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.
ASU Online also offers a Bachelor of Arts in religious studies program with a concentration in religion, politics and global affairs. Instead of examining particular places and times, the religion, politics and global affairs concentration explores broader political movements, international relations and ethical trends across societies.
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.
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.
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.
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.
students enrolled as of fall 2024
in research expenditures in FY23
interdisciplinary schools and departments
undergraduate degrees
graduate degrees
for humanities research, according to the National Science Foundation
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.”