts Student Body Council and UMSU.
  2. Volunteer for UM Orientation events to help welcome new students to campus while gaining experience or join the Student Leadership Development Program.
  3. Student work opportunities including Work-StudySTEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program.
  4. Experiential education opportunities such as Community Engaged Learning programs.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES


Considering international opportunities? Visit the International Centre to learn about international opportunities for UM students.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: Visit Migizii Agamik, the International Centre for Students or learn about local agencies via 211 Manitoba.

Year 2 - 60 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


Course requirements:

General: 6 credit hours of RLGN at or above the 1000 level and 12 credit hours of RLGN at or above the 2000 level

Advanced: 6 credit hours of RLGN at or above the 1000 level and 12 credit hours of RLGN at or above the 2000 level

Honours: 18 credit hours of RLGN at or above the 2000 level

To do this year:

  1. Refer to the Academic Calendar for information regarding the Religious Traditions requirement.
  2. If you plan to specialize in Catholic studies, contact the department of religion prior to registration in order to select appropriate courses.
  3. Consider choosing a second language for your minor to enhance your employability prospects upon graduation.
  4. Ensure you are meeting the religious traditions requirements.

CAREER TIPS


Make professional connections:

  1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
  2. Attend career fairs to connect with employers.
  3. Become a student affiliate with the Canadian Society for the Study of Religion.
  4. Participate in the Department of Religion Colloquium.

Market your skills: Develop your resumé and cover letter and refine your interview skills.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE


Explore student research opportunities: Apply for an Undergraduate Research Award and inquire about research assistant positions.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: Check out the Canadian Museum for Human RightsFolklorama, and local charities.

Find opportunities to market yourself: Become a Faculty of Arts Student Ambassador.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES


Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider a summer abroad studying religion through the international student exchange or Travel Study program, an international internship or service-learning program, My World Abroad or SWAP for a "working holiday".

Staying local? Check out Community Engaged Learning programs. Consider learning a new language and culture through the Language Partner Volunteer Program.

 

Year 3 - 90 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


Course requirements:

General: 6 credit hours of RLGN at or above the 3000 level

Advanced: 12 credit hours of RLGN at or above the 2000 level

Honours: 15 credit hours of RLGN at or above the 3000 level

To do this year:

  1. Meet with a department advisor for honours program approval.
  2. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora (3-year option).

CAREER TIPS


Investigate your career options:

  1. Look at sample job postings to ensure you have the qualifications upon graduation.
  2. Develop employability and essential skills sought by employers.
  3. Explore supports available to entrepreneurs for business planning including the Stu Clarke Centre for EntrepreneurshipWorld Trade Centre Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Government.
  4. Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals.

Consider continuing your studies: Check out the Faculty of Graduate StudiesExtended Education or other academic institutions.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE


Continue or start research: Participate in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition.

Check out student job opportunities with: Summer camps, Winnipeg Public Library, social service agencies and non-profit organizations. Consider the University of Manitoba TA and GM positions available or become a writing tutor through the Academic Learning Centre.

Assess your resumé: Identify any gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships such as the International Youth Internship Program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES


Did you travel abroad? Become an exchange mentor for the International Student Mentorship Program, join the exchange student community at the University of Manitoba or write an article about your experience.

Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: Participate in the Intercultural Development and Leadership Program or take part in the Graduation Pow Wow. Attend and network with others through the Prairie Symposium for the Common Good.

Year 4 - 120 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


Course requirements:
Honours: RLGN 4310 and RLGN 4320 and a further 12 credit hours at the 4000 level. 

Advanced: 12 credit hours in RLGN at the 4000 level

To do this year:

  1. Meet with a department advisor for honours program approval.
  2. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora.

CAREER TIPS


Start job search 9 months in advance:
Contact Career Services to refine your job search and self-marketing strategies. You can visit the office up to 6 months after graduation.

If you are continuing on to graduate school:
Finalize your application materials and required tests. Use the awards database to search for funding and awards to help finance your continuing education. Contact your department to find out how their awards deadlines are advertised.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE


Ensure you have references in place: Ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation if you're applying for graduate school.

Search for job opportunities online: Check out Job BankFind My JobIndeed or other search engines.

Use your networks and connections: Inquire about unadvertised job openings (the "hidden job market").

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES


Prepare to work in a multicultural environment: Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus. Get access to LinkedIn Learning through the Winnipeg Public Library and take courses to develop you cross-cultural intelligence.

What do employers want?

Industries such as communications, cultural affairs, education, government and law would value a religion major in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include:*

  • Oral and written communication
  • Critical thinking
  • Problem solving
  • Information management
  • Teamwork
  • Digital technology
  • Numeracy and data use
  • Continuous learning

*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000+ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.

Get one-on-one help

  • Meet with a career consultant

    Meet with a career consultant for a confidential discussion about your career goals, job search, resumé/CV and interview preparation.

    Contact Career Services at cs.receptionist@umanitoba.ca or call 204-474-9456 to make an appointment.

  • Talk to an academic advisor

    Talk to an academic advisor who will guide you to resources to help you make important decisions for your future. Advisors are specialized, often by program, faculty/school or unit.

    Find your advisor

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Select a Career Compass

Use Career Compass as a guide to develop a strong connection between your studies and your occupational choices. It will provide you with suggestions for academic and career planning specific to your program.

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Contact us

Department of Religion
328 Fletcher Argue Building
15 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

204-474-9516