Religious Studies (Religion, Culture and Public Life), BA
Look around, and you'll see religion everywhere. By studying a variety of materials, you'll gain an understanding of the role of religion in shaping the past, present and future of human societies and cultures --- an understanding that will aid you in any field you decide to pursue.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accelerated options for this program are not currently available to ASU Online students.
Degree description
In the Bachelor of Arts program in religious studies with a concentration in religion, culture and public life, you approach religion as a mode of human culture, as constituted in intellect, language, emotion, practice, art and everyday life.
The program offers you a focus on the role religions play in the formation of cultural identities, traditions, norms and memories. You examine, in particular, the impact that religions have on culturally specified ways that people reason, communicate, socialize, work, entertain, dress, eat, live and die. Special consideration is given to the influence of religion on gender roles and sexual norms; the formation of images of the body and the moral assessment of medical practices; and the reflection and reproduction of religion in film, popular culture and conventional, digital and social media.
In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, if you are interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you can visit The College's website for more information and requirements.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| REL 101 Religion, Culture and Public Life |
| REL 307 Religion: Theory and Practice |
| REL 405 Problems in Religious Studies |
| REL 100 Religions of the World |
| REL 301 Comparative Mysticism |
| REL 321 Religion in America |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Formulate a thesis about a significant issue in religious studies relating to culture and public life.
- Address and analyze a scholarly issue in religious studies relating to culture and public life.
- Develop a sustained, evidence-based argument about a significant issue in religious studies relating to culture and public life.
Formulate a thesis about a significant issue in religious studies relating to culture and public life.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Religion plays a major role in cultural and societal norms, identities and traditions all over the world. Through one of more than 300 distinct Global Education programs, students witness firsthand diverse religions and cultures, and gain a heightened understanding of the impact of religion on human culture. Students also enrich their cultural competence and improve their communication and critical thinking skills, which can enhance their resumes.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these study abroad programs for students majoring in religious studies with a concentration in religion, culture and public life.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advocate | 7.4% | $45,930 | Learn more |
| Lawyer | 4.7% | $159,670 | Learn more |
| Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) | 13.5% | $66,940 | Learn more |
| Mental Health Counselor | 18.4% | $59,350 | Learn more |
| News Reporter | -5.9% | $62,200 | Learn more |
| Politician | Not available | Not available | Learn more |
| Religion Professor | 2.0% | $80,260 | Learn more |
| Religious Education Director | 3.3% | $52,100 | Learn more |
| Religious Leader | 2.4% | $60,810 | Learn more |
| Social Worker | 4.4% | $59,550 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Religious studies majors seek jobs in many professional areas, including:
- chaplaincy
- diversity management
- education
- foreign service
- health care, including mental health and counseling
- journalism
- law
- nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations
- public service and public policy
- publishing
Religious studies is an excellent foundation for graduate and professional studies in:
- anthropology
- gender studies
- health care
- history
- justice studies
- law
- philosophy
- political science
- sociology
- theology
The concentration addresses present-day interests and prepares students for jobs in a variety of professions. In addition to the fields listed above, students also pursue employment in media studies, migration and international studies.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
Historical, Philosophical & Religious Studies, Sch
|
COOR 4591
SHPRSadvising@asu.edu
480-965-8364
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
