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Religious Studies ,BA

Religious Studies, BA

- INACTIVE


America, American Religions (North, South, and Central), Belief, Belief System, Buddhism, Catholicism, Christianity, Colonialism, Comparative Religions, Ethnography, Ethnology, Fundamentalism, Gender, Gender Issues, Hebrew, Hinduism, Holocaust, Ideological Conflict, Immigration, Indigenous Religions, Islam, Metaphysics, Middle Ages, Middle East, Minorities, Minority, Missions, Muslim, Mysticism, Native American, Native American Religions, Native Peoples, New Age Religions, Orthodoxy, Peace, Political Parties, Political Science, Post-Modern, Ritual, Secularization, Shinto, Symbol, Symbolism, Taoism, Terrorism, Theology, Transdisciplinary, Travel, Violence, War, american, beliefs, bioethics, cosmology, ethics, judaism, online, politics, religion, theory, world views

ASU is not currently accepting applications for this program. Interested students should apply to the concentration in religion, culture and public life or the concentration in religion, politics and global affairs.


Program description

Religion is an important part of human experience. Religious understanding informs and shapes politics, literature, philosophy, art and science as well as the daily life of millions around the globe. An understanding of religious traditions is critical to understanding a shared past and present and to navigating toward a shared future.

Students who pursue the BA in religious studies come from a wide diversity of faiths, cultural backgrounds and intellectual interests. What many find fascinating and exciting about religious studies is that it draws from a wide variety of disciplines --- history, philosophy, anthropology, literature, political science and theology, to name a few. Course offerings reflect a diversity of approaches (historical, anthropological, ethical and theological), regions (North America, South America, Europe, Middle East, Africa, South Asia and Southeast Asia) and traditions (Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Native American traditions).

Students study global religious traditions to examine human interaction and explore the root beliefs and values of diverse cultures. This interdisciplinary program combines teachings of history, philosophy, anthropology, literature, political science and theology and helps students develop critical thinking and writing skills.

In addition to the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit the college's website for more information and requirements.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: Yes
  • First required math course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
  • Math intensity: Generalprogram math intensity general

Required courses (Major Map)
Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Transfer options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Program learning outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

  • Formulate a thesis about a significant issue in religious studies.
  • Address and analyze a scholarly issue in religious studies.
  • Develop a sustained, evidence-based argument about a significant issue in religious studies.
Global opportunities
Global experience

With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (programs vary in length, from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students who wish to acquire global skills and knowledge in preparation for a career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and they may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. More information on available programs can be found on the Global Education Office website.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these study abroad programs for students majoring in religious studies.

Career opportunities

Students interested in careers in local, state, regional and national communities find transdisciplinary encouragement and support in the Bachelor of Arts degree program in religious studies.

Students who are attracted to international study find the undergraduate program rich in multicultural coursework and study abroad opportunities.

Religious studies students find many opportunities for practical experience leading to careers in the academic study of religion, in public service, in governmental and nongovernmental agencies, and in professional careers in a variety of organizations, including all of the helping professions.

Graduates have gone on to careers in such fields as diplomacy, development and teaching or have pursued professional degrees in areas such as law, public policy and counseling.

Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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