Arizona State University (Tempe campus)
Arizona State University (Tempe campus)

Arizona State University (Tempe campus)

1151 S Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ, United States Arizona, Tempe, USA Visit web page

Religious Studies (Religion, Culture and Public Life), BA

Study detals

: Bachelor's degree : Religious Studies (Religion, Culture and Public Life), BA LARELCPBA : Full time : 48 Month

Requirements

Academic requirements

First-year students must:

  • Have a 3.00 grade point average (GPA) (a "B" or better where "A"=4.00) from a secondary school. Some ASU programs may have higher admission or English proficiency requirements and may consider a minimum ACT or SAT score.
  • Must have three years of high school coursework. (If you are currently in high school, ASU needs to see 9–11 grade coursework. If you have completed high school, ASU needs to see 10–12 grade coursework.)
  • Must have and present a completed high school diploma or certificate.

Conditional admission

ASU may offer conditional undergraduate admission to international applicants to an on-campus program who meet the academic (aptitude) requirements but who are not proficient in English. This offer of conditional admission will give you time to improve your English proficiency before you start classes at ASU. Your conditional admission offer is good for up to three semesters, during which time you must meet one of these requirements to begin your ASU experience.

Competency requirements

International students who completed high school outside the U.S. are required to meet the following competency requirements:

  • Math: four years (algebra I, geometry, algebra II and one course requiring algebra II as a prerequisite).
  • Laboratory science: three years total (one year each from any of the following areas are accepted: biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated sciences and physics).

Provide evidence of English language proficiency (TOEFL 61)

Speciality

Also available online

Additional information

Program description

The BA in religious studies with a concentration in religion, culture and public life approaches religion as a mode of human culture, as constituted in intellect, language, emotion, practice, art and everyday life.

The program focuses on the role religions play in the formation of cultural identities, traditions, norms and memories, and it examines in particular the impact religions have on culturally specified ways that people reason, communicate, socialize, work, entertain, dress, eat, live and die. Special consideration is given to the influence of religion on gender roles and sexual norms; the formation of images of the body and the moral assessment of medical practices; and the reflection and reproduction of religion in film, popular culture and conventional, digital and social media.

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.

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

  • Global Management (Creative Industries and Design Thinking), MGM
  • Global Management (Digital Audience Strategy), MGM
  • Global Management (Global Affairs), MGM
  • Global Management (Global Business), MGM
  • Global Management (Global Development and Innovation), MGM
  • Global Management (Global Digital Transformation), MGM
  • Global Management (Global Entrepreneurship), MGM
  • Global Management (Global Health Care Delivery), MGM
  • Global Management (Global Legal Studies), MGM
  • Global Management (Nonprofit Leadership and Management), MGM
  • Global Management (Public Administration), MGM
  • Global Management (Public Policy), MGM
  • Global Management (Sustainability Solutions), MGM
  • Global Management (Sustainable Tourism), MGM
  • Global Management, MGM

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.

Global opportunities
Global experience 

Religion plays a major role in cultural and societal norms, identities and traditions all over the world. Through one of more than 300 unique Global Education programs, students witness firsthand diverse religions and cultures, and gain a heightened understanding of the impact of religion on human culture. Students also enrich their cultural competency, communication and critical thinking skills, which can enhance their resumes.

Career opportunities

Religious studies majors seek jobs in many professional areas, including:

  • chaplaincy
  • diversity management
  • education
  • foreign service
  • health care, including mental health and counseling
  • journalism
  • law
  • nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations
  • public service and public policy
  • publishing

Religious studies is an excellent foundation for graduate and professional studies in:

  • anthropology
  • gender studies
  • health care
  • history
  • law
  • justice studies
  • philosophy
  • political science
  • sociology
  • theology

The concentration addresses present-day interests and prepares students for jobs in a variety of professions. In addition to the fields listed above, students also pursue employment in media studies, migration and international studies.

Download PDF