Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religious Studies in Religious Studies

Catalog Year 2026-2027

Based on VCCS Curriculum for RELIGIOUS STUDIES

Transfer Guidance

Guaranteed Admission to University of Mary Washington

• Earn a transfer associate degree.

• Earn a minimum GPA of 3.0 for your associate degree.

• Earn grades of "C" or higher in all community college courses.

• See the VCCS Transfer Programs page for more details in our Guaranteed Admission Agreement.

Important Links & Dates

• University Transfer Center: https://www.umw.edu/admissions/transfer/

• Register Intent to Transfer: After the first 15 credits, complete this form and submit to admit@umw.edu to receive application fee waiver: https://www.umw.edu/admissions/adult/our-commitment/guaranteed-admission...

• Admission Application: Apply by October 15 for spring admission, March 1 for summer admission, and April 1 for fall admission. Additional details and a transfer checklist are available at https://www.umw.edu/admissions/transfer/

• Financial Aid: https://www.umw.edu/financialaid/

• FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid: Apply by April 1 to ensure you receive the maximum aid for which you are eligible. FAFSA’s will still be accepted after the April 1 deadline. The required forms are found at http://studentaid.gov

What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses?

• Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year. For help, see Transfer Steps and Resource Center at www.TransferVirginia.org

• UMW requires proficiency in a second language as part of the general education requirements. This can be satisfied in a number of ways including completing four years of language in high school, transferring credits from a community college, or completing a sequence of language courses through the 201 level at UMW. American Sign Language is accepted for transfer as a second language. All of the options for satisfying this requirement are found in the UMW Catalog: https://catalog.umw.edu/undergraduate/general-education/general-educatio...

• Connect with an advisor at your community college and UMW within your first year. College Connect available in your account at www.TransferVirginia.org

Is This Degree Right For Me?

• The academic discipline of the study of religion investigates the religious dimension of human experience throughout history, across cultures, and around the world. Courses in Religious Studies at UMW acquaint students with the world’s major traditions, texts, and figures. Students learn the methodologies of religious studies and engage in critical discussion of diverse themes, issues, and theories related to the study of these traditions. Leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and Religious Studies, the major in Religious Studies offers close faculty guidance and a high degree of flexibility such that individual interests are both encouraged and supported. Well-trained in the tools of a liberal arts education necessary for many careers, graduates of the major enter the world beyond college with a broad cultural awareness that appreciates the challenges of diversity and the ability to engage in dialogue skillfully. They are trained to conduct research, to think critically, and to write and express ideas persuasively.

• Courses in other disciplines are accepted towards the Religious Studies major, which allows students to have an interdisciplinary approach in the formation of their major. Various Religious Studies offerings also complement work in American Studies, Anthropology, Classical Studies, Theatre, English, History, International Affairs, Philosophy, and Psychology, among other disciplines. The Religious Studies program contributes to several minors, including Contemplative Studies and Asian Studies, as well as to the American Studies program.

• The Khatib Program in Religion & Dialogue supports inter- and multi-faith dialogue efforts, connecting the expertise of faculty from across the campus and country with faith leaders and community activists. The program is grounded in the belief that through mutual understanding and respect, tolerance and coexistence is possible between all religious traditions.

What Is The Impact On My Degree Of Work I Have Already Completed?

• Associate Transfer Degree Completion: Transfer students with a VCCS transferable associate degree have completed the UMW general education requirements except second language competency, digital intensive, diverse and global perspectives, after Mary Washington, and beyond the classroom general education requirements. UMW does allow students to satisfy these requirements through qualifying transfer coursework.

• Dual Enrollment - Completion of Associate Degree in HS: Students participating in dual enrollment programs are considered as freshman applicants. Dual enrollment courses taken at the high school are treated identically with the same course when taken on a college campus; dual enrollment status does not affect the transferability of the course.

• Credit for Prior Learning: UMW accepts credit for AP, IB, CLEP, Cambridge, and other qualifying previous coursework. Equivalencies are provided here: https://academics.umw.edu/registrar/transfer-information/resources-and-p...

• Catalog Year: Students must complete general education requirements associated with the academic year that they enroll at UMW. Students complete major requirements associated with the academic year in which they declare their major.

Is This College Right For Me?

• UMW is a small university located in suburban Fredericksburg, VA. We offer small class sizes and courses are taught by faculty committed to student learning and success.

• Home is precisely what UMW will come to feel like. Our campus is gorgeous, green, and full of opportunity. Join a club sports team. Audition for a musical. Lead the way in Student Government Association. See a performance or an exhibition. Or sit back, relax, and take it all in from the cozy comfort of Ball Circle.

• UMW offers high impact experiences beyond the classroom. Faculty are committed to collaborating with students on research projects and outreach experiences.

• UMW is located between Washington DC and Richmond, VA, both of which boast significant visual art resources. UMW students enjoy a multitude of internship opportunities where they can apply their academic knowledge while gaining professional experience. UMW students receive support with resumes and job searches through the department and University resources and can earn academic credit for qualifying internship experiences.

• UMW requires proficiency in a second language as part of the general education requirements. This can be satisfied in a number of ways including completing four years of language in high school, transferring credits from a community college, or completing a sequence of language courses through the 201 level at UMW. All of the options for satisfying this requirement are found in the UMW Catalog: https://catalog.umw.edu/undergraduate/generaleducation/general-education...

• Learn more about our college at www.TransferVirginia.org

Did You Know That…

• Completing your associate’s transfer degree completes most lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor’s degree.

• Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at the University of Mary Washington.

What Can I Do With This Degree?

• Religious studies majors have pursued careers in fields such as public relations, journalism, teaching, library science, service organizations, business, and the arts. The Religious Studies major also prepares students for graduate or divinity school in the study of religion, as well as for graduate study in other fields such as law and social work.

• Explore possible careers, salaries, and job outlook at www.TransferVirginia.org

Program Successes & Highlights

• Religious Studies at Mary Washington is located in the Department of Cultural and Philosophical Inquiry, an exciting interdisciplinary department housing Anthropology, Art History, Classical Studies, Philosophy, and Religious Studies. We have a lively department culture.

• Fredericksburg’s proximity to Washington DC and Richmond as well as its Amtrak train station provide great opportunities for internships and other professional experiences.

• The department hosts the Khatib Program in Religion & Dialogue and the Leidecker Center for Asian Studies, both of which provide excellent opportunities for students in the department.

• Honors are awarded in Religious Studies on the basis of excellence both in coursework for the major and in a final project for RELG 401 Guided Research. Only students who complete 401 are eligible for Honors.

• Internships are available to qualified students.

• The Religious Studies major’s flexibility has led many students to double major in subjects such as Political Science, History, International Affairs, English, and Psychological Science.

What Are My Chances For Getting Accepted?

• With an associate’s degree and a 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA, you may qualify for UMW’s Guaranteed Admissions Agreement with the Virginia Community College System (VCCS). Additional details are available here: https://www.umw.edu/admissions/adult/our-commitment/guaranteed-admission...

• Each fall, UMW enrolls approximately 300 students from the Virginia Community College System and other schools inside and outside of Virginia.

• Learn more about applying at www.TransferVirginia.org

Do More With Your Degree!

• Many students take advantage of on-campus internships and employment opportunities within our department and elsewhere on campus.

• Students in our department can join department-related student clubs and contribute to student-edited publications.

Other Than Classes, Are There Other Program Requirements?

• There are no additional program requirements beyond the classes outlined above.