Religious Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies at the University of Virginia offers students a comprehensive exploration of the diverse religious traditions, beliefs, practices, and historical developments across the globe. This multidisciplinary program is designed to cultivate critical thinking, analytical skills, and cultural awareness through the careful study of sacred texts, theological doctrines, ritual practices, and the social and political roles of religion in various societies. Students have the opportunity to examine major world religions such as Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, and indigenous spiritual traditions, as well as contemporary issues related to religion including secularism, religious tolerance, and the intersection of faith and modernity. The curriculum encourages students to engage with philosophical and ethical questions raised by religious beliefs and practices, fostering a nuanced understanding of the impact of religion on individual identity and societal development. With a strong emphasis on historical context and cultural diversity, the program prepares graduates for careers in education, public policy, non-profit organizations, arts and media, and academia. Students can tailor their studies through a variety of electives in archaeology, history, anthropology, philosophy, and literature, enabling an interdisciplinary approach to religious phenomena. The program also emphasizes research skills, critical analysis of primary and secondary sources, and effective communication, equipping students to contribute thoughtfully to discussions surrounding religion's role in contemporary society. With experienced faculty dedicated to scholarly inquiry and engagement, the Religious Studies program at the University of Virginia fosters an intellectually stimulating environment where students can deepen their understanding of faith, belief systems, and the complex role of religion in shaping human history and culture.

Of the 72 credits required for the degree, students are expected to complete a minimum of 45 credits of graded coursework by the conclusion of the fifth semester, including RELG 7360 (The Study of Religion) during the first semester. 

Students are expected to submit a summary progress report at the conclusion of each semester of study.

Students are expected to file an approved plan for language acquisition at the end of the first semester. Before sitting for comprehensive examinations, students are expected to demonstrate a reading knowledge of at least one modern research language.

Students are expected to file an approved comprehensive examination plan at the end of their first semester.

Upon finishing coursework, students are expected to hold a research conference with their prospective dissertation advisor and two other faculty members in their area to discuss dissertation ideas and a timetable for taking comprehensive exams.

Students are expected to pass comprehensive examinations in their field of specialization by the conclusion of the sixth semester.

Students are expected to complete all requirements stated above by the conclusion of the sixth semester.

Within six months of the completion of comprehensive examinations, students are expected to obtain approval of a dissertation proposal.

Students are expected to write and defend a dissertation.

