Religious Studies (Religion, Politics and Global Affairs), BA

At a Glance: program details

Location:
Tempe campus,
or
online
Additional Program Fee: Yes
Second Language Requirement: Yes
Math Intensity: General
Initial Math Course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics

Required Courses (Major Map)

You'll gain valuable skills in interdisciplinary research, cross-cultural understanding, empathy, critical analysis and communication. These skills enable you to address crucial contemporary issues, including globalization, health care, human rights, immigration and the meaning of life.

Accelerated options for this program are not currently available to ASU Online students.

Program Description

In the Bachelor of Arts program in religious studies with a concentration in religion, politics and global affairs, students consider how the study of religion expands the understanding of political culture, communal formation, governance, nationalism, statehood and citizenship in domestic and global contexts.

Students explore religion's role in shaping political values, social movements, civic organizations and communal norms, with particular attention to how religion impacts issues of health, the environment, migration, peace, conflict, violence and various issues of social justice. Special consideration is given to the religious intersections of nationality, ethnicity, race, gender and other vital facets of human community and identity.

In addition to reviewing 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.

Learning Outcomes

Formulate a thesis about a significant issue in religious studies related to politics and global affairs.
Address and analyze a scholarly issue in religious studies related to politics and global affairs.
Develop a sustained, evidence-based argument about a significant issue in religious studies related to politics and global affairs.

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:

Global Management (Global Development and Innovation)

Gain the ability to integrate economic, cultural and political variables in working to solve critical societal development issues, such as raising standards of living. You'll have opportunities around the world to tackle some of humanity's most difficult and urgent challenges.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Creative Industries and Design Thinking)

Are you seeking a leadership role in a global organization? This concentration offers applied learning opportunities and internships in settings around the world. You'll gain hands-on experience and learn from the diverse perspectives of a global cohort of classmates.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Digital Audience Strategy)

A new class of hybrid careers has recently emerged that combines digital media skills with marketing and design expertise. Become a global leader with both management and multimedia skill sets.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Sustainable Tourism)

Prepare for leadership roles in the global tourism arena. You'll be equipped with the skills needed to transform global enterprises --- skills that are increasingly important as ecotourism grows and the tourism industry adopts sustainability practices.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Sustainability Solutions)

Learn powerful new strategies and tactics to make sustainability a driver of organizational engagement, cost savings and innovation. You'll become an expert leader who can transform sustainability practices in your chosen field.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management

Gain hands-on experience and learn from the diverse perspectives of a global cohort of classmates. This program offers applied learning opportunities, 16 concentration options and practical internships in global settings.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Public Administration)

There is a cross-sectoral need for professionals who have both public administration mastery and next-generation global management skills and experience. As a future executive or manager, you'll be equipped with these sought-after skill sets.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Entrepreneurship)

Acquire the expertise needed to conceive and execute innovative global ventures. Through rigorous coursework and in-depth exposure to current multicultural business practices, you'll master the principles of management for global entrepreneurial enterprises.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Health Care Delivery)

Are you seeking a leadership role in the rapidly growing health care industry? Through this concentration, you'll gain a repertoire of global management skills and experience tailored specifically to health care.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Affairs)

Are you looking to become a leader in a nonprofit, governmental or international business role? With specialized cross-training in international affairs and the fundamentals of global management, you'll be ready to make a great impact on a worldwide scale.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Business)

Become a leader through mastery of global business management principles and practices. You'll gain an understanding of the economic, political and social factors driving change and how decisions affect global markets. Attain the perfect balance of practical and people skills to inspire, influence and drive global success.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Digital Transformation)

Thrive in global markets and respond to the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Customize your degree and acquire digital skills in marketing, design, product development, automation and data analytics.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Nonprofit Leadership and Management )

Are you a globally minded person who demands a purpose-driven career? Prepare for impactful roles in nonprofit organizations around the world as you gain the knowledge necessary to produce meaningful, rewarding work that enhances communities.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Public Policy)

Are you seeking a career as a policy analyst or leader in public service? Join graduates around the world who are involved in the formulation, approval, implementation and evaluation of public policy.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Legal Studies)

Engage in experiential learning and build your skills in global management and legal analysis --- all in demand among multinational corporations, international nonprofit organizations, governments and nongovernmental organizations around the world.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

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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Career Outlook

Religious studies graduates 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

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:

Social and Human Service Assistants

Growth: 8.6%
Median Salary*: $38,520.00

Lawyers

Growth: 7.5%
Median Salary*: $135,740.00

Marriage and Family Therapists

Growth: 14.9%
Median Salary*: $56,570.00

Mental Health Counselors

Growth: 18.4%
Median Salary*: $49,710.00

News Analysts, Reporters and Journalists

Growth: -3.3%
Median Salary*: $55,960.00

Legislators

Growth: 3.4%
Median Salary*: $48,090.00

Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary

Growth: 2.7%
Median Salary*: $78,780.00

Directors, Religious Activities and Education

Growth: -0.2%
Median Salary*: $49,380.00

Clergy

Growth: 0.6%
Median Salary*: $55,550.00

Child, Family, and School Social Workers

Growth: 5.3%
Median Salary*: $50,820.00

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright Outlook |

Green Occupation

Global Experience

Religion plays a major role in societal norms, politics and traditions all over the world. Through Global Education programs (more than 300 distinct programs are available), students witness diverse religions and cultures firsthand and gain a heightened understanding of the impact of religion. This understanding, as well as the cultural competence, and communication and critical thinking skills that students acquire, enhance their resumes.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these programs for students majoring in religious studies with a concentration in religion, politics and global affairs.

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.

Learn about online options

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.

[email protected]
480/965-8364