Program Details
Program Details
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Bachelor of Arts
Batten University
Program Details
Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies
Bachelor of ArtsBachelor of Arts in Religious Studies
Batten University
Without a knowledge of religion, it is difficult to understand daily newspapers, modern history, and many of our own behavior patterns. In the Religious Studies Department, the methods and interests of the humanities, the social sciences, and the natural sciences converge as students examine the role of religion in history, literature, and science; in human experience and diversity; and in culture, politics, and society. The requirements for a major in religious studies ensure that students not only acquire a broad base of knowledge, but develop skills of interpretation and methodological approaches that characterize a strong liberal arts education. Because these courses involve analysis, comparison, and interpretation and because they require sensitivity to the perspectives and practices of others, the study of religion prepares students well for careers in education, business, law, politics, diplomacy, counseling, public service, and ministry.
Outcomes
Religious literacy Scholarly empathy Communications skills Mediation skills Practical research and writing skills
Program Overview & Guidance
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | Religious Studies examines how religion shapes — and is shaped by — history, literature, politics, and culture. The discipline draws on the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences to understand religion as a force in human experience, making it essential context for understanding daily news, modern history, and human behavior more broadly. |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
The major is built around four areas of analysis: comparative study of world religions, literary and exegetical study of sacred texts, institutional analysis of religion's relationship to politics and law, and social/cultural analysis of religion in contemporary life. The major culminates in RELST 364, a capstone course in mediating religious conflict.
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| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | There are no additional requirements for this program. |
| Doing More With Your Degree | The study of religion prepares students well for careers in ministry, education, social services, politics, journal ism, public health, and administration. Some students will go on to seminary, law school, or graduate school. |
| Program Successes & Highlights |
Program Credit Requirements
Applicable Admissions Agreements
The table below lists admissions agreements between Batten 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.
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Batten University is committed to treating transfer students fairly. We believe in recognizing your hard work and making the path to your four-year degree as easy as possible.
The Fair Transfer Guarantee helps Virginia community college graduates save credits, save time, and save money by assuring that those with an Associate of Arts, Associate of Fine Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Arts & Sciences, or Associate of Applied Science- Human Services (Tidewater Community College) will enter Batten U with junior-class status. All lower-level general education requirements—including foreign language—will be deemed complete, allowing students to focus on courses for their major and upper-level elective credits necessary for their bachelor’s degree. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | First-time college students arriving with a conferred Associate's degree get transfer credit for all acceptable coursework. They are not exempt from any breadth requirements. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | Transfer credits are evaluated based on official transcripts from institutions accredited by regional accreditors. Official transcripts must be sent directly to Batten University from all colleges previously attended. The results of the credit transfer evaluation are recorded in the student's Transfer Evaluation Report in WebAdvisor. A formal transfer credit evaluation is completed after admission to the University. The evaluation is completed only by the Office of the Registrar. Transfer grades are not included in the Batten University grade point average. The amount of credit is determined in terms of the appropriate number of semester credit hours. Criteria for the acceptance of transfer credit include the following: Transfer credit is awarded for courses from colleges/universities accredited by regional accreditors and comparable in content and quality to those offered within the academic programs at Batten University. |
| Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information
Number of Transfer Students
119
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
66% (Fall 2025)
| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | Transfer students can choose to live on or off campus. Residential students are permitted to live on campus if they are under the age of 23. The average class size is 14. Our location is your advantage. With approx. 1.7 million people in the area, we have excellent access to internships and research opportunities. All students can and are encouraged to get involved on campus through civic engagement and clubs/organizations. Batten University is an inclusive community grounded in the arts and sciences and dedicated to scholarship, service, lifelong learning, and environmental stewardship. Batten University inspires students to build meaningful lives through engagement in Coastal Virginia's dynamic metropolitan region, the nation, and the world. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | First traditional semester of entry (fall or spring) at Batten University based on academic year (ex: fall 26-spring 27 entrants use the same catalog) |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | First traditional semester of entry (fall or spring) at Batten University based on academic year (ex: fall 26-spring 27 entrants use same catalog) |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | There is no specific date by which a student must let us know their intent. However, it is in their best interest to do so early to take advantage of all the perks. Read more here https://www.batten.edu/enrollment-aid/transfers/fair-transfer-guarantee.php |
Where Can This Degree Transfer
This section displays degrees most closely related to this program
and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the
next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to
visit that program page.
| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hollins University | BA in Religious Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Religious Studies, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| William & Mary | Religious Studies - Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Shenandoah University | Bachelor of Arts Religion | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Ferrum College | B.A. in Religious Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Religious Studies, Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Emory & Henry University | Psychology (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Randolph-Macon College | Religious Studies (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 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