Courses

• JWST 5100 - Theology and Ethics of the Rabbis Credits: 3
• JWST 5291 - The Book of Genesis and Its Interpretation Credits: 3
• JWST 5292 - The Book of Job & Its Interpretation Credits: 3
• JWST 5385 - The Song of Songs Credits: 3
• JWST 8500 - Topics for Supervised Study and Research Credits: 1 to 6
• RELA 5085 - Evangelism in Contemporary Africa Credits: 3
• RELA 5620 - Ritual & Remembrance Credits: 3
• RELA 7410 - Yoruba Religion Credits: 3
• RELB 5011 - Readings in Chinese Buddhist Texts I, II Credits: 3
• RELB 5012 - Readings in Chinese Buddhist Texts I, II Credits: 3
• RELB 5055 - Buddhist Philosophy Credits: 3
• RELB 5170 - The Dalai Lamas of Tibet Credits: 3
• RELB 5250 - Seminar in Japanese Buddhism Credits: 3
• RELB 5390 - Tibetan Buddhist Tantra Dzokchen Credits: 3
• RELB 5430 - Sanskrit Religious Texts Credits: 3
• RELB 5440 - Sanskrit Religious Texts Credits: 3
• RELB 5460 - Seminar in Mahayana Buddhism Credits: 3
• RELB 5470 - Literary Tibetan V Credits: 3
• RELB 5480 - Literary Tibetan VI Credits: 3
• RELB 5490 - Religious History of Tibet Credits: 3
• RELB 5520 - Seminar in Daoism Credits: 3
• RELB 5600 - Elementary Pali Credits: 3
• RELB 5610 - Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Credits: 1 to 3
• RELB 5660 - Seminar on Indian Buddhism Credits: 3
• RELB 5715 - Seminar on Chinese Religion and Society Credits: 3
• RELB 5800 - Literary Tibetan VII Credits: 3
• RELB 5810 - Literary Tibetan VIII Credits: 3
• RELB 5991 - Seminar in Chinese Buddhism Credits: 3
• RELB 8200 - Literary Tibetan VII Credits: 4
• RELB 8210 - Literary Tibetan VIII Credits: 4
• RELB 8230 - Advanced Literary and Spoken Tibetan Credits: 3
• RELB 8310 - Advanced Sanskrit/Pali I Credits: 1 to 3
• RELC 5009 - Bonhoeffer, Niebuhr and King: Resistance and Reconciliation Credits: 3
• RELC 5043 - Prospects in Eastern Orthodox Theology Credits: 3
• RELC 5048 - Philo of Alexandria and Hellenistic Judaism Credits: 3
• RELC 5052 - Seminar in American Catholic History Credits: 3
• RELC 5077 - Pius XII, Hitler the US and WW II Credits: 3
• RELC 5090 - African-Americans and the Bible Credits: 3
• RELC 5130 - Being and God Credits: 3
• RELC 5135 - America's Bibles: Narrative Construction of Relig Credits: 3
• RELC 5155 - Ecology, Christianity, and Culture Credits: 3
• RELC 5158 - History of Christian Ethics Credits: 3
• RELC 5230 - Pentecostalism Credits: 3
• RELC 5310 - Religions of the Roman Empire Credits: 3
• RELC 5385 - The Song of Songs Credits: 3
• RELC 5445 - The Atonement in Christian Thought Credits: 3
• RELC 5551 - Seminar in Early Christian Thought Credits: 3
• RELC 5665 - Freedom: Theological & Philosophical Perspectives Credits: 3
• RELC 5676 - Human Image, Divine Image Credits: 3
• RELC 5685 - Orthodoxy and Heresy in Early Christianity Credits: 3
• RELC 5700 - Patristic Greek Credits: 3
• RELC 5795 - The Icon in Orthodox Christianity Credits: 3
• RELC 5830 - Love and Justice in Christian Ethics Credits: 3
• RELC 5910 - Religion, Race and Politics in American Society Credits: 3
• RELC 5976 - The Theology of Friedrich Schleiermacher Credits: 3
• RELC 5980 - The Theology of Karl Barth Credits: 3
• RELC 7245 - Religious Liberty in Historical and Legal Perspective Credits: 3
• RELC 7515 - Themes and Topics in Christian Thought Credits: 3
• RELC 8315 - Trinity Credits: 3
• RELC 8410 - Seminar on American Religious Thought I: Edwards to Emerson Credits: 3
• RELC 8420 - Seminar on American Religious Thought II: Liberalism Through Neo-Orthodoxy Credits: 3
• RELC 8590 - Topics in New Testament Studies Credits: 3
• RELC 8920 - Seminar in Early Christianity Credits: 3
• RELG 5030 - Readings in Chinese Religion Credits: 3
• RELG 5070 - Interpretation Theory Credits: 3
• RELG 5088 - Dostoevsky and Eliot: Notes from the Wasteland Credits: 3
• RELG 5170 - Seminar in History of Religions Credits: 3
• RELG 5240 - Problems in Philosophy of Religion Credits: 3
• RELG 5320 - Research Seminar in Religion, Conflict, and Peace Credits: 3
• RELG 5455 - Recent Feminist Thought Credits: 3
• RELG 5485 - History of American Religion and Social Reform Credits: 3
• RELG 5541 - Seminar in Social and Political Thought Credits: 3
• RELG 5630 - Seminar: Issues in the Study of Religion and Literature Credits: 3
• RELG 5775 - Religion and Foreign Affairs Credits: 3
• RELG 5780 - Wallace Stevens and the Absolute Credits: 3
• RELG 5835 - Ethnography and the Study of Religion Credits: 3
• RELG 5850 - Narrative in Ethics and Theology Credits: 3
• RELG 5900 - Ethics, Politics, and Rhetoric Credits: 3
• RELG 5960 - What Is Scripture? Credits: 3
• RELG 7130 - American Spirituality Credits: 3
• RELG 7360 - Theories and Methods in the Study of Religion Credits: 3
• RELG 7450 - Phenomenology and Theology Credits: 3
• RELG 7528 - Topics in Modern Religious Thought Credits: 3
• RELG 8000 - Negativity and the Religious Imagination Credits: 3
• RELG 8130 - Figures and Traditions in Philosophical and Religious Credits: 1 to 3
• RELG 8205 - Edmund Husserl's Philosophy Credits: 3
• RELG 8330 - Comparative Religious Ethics Credits: 3
• RELG 8350 - Proseminar in Scripture Interpretation and Practice Credits: 1
• RELG 8400 - Historiography Seminar in American Religion Credits: 3
• RELH 5053 - Hindu Philosophical Systems Credits: 3
• RELH 5340 - Ritual and Renunciation Credits: 3
• RELH 5450 - Hindu-Buddhist Debates Credits: 3
• RELH 5465 - Shaiva Tantra Credits: 3
• RELH 5475 - Social Vision in Hinduism Credits: 3
• RELH 7045 - Panini and the Sanskrit Grammarians Credits: 3
• RELI 5345 - People of the Book Under Islam Credits: 3
• RELI 5380 - Islamic Biomedical Ethics Credits: 3
• RELI 5400 - Muslim Comparative Theologies: Sunni-Shi'i Creeds Credits: 3
• RELI 5420 - War and Peace in Islam: A Comparative Ethics Approach Credits: 3
• RELI 5540 - Seminar in Islamic Studies Credits: 3

