Religion and Culture

The Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Culture at Virginia Tech offers students an in-depth exploration of religious traditions, beliefs, practices, and their influence on cultures across the globe. This interdisciplinary program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex ways in which religion shapes societies, values, and individual identities. Through a diverse curriculum, students examine major world religions such as Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and indigenous spiritualities, while also engaging with contemporary issues related to religion in society, ethics, and human rights.

The program emphasizes critical thinking, intercultural awareness, and analytical skills, preparing students for careers in areas such as education, public service, non-profit work, journalism, and international relations. Students have the opportunity to participate in coursework that covers religious texts, rituals, philosophies, and historical developments, as well as courses focusing on gender, ethnicity, and social justice issues within religious contexts. Virginia Tech’s diverse faculty members bring expertise from fields such as anthropology, history, philosophy, and theology, enriching the learning experience with multiple perspectives.

Students are encouraged to pursue experiential learning through community engagement, study abroad programs, and internships, which allow them to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. The program prepares graduates to critically analyze religious phenomena, understand religious diversity, and communicate their insights effectively. With a strong foundation in research methods and a global outlook, students are equipped to address complex societal challenges involving religion and culture. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be well-positioned for graduate studies or careers that require a nuanced understanding of religion's role in shaping human experience across time and place, making the Religion and Culture major a vital stepping stone in a globally interconnected world.

• 1004: INVESTIGATIONS IN RELIGION AND CULTURE
• 1024: JUDAISM, CHRISTIANITY, AND ISLAM
• 1024H: JUDAISM, CHRISTIANITY, ISLAM
• 1034: RELIGION AND THE MODERN WORLD
• 1034H: RELIGION AND THE MODERN WORLD
• 1044: RELIGIOUS ETHICS
• 1134 (CLA 1134): INTRODUCTORY HUMANITIES: THE ANCIENT MEDITERRANEAN WORLD
• 1214: INTRODUCTORY HUMANITIES: THE MEDIEVAL WORLD
• 1214H: MEDIEVAL
• 1904: RELIGION AND CULTURE IN ASIA
• 2004: CASE STUDIES IN RELIGION AND CULTURE
• 2054 (SOC 2054): ETHNOGRAPHY: STUDYING CULTURE
• 2104 (GR 2104): GREEK NEW TESTAMENT
• 2124: RELIGION IN AMERICAN LIFE
• 2134 (JUD 2134): JUDAISM: A SURVEY OF HISTORY, CULTURE, AND HERITAGE
• 2144 (AFST 2144): AFRICAN RELIGIONS
• 2204 (AFST 2204) (WGS 2204): RACE AND GENDER IN RELIGION AND CULTURE
• 2324: ISLAM
• 2414 (JUD 2414): HEBREW BIBLE/OLD TESTAMENT
• 2424: NEW TESTAMENT
• 2424H: NEW TESTAMENT
• 2444 (CLA 2444) (ENGL 2444): GREEK AND ROMAN MYTHOLOGY
• 2464 (STS 2464): RELIGION AND SCIENCE
• 2474 (IS 2474): RELIGION AND VIOLENCE
• 2504 (HUM 2504): INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN STUDIES
• 2514 (SOC 2514): ASIAN AMERICAN EXPERIENCE
• 2964: FIELD STUDY
• 2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
• 2974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY
• 2984: SPECIAL STUDY
• 3014 (WGS 3014): WOMEN AND GENDER IN ISLAM
• 3024 (ENGL 3024): RELIGION AND LITERATURE
• 3034 (COMM 3034) (HUM 3034): THEORIES OF POP CULTURE
• 3144 (ENGL 3144) (SOC 3144): LANGUAGE AND ETHNICITY IN THE UNITED STATES
• 3204 (COMM 3204) (HUM 3204): MULTICULTURAL COMMUNICATION
• 3214: RELIGION AND CULTURE IN INDIA
• 3224: RELIGIONS OF CHINA AND JAPAN
• 3404 (JUD 3404): TORAH AND TRADITION
• 3414: JESUS AND THE GOSPELS
• 3424: PAUL AND HIS INTERPRETERS
• 3494 (HIST 3494) (JUD 3494): THE HOLOCAUST
• 3504 (HIST 3504): THE AGE OF THE CRUSADES
• 3544 (JUD 3544) (PSCI 3544): THE STATE OF ISRAEL: A POLITICAL HISTORY
• 3604: ISLAM AND THE MODERN WORLD
• 3704 (JUD 3704): CHRISTIANS, JEWS, AND THE IDEA OF JUDEO-CHRISTIANITY
• 3954: STUDY ABROAD
• 4024 (SOC 4024): SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION
• 4034 (COMM 4034) (HUM 4034): FUNCTIONS OF POPULAR CULTURE
• 4124 (SOC 4124) (WGS 4124): TOPICS IN CULTURE
• 4324: TOPICS IN RELIGION AND CULTURE
• 4964: FIELD STUDY
• 4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
• 4974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY
• 4984: SPECIAL STUDY
• 4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
• 4994H: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

