Online Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies – Religion, Culture and Public Life

Are you interested in learning how societies have attempted to answer life’s biggest questions? Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Arts in religious studies with a concentration in religion, culture and public life explores areas of human life, such as conflict, peacebuilding, healthcare and politics, to advance your understanding of how religions develop across cultures.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 08/21/2025


Total classes:

Total classes: 40

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered

Have questions about the Religious Studies – Religion, Culture and Public Life (BA)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

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What you’ll learn in this religious studies degree

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Will my diploma say ‘online’?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

Religious studies courses

Courses offer explorations of domestic and global religions in a cultural context. You also have the opportunity to choose courses that focus on your areas of interest, ranging from Hinduism and the New Testament to the impact of race and gender on religion.


Jobs you could get with this religious studies degree

Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to pursue graduate studies or follow a variety of career paths. Popular areas of graduate studies include religion, anthropology and political science. You can also pursue a career in the public and private sectors in industries, such as journalism, public policy, education and more. Examples of potential careers include, but aren’t limited to:

Advocate


Growth: 8.6 %
Salary: $38,520

Lawyer


Growth: 7.5 %
Salary: $135,740

Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)


Growth: 14.9 %
Salary: $56,570

Mental Health Counselor


Growth: 18.4 %
Salary: $49,710

News Reporter


Growth: -3.3 %
Salary: $55,960

Politician


Growth: 3.4 %
Salary: $48,090

Religion Professor


Growth: 2.7 %
Salary: $78,780

Religious Education Director


Growth: -0.2 %
Salary: $49,380

Religious Leader


Growth: 0.6 %
Salary: $55,550

Widely recognized scholars in the field

From Royal Society and American Academy fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members. Our religious studies faculty have received fellowships at the National Humanities Center and research grants from the ACLS, Luce Foundation, Templeton Religion Trust and National Endowment for the Humanities. Our faculty also include:

  • Fulbright American Scholars.
  • Guggenheim Fellows.
  • MacArthur Fellows.
  • Nobel laureates.

Widely recognized scholars in the field

From Royal Society and American Academy fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members. Our religious studies faculty have received fellowships at the National Humanities Center and research grants from the ACLS, Luce Foundation, Templeton Religion Trust and National Endowment for the Humanities. Our faculty also include:

  • Fulbright American Scholars.
  • Guggenheim Fellows.
  • MacArthur Fellows.
  • Nobel laureates.

How to apply

I am a future

You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.

Learn how to apply.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

The largest and most diverse college at ASU

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences takes a transdisciplinary approach to education with a vast spectrum of degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. We inspire students to become socially aware critical thinkers and global citizens.

31,572


students enrolled as of fall 2024

$161 million


in research expenditures in FY23

21


interdisciplinary schools and departments

100+


undergraduate degrees

Tuition calculator

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 receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

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 receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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