• A completed application form, including the Statement of Academic Interests (called the "Personal Statement" in the on-line application form).
• Unofficial transcripts of all previous undergraduate or graduate coursework.  (Official transcripts will later be required of all admitted applicants.  Please do not send official transcripts in advance of receiving an offer of admission.)
• Three confidential letters of recommendation.
• Results of the GRE 3-part general test and the subject test in English literature.
• Results of the TOEFL for international applicants whose native language is not English.
• A writing sample of 15-25 pages (including notes). The writing sample should be in a 12-point font, preferably Times New Roman.
• The $85 non-refundable application fee.
• International applicants, if accepted, must submit the international applicant financial statement. Students admitted to the PhD program may submit the University's letter offering financial aid as documentation along with the form.

Scholarships

Dissertation Completion Fellowships

To assist doctoral students who are poised to complete distinguished dissertations and enter the job market during their sixth year of study, the Graduate School awards dissertation completion fellowships that provide $20,000 in living support and an opportunity for independent teaching, as well as full remission of tuition, fees and the single student health insurance premium. Details regarding the nomination process are announced annually in late February.

Dissertation Research Grants

In collaboration with the Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Affairs and the University of Virginia’s Society of Fellows, the Graduate School awards grants of up to $5,000 to doctoral students in the arts, humanities and social sciences to support preliminary dissertation research during the summer months.  These grants fund research travel to archives, collections and field sites that will enable the student to determine the feasibility of prospective dissertation projects, survey available sources and clarify the research focus, thus better positioning the student to apply for support from external funding agencies to support the advanced stage of research and writing.  Details regarding the application process are announced annually in late February.               

The Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies at the University of Virginia offers students an in-depth exploration of the diverse religious traditions, texts, practices, and ideas that have shaped human history and continue to influence contemporary societies. This program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of religion from multiple perspectives, including historical, philosophical, cultural, and theological approaches. Students have the opportunity to study major world religions such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and indigenous traditions, alongside lesser-known faiths and modern spiritual movements. The curriculum often includes courses in biblical studies, theology, religious ethics, philosophy of religion, and religious history, allowing students to develop critical thinking skills and analytical abilities.

The program emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to examine religious phenomena within their social, political, and cultural contexts. Students are expected to engage critically with primary texts, scholarly articles, and contemporary debates about religion’s role in society. The department may offer opportunities for fieldwork, internships, and participation in religious communities or organizations to provide practical experience. Faculty members in the Religious Studies department are distinguished scholars whose research covers a broad range of topics, from ancient religious texts to modern secularism.

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for careers in education, law, public policy, non-profit work, journalism, and graduate studies in theology, religious studies, or related fields. The program also encourages students to develop strong writing, research, and communication skills vital for professional success. Overall, the Religious Studies program at the University of Virginia aims to foster a nuanced understanding of religion’s complex role in shaping human history and contemporary life, promoting critical awareness and intercultural sensitivity.