1. Application Fee: A non-refundable fee of $70 for all international students applying for admission must be submitted. The check must be written on a U.S. bank, a foreign bank with a U.S. correspondent, or a U.S. money order. Your application will not be processed without this fee. Students who apply online are required to pay the application fee electronically with either a debit or credit card (MasterCard or VISA), or an electronic check.
2. SAT Reasoning Test or ACT Scores (Optional for international applicants): Virginia Tech’s CEEB code is 5859; the ACT code is 4420. 
3. InitialView Interview (Optional for international applicants): You may learn more about InitialView at www.initialview.com. Please arrange to have your interview completed as early as possible. The deadline for completing the interview is February 15, 2017. For additional details, see the requirements page.
4. TOEFL/IELTS/PTE: Applicants whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test for English (PTE). Scores should be received on or before March 1. To have your TOEFL score automatically sent to Virginia Tech, please specify Virginia Tech’s CEEB code (5859) on the test form. 
5. Educational Documents: All documents in a language other than English must be accompanied by certified English translations. Notarized translations alone will not be accepted. Translations supplement, but do not replace original documents. Remember to send both.
   • Diplomas/Certificates: Students who have completed secondary school or high school must submit copies of their diplomas or school leaving certificates. Report of scores on school leaving examinations must also be submitted.
   • Transcript/Statement of Marks: This contains the record of courses studied, marks (grades) awarded, length of class periods, and grading scale with minimum passing mark. These must be submitted for upper secondary or high school years and must be complete for applicants who have graduated from school. For those applicants who are still enrolled in school, the transcript, or statement of marks, must show the most current term of grades to date. The transcript must be an original copy, certified by the sending institution.

Funding for the Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Culture at Virginia Tech is achieved through a combination of sources including federal and state financial aid programs, institutional scholarships, need-based grants, and private scholarships. Undergraduate students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal grants such as the Pell Grant, which can significantly offset the costs of tuition and living expenses. Virginia Tech also offers several merit-based scholarships that recognize academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to community service. These scholarships are awarded annually and are based on academic records, application essays, and recommendations. Additionally, students can explore departmental scholarships specific to Religion and Culture or related fields, which may have separate application processes and criteria.

Work-study programs are also available, providing part-time employment opportunities both on and off campus to support students financially while gaining professional experience. Virginia Tech’s inclusive financial planning resources, including the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, assist students in navigating the various funding options and planning their educational finances effectively. Payment plans can be arranged to spread tuition payments throughout the semester, easing the financial burden. It is important for students to stay informed about application deadlines and eligibility requirements to maximize their financial aid opportunities.

International students and out-of-state students may have access to different funding sources, including university-specific scholarships and external fellowships. For students pursuing graduate studies in Religion and Culture, assistantships and fellowships offered by the university may provide tuition remission and stipends in exchange for research or teaching responsibilities. Overall, the program’s financing options aim to make a Virginia Tech education accessible and affordable for a diverse student body. Financial planning should be an integral part of the enrollment process, and prospective students are advised to consult the university’s official financial aid webpage or contact appropriate offices for personalized assistance and the most current information.

The Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Culture at Virginia Tech offers students an in-depth exploration of religious beliefs, practices, and their influence on various cultures throughout history and into the modern world. The program aims to develop students' critical thinking, analytical skills, and cross-cultural understanding by examining a diverse range of religious traditions, philosophical perspectives, and cultural contexts. Through a combination of coursework, research, and experiential learning, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the role religion plays in shaping societies, ethics, and worldviews.

The curriculum typically includes courses covering major world religions such as Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism, along with studies on indigenous spiritual traditions and new religious movements. Students are encouraged to analyze religious texts, art, rituals, and institutions to better understand their significance within various communities. Additionally, the program emphasizes the study of religion’s intersections with contemporary issues including social justice, politics, gender, and environmental concerns.

Virginia Tech’s approach combines academic rigor with practical engagement, often incorporating opportunities for internships, community service, and project-based learning. Faculty members involved in the program are experts in religious studies, anthropology, history, theology, and cultural studies, providing a multidisciplinary perspective that enriches the educational experience. The program prepares graduates for careers in education, non-profit organizations, government agencies, cultural institutions, and international relations, as well as for graduate studies in religious studies, theology, or related fields.

Students also have access to various resources such as the Virginia Tech Religious Studies Department, libraries, and intercultural programs that support their academic and personal growth. The program fosters a nuanced understanding of religious diversity and promotes dialogue among different cultural groups, aiming to prepare students to contribute thoughtfully and ethically to global society. Overall, Virginia Tech’s Religion and Culture program offers a comprehensive and engaging education for those interested in understanding the complex role of religion in human life and society.