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.
Quick facts
Next start date: 08/21/2025
Total classes: 40
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120
What you’ll learn in this religious studies degree
In this program, you’ll analyze the impact of religion on societies throughout the world, with an emphasis on how it influences everyday life and its portrayal in art and media. By exploring religious depictions in popular culture, literature, film and more, you’ll develop an understanding of how belief systems are perceived and shared.
The curriculum includes an emphasis on analyzing how different religions inform decision-making in aspects of human life, ranging from appearance to attitudes about mortality and sexuality. Through your coursework, you’ll learn how religious understanding shapes:
- Communication.
- Entertainment.
- Reasoning.
- Socialization.
- Work.
The skills you’ll develop in a bachelor’s of religious studies
Throughout this religious studies degree, you’ll develop professional skills, such as analysis, writing, speaking, critical thinking and reasoning. As you advance your understanding of the impact of religion on societies, you’ll build a familiarity with diverse cultural practices, which are transferable in a variety of workplace settings and advanced degree studies. The topics covered in the curriculum can support careers in many industries, including:
- Counseling.
- Education.
- Government agencies.
- Human resources.
- Nonprofit organizations.
- Publishing.
Which religious studies degree is right for me?
The bachelor’s degree in religious studies may be a good fit if you’re interested in learning about how religion impacts society in cultures around the world. In pursuit of this degree, you’ll expand your knowledge about religious traditions and take a magnified look at practices concerning diet, rites marking life traditions and more. This religious studies degree is applicable whether you’re already working in a related field or you’re passionate about exploring world religions.
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
Lawyer
Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)
Mental Health Counselor
News Reporter
Politician
Religion Professor
Religious Education Director
Religious Leader
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
first-year student
You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.
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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