Program Details
Program Details

Program Details

Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies

Bachelor of Arts
Virginia Wesleyan 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
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Program Web Page
Click here for details
External Link
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
Considerations 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
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Virginia Wesleyan University within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree
Program Successes & Highlights
Program Credit Requirements
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Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. lf you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.

The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.

The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies
128
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
To earn this degree, students must earn a 2.0 cumulative GPA, complete a minimum of 32 credits at VWU, and not exceed 64 credits in any one discipline.
BA in Religious Studies
128
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
To earn this degree, students must earn a 2.0 cumulative GPA, complete a minimum of 32 credits at VWU, and not exceed 64 credits in any one discipline.
General Education Requirements
52
Wesleyan Seminar
12
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Transfer students may have seminar I and/or II waived pending credits transferred.
Earn 12 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Breadth Requirements
24
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Courses must be completed from 6 different departments and must be outside your major department.
Breadth: Creative Arts
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Breadth: Upper-Level Humanities
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Breadth: Mathematical Sciences
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Breadth: Natural Sciences
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Breadth: Social Science (Birdsong)
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Breadth: Social Science (Birdsong or WattsSPS)
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category list:
English Composition
4
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
English 001 may be required prior to ENG 105. A grade of C or better is required in ENG 105.
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Foreign Language Competencies
12
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Options for satisfying the language requirement can be found at https://www.vwu.edu/academics/general-education/foreign-language-proficiency.php . Students with prior language experience, transfer students, and evening/weekend students are encouraged to review the options. Students satisfying the language requirement through other options will complete these 12 credit hours through completion of other courses related to their program plans.
Foreign Language Competencies
12
Earn 12 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Foreign Language Competencies
12
Earn 12 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Foreign Language Competencies
12
Earn 12 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Foreign Language Competencies
12
Earn 12 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Major Requirements
36
Comparative Analysis
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Literacy/Exegetical
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Institutional Analysis
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Cultural Analysis
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Capstone
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
300/400 Course
12
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Excludes Courses listed within the major table. Exceptions may be approved by your advisor
Earn 12 credits: Complete the following
Earn 12 credits: Use the following rules
Complete the following
Use the following rules
Complete the following
Use the following rules
Complete courses from the following Subject:
AND
Course(s) of level 400
OR
Complete the following
Use the following rules
Complete courses from the following Subject:
AND
Course(s) of level 300
But NOT
courses from the following Course list:
Electives
4
Earn 4 credits: Complete the following
Earn 4 credits: Use the following rules
AND
AND
Electives
40
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Complete credits to fulfill the 128 semester hours of academic coursework. Elective courses may be taken in any subject matter or discipline to complete the required elective credits. They provide an opportunity to explore freely across the richness of the liberal arts curriculum at Virginia Wesleyan. Students may choose to complete a minor or a second major.
Applicable Admissions Agreements
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The table below lists admissions agreements between Virginia Wesleyan 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.

Institution Name Type Title
Blue Ridge Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Central Virginia Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Danville Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Mountain Gateway Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Eastern Shore Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Germanna Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Brightpoint Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Laurel Ridge Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Mountain Empire Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
New River Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Northern Virginia Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Paul D. Camp Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Patrick & Henry Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Piedmont Virginia Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Rappahannock Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Southside Virginia Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Southwest Virginia Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Tidewater Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Virginia Peninsula Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Virginia Highlands Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Virginia Western Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Wytheville Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Blue Ridge Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Central Virginia Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Danville Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Mountain Gateway Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Eastern Shore Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Germanna Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Brightpoint Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Laurel Ridge Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Mountain Empire Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
New River Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Northern Virginia Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Paul D. Camp Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Patrick & Henry Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Piedmont Virginia Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Rappahannock Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Southside Virginia Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Southwest Virginia Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Tidewater Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Virginia Peninsula Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Virginia Highlands Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Virginia Western Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Wytheville Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass

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?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion 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, or associate of science will enter Virginia Wesleyan 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 conferred Associate's degrees get transfer credit for all acceptable coursework.They are not exempted from any breadth requirements.
Credit for Prior Learning Transfer credit is considered on the basis of an official transcript or transcripts from institutions accredited by regional accreditors. Official transcripts must be sent directly to Virginia Wesleyan University from all colleges previously attended. The results of the transfer evaluation of credit are recorded on the student’s “Transfer Evaluation Report” on 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 Virginia Wesleyan University grade point average. 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 credits are awarded for courses from colleges/universities accredited by regional accreditors and that are comparable in content and quality to those offered within the academic programs at Virginia Wesleyan University.
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all 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: Virginia Wesleyan University
College Level Information
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Transfer Center
Visit our transfer site for more information
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
Transfer Students - Apply Here
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
Financial Aid for Transfer Students
External Link
Number of Transfer Students
119
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
For the Fall 2020 recruitment cycle, 63% of transfer applicants were admitted. Average GPA 3.06
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? First year students who do not have parents in the local 7 cities are required to live on campus. 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 24. 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.
Transfer Student Catalog Year First traditional semester of entry (fall or spring) at VWU based on academic year (ex: fall 20-spring 21 entrants use same catalog)
First Year Student Catalog Year First traditional semester of entry (fall or spring) at VWU based on academic year (ex: fall 20-spring 21 entrants use same catalog)
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions There is no specific date as to when a student needs to let us know their intent. However, it is in their best interest to do so early so they can take advantage of all the perks. Read more here https://www.vwu.edu/enrollment-aid/transfers/fair-transfer-guarantee.php
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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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
Eastern Mennonite UniversityBachelor of Arts Theology & ReligionBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Hollins UniversityBA in Religious StudiesBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Roanoke CollegeBachelor of Arts in Religious StudiesBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
George Mason UniversityReligious Studies, BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
William & MaryReligious Studies - Bachelor of ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Shenandoah UniversityBachelor of Arts ReligionBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Ferrum CollegeB.A. in Religious Studies BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityReligious Studies, Bachelor of ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityPsychology (BS)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeReligious Studies (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
25-1126.00Philosophy and Religion Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach 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
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 128 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies at Virginia Wesleyan University
These costs are based on an estimated 8 semesters or 4 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $18,005 Per Semester $144,040 $0 $144,040 Full time- semester rate (12-18 credit hours each semester)
Fees
Fee $300 Per Semester $2,400 0 $2,400 New Student Enrollment
Fee $70 Per Semester $560 0 $560 New Student Orientation
Fee $250 Per Semester $2,000 0 $2,000 Student Activity (day students only) per year
Fee $700 Per Semester $5,600 0 $5,600 Technology (day students only) per year
Fee $150 Per Semester $1,200 0 $1,200 Car Decal - per year
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Tuition & Fee Notes:
  • Part-Time Tuition
    • Part time (less than 12 credit hours)
  • Evening & Weekend Programs
    • Evening & Weekend Programs - the tuition rate for these classes is $399 per credit hour.
  • Dual Enrollment Courses
    • Dual Enrollment Courses are $275 per course and available to approved in-state students only.
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.