The Certificate in Interfaith Studies is open to all undergraduate students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  This Certificate will help students to understand both practical and theoretical aspects of interfaith work. 

Interfaith work is undertaken in a number of settings around the world, from campus groups interested in fostering dialogue and mutual understanding or in solving contemporary problems to large non-governmental organizations with a focus on social justice, peace activism, the environment, or other concerns on a local or global level. 

Academic issues relevant to interfaith work include the interrelation of globalization and religion, the role religion plays in both fostering and resolving conflict, religious diversity, theological and philosophical commonalities among religious traditions, and attitudes of religious insiders toward religious outsiders.

Among the courses required for the certificate is “Interfaith Service and Theory” (REL 332).  This course involves

• an interfaith internship or service learning experience and
• an introduction to the major theoretical issues involved in interfaith work. 

The Interfaith Studies certificate will provide students with knowledge and skills that will help to prepare them to work effectively in a number of venues, from facilitating dialogue and cooperation in local faith communities to working with international NGOs.  The Interfaith Studies Certificate will be a valuable credential for students considering working in any context, domestic or international, where an understanding of religious differences is important or where there is regular interaction with a diverse clientele. For some students their service with a partner organization will provide an opportunity to explore a possible career field and to make professional contacts.  

Students must complete 9 hours of course work:

1. REL 332 Interfaith Service and Theory

2. Six hours of elective coursework.  Possible courses include:

   • REL 104 Asian Mythology 

   • REL 110 World Religions

   • REL 231 Religion and Philosophy

   • REL 260 Mystics and Saints 

   • REL 270  Religion, Ethics and the Environment

   • REL 344  Medieval Jewish Thought

   • REL 482 Muslim-Christian Interactions

   • REL 481 Muslim Ethics in the Global Age

With the approval of a Department of Religion advisor, this elective may also be satisfied with a course in another field (such as Psychology, Political Science, or Social Work).  A suitable course might deal with such topics as these: group dynamics, dialogue facilitation, conflict resolution, and productive interpersonal and intergroup communication. 

All students pursuing the Certificate in Interfaith Studies must meet with the Department of Religion Director of Undergraduate Studies to discuss their program of study and must have approval for a Certificate Plan of Study.