Religious Studies (Religion, Culture and Public Life), BA
Program Description
The BA in religious studies with a concentration in religion, culture and public life approaches religion as a mode of human culture, as constituted in intellect, language, emotion, practice, art and everyday life.
The program focuses on the role religions play in the formation of cultural identities, traditions, norms and memories, and it examines in particular the impact religions have on culturally specified ways 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 the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit the college's website for more information and requirements.
Required Courses (Major Map)
What if: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.
At a Glance: program details
- Location: Tempe campus, or online
- Additional Program Fee: Yes
- Second Language Requirement: Yes
- First Required Math Course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
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Math Intensity:
General
Admission Requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
Freshman Transfer International Readmission
Transfer Options
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.
Change of Major Requirements
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.
Flexible Degree Options
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.
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Scholarships
Financial aid
Career Outlook
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
- law
- justice studies
- 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.
Example Careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
Advocate
- Growth: 16.8%
- Median Salary*: $35,960
Counselor (General)
- Growth: 13.0%
- Median Salary*: $45,760
Lawyer
- Growth: 4.0%
- Median Salary*: $126,930
Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)
- Growth: 22.3%
- Median Salary*: $51,340
News Reporter
- Growth: -11.2%
- Median Salary*: $49,300
Politician
- Growth: 6.2%
- Median Salary*: $33,200
Religion Professor
- Growth: 6.7%
- Median Salary*: $76,160
Religious Education Director
- Growth: 3.3%
- Median Salary*: $45,110
Religious Leader
- Growth: 4.0%
- Median Salary*: $51,940
Social Worker
- Growth: 11.7%
- Median Salary*: $48,430
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
Global Opportunities
Global Experience
With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu
Attend Online
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
- 480/965-8364