Program Details
Religious Studies, Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of ArtsVirginia Commonwealth University
Transfer Guides are designed to maximize transfer credit as students complete their associate degree at the community college before transferring to the bachelor's degree program. If 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 following Transfer Guide(s), applicable to this program, are available in the Resource Center. If there is a program-specific Transfer Guide and a general or general studies Transfer Guide, you are advised to follow the program-specific Transfer Guide. Please see your community college advisor for assistance in selecting the best pathway.
The mission of the Religious Studies Program at VCU is to advance understanding of the nature, history and diversity of religious traditions. Religious studies is guided by the idea that studying humanity's diverse and developing religious traditions is vital to understanding what it means to be human and how to live wisely as members of the world community. Students explore the artistic, ethical, literary, psychological and social dimensions of religions, as well as the relationship between religious ideas, institutions, and practices and matters of gender, sexuality, race, nationality, health, social justice, human rights and nature. Religious studies emphasizes excellence in written, oral and visual interpretation and communication, critical thinking, informed dialogue, and global citizenship. Combining classroom- and community-based learning through study-abroad programs, internships and community service, religious studies empowers students to engage intellectually and practically with diverse communities and work to build a peaceful, generous and affirming society.
Outcomes
Upon completing this program, students will know how to do the following: Demonstrate knowledge of diverse religious traditions Utilize the vocabulary, concepts and research methods of the academic study of religion Analyze the influence of religions on ethics, society and culture Make clear, well-organized and substantive written and oral presentations
Program Overview & Guidance
| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | The critical thinking and writing skills developed in our Religious Studies program allow students to analyze, process, and evaluate all sorts of data, much of which might be new to them. For those who pursue jobs in which the specific study of religion is relevant, our graduates are able to demonstrate how religion is intertwined with politics, economics, and ethics in most of the world. |
| Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes The Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies requires a minimum of 120 credits, with at least 30 credits in religious studies courses or in courses listed as acceptable for religious studies credit. Up to six of the 30 credits may be taken in language studies relevant to one's area of research interest and with the appropriate approval through the School of World Studies Advising Office. Other courses occasionally may be substituted should the needs and background of an individual student warrant substitutions. Religious studies majors are encouraged to consider a second major or minor that complements their study of religions (e.g. English, international studies), as well as study-abroad opportunities to enrich their studies. Each student completing a degree program within the School of World Studies is required to complete a World ePass as part of their experiential learning requirement; students are also encouraged to participate in a study abroad program. For more information on the ePass portfolio and study abroad opportunities, students may visit the overview page for the School of World Studies. |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Complete the Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts & Sciences, or Associate of Science to best prepare for this degree. Course Recommendations: Courses equivalent to VCU RELS 108 Human Spirituality, RELS 311 Religions of the World I, RELS 312 Religions of the World II, UNIV 200 Inquiry and the Craft of Argument, and MATH 131 Intro to Contemporary Math.
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| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
| Doing More With Your Degree | The Religious Studies curriculum makes it easy for double majoring, especially with International Studies and Anthropology. VCU’s motto is “Make it real” and in an effort to do that, Religious Studies offers internships with religion-related agencies and enterprises in the metro Richmond area. |
| Program Successes & Highlights | Graduates with Religious Studies degrees enter the job market with very strong analytical and writing skills. In addition, since the Religious Studies program is housed in the School of World Studies at VCU, graduates stand out for their nuanced understanding of ever-increasing globalization in which religion plays a major factor. In our increasingly globalized economy, graduates who've had real-world experience through internships with local businesses and nonprofits and those who have learned a foreign language, especially Spanish, tend to get hired for jobs that pay more. With record low levels of unemployment, the job market for Religious Studies graduates has never been better! |
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 Virginia Commonwealth 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 | Students who earn an Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts & Sciences, Associate of Fine Arts, Associate of Science, General Education Certificate, or Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System, Richard Bland College, or the College of Southern Maryland may be eligible to participate in the Guaranteed Admission Agreement. Students with one of these degrees may also be eligible to have the majority of their general education requirements waived. Students who have earned a transfer-oriented associate degree from any regionally accredited institution or the Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System before enrolling at VCU will have their General Education requirements satisfied. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Students who have earned a transfer-oriented associate degree from any regionally accredited institution or the Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System before enrolling at VCU will have their General Education requirements satisfied. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | VCU accepts a variety of types of credit for prior learning, including but not limited to Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), military experience, Cambridge, and industry certifications that are recommended for credit by the American Council on Education or the National College Credit Recommendation Service. |
| Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information
| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | VCU is a large, research-driven institution nestled on two campuses in downtown Richmond, Virginia, offering a vast array of degree programs from arts to dental hygiene to engineering to education. VCU students have access to hundreds of student organizations, which is a great way to connect with others whether or not you choose to live in one of our many on-campus residence halls. Take advantage of VCU's location with access to the James River and its park system, internship and job opportunities, community engagement, and interstates to travel to the beach, the mountains, and Washington, D.C.. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU. |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU. |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | https://admissions.vcu.edu/apply-to-vcu/undergraduate/transfer/ |
Where Can This Degree Transfer
| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Mennonite University | Bachelor of Arts Theology & Religion | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| 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 |
| Virginia Wesleyan University | 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 |
| 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