Program Details
Bachelor of Arts, Major in Global Religions and Cultures
Bachelor of ArtsJames Madison University
The Global Religions and Cultures major requires 33 credit hours, including three core courses and one capstone seminar. Students majoring in Global Religions and Cultures have the opportunity to create their own custom concentrations, if they choose, by completing four or more courses in a focused area of study. For example, students might choose to concentrate in Christian Studies, Indian Religions, Religion in Africa, Religion and Society, Spirituality and Health, Pre-professional Studies, or another concentration they create with support from their faculty advisor.
Because the academic study of religion is interdisciplinary, students may apply up to six credit hours of course work from other departments toward the major if the courses include a substantial focus on religion, with approval from the faculty advisor. Our students often double major in Global Religions and Cultures as well as another field such as communication studies, health sciences, intelligence analysis or public policy. Students may add the major in Global Religions and Cultures at any time during their undergraduate career.
Program Overview & Guidance

| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
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| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
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Program Credit Requirements

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between James Madison University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Completion of an approved transfer associate degree will guarantee fulfillment of JMU's General Education requirements. https://www.jmu.edu/transfer/VCCStransfer/ASDegrees.shtml |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School |
| Credit for Prior Learning | JMU accepts and reviews AP, IB, CIE and CLEP for all students with eligible scores, which may be different than at your prior institution. JMU will complete an independent review of the test score to apply credit to the JMU student record. Credit for prior learning (CLEP) is awarded on a per case basis for Adult Degree (Individualized Studies Majors) and RN-BSN students only and in consultation with the department of expertise, with the exception of military service credit. Credit for learning acquired in military service is awarded by the registrar's office using the ACE guide credit recommendation for study/experience listed on the military transcript and in consultation with the department of expertise. |
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College Level Information

| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | JMU is a mid to large size institution that behaves more like a smaller institution. Faculty and staff hold students as the top priority. JMU has a 96% satisfaction rate. 89% of classes have less than 50 students. JMU is the #1 most recommended public University in the US by the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education; JMU is the #1 Best College for Employment in Virginia according to U.S. Department of Education statistics compiled by Zippia. JMU has the highest post-graduation job levels of all Virginia colleges. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance. |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance. |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Transfer applicants applying through the Guaranteed Admissions Agreement must submit a Letter of Intent prior to applying to JMU. Requirements and forms are available at: https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/transfer-GAA.shtml |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Mary Washington | BA in Philosophy | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| University of Mary Washington | BA in Phil: Pre-Law | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| University of Mary Washington | BA in Religious Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BA in Philosophy and Religious Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Philosophy and Religious Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1126.00 | Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in philosophy, religion, and theology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
Cost To Complete

