Religious Studies

The undergraduate degree in the Department of Religious Studies is a research, analysis, and writing intensive program that features close work with faculty in small classroom settings. It seeks to develop a foundational knowledge of the world’s diversity of religious cultures and critical awareness of the ways in which religion shapes how we see and act toward ourselves, others, and the environment around us. Through the study of specific religious traditions and settings, students come away with a background that is invaluable to understanding and working with people of other cultures, whether in international business or simply as an informed global citizen.

Religious studies majors and minors develop expertise and skills that serve them well wherever life takes them. Our graduates have been successful in many different areas. Studying religion provides a solid foundation for work in fields as diverse as journalism, law, politics, nongovernmental organizations, ministry, and education. No matter what their intended careers, students benefit from the critical reading, writing, and analytical skills that the academic study of religion instills.

The Religious Studies major consists of required courses, distribution requirements, and electives. The required introductory course and capstone seminar focus on theoretical and methodological issues in the study of religion. Distribution requirements encourage students to approach the study of religion from a variety of angles, from a focus on individual religions to the interaction between religions in specific regions to the exploration of comparative issues and themes. Electives allow students to tailor their course of study to their specific interests and pursue a depth of knowledge in particular aspects of the study of religion.

The major consists of at least 27 hours in religious studies. 15 hours must be in courses numbered 300 and above, and 8 of these junior/senior hours must be completed in residence at KU. The 27 hours may include no more than 12 transfer hours, no more than 12 hours from study abroad, and no more than 15 hours in combination of the two.

Freshmen must:
 
1. Provide evidence of high school graduation with a curriculum that would prepare you for university studies in your home country

Credentials and Requirements by Country for Freshman Addition to the College of LIberal Arts and Sciences

2. Have a GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale;

3. Submit English proficiency test scores (used to estimate students' placement in appropriate level of ESL course, as needed. All international students are screened after arrival on campus and prior to enrollment by the KU Applied English Center).

The University of Kansas will accept both the new SAT and the old SAT. We will use concordance tables to compare your scores and determine your highest scores on either the new SAT or the old SAT. At this time, any SAT scores listed are based on the new SAT (after March 2016).  

In addition to transcripts or marksheets, you must present an official diploma or graduation certificate, official examination results, or other proof of graduation particular to your country.  We use equivalent admission criteria for applicants from all countries.  Meeting the minimum grade point average does not guarantee admission.

KU offers a few partial scholarships for qualified, new international freshmen and transfer students admitted for fall semester. To be considered for a scholarship, you must complete an online fall semester application by Jan. 15.

The Office of International Recruitment and Undergraduate Admissions (IRUA) screens candidates for a limited number of admissions scholarships. Awards are only offered to degree-seeking undergraduates whose first KU semester is the fall semester. KU does not offer international student scholarships based on financial need. International undergraduate scholarships do not cover all expenses. Prior to issuance of the SEVIS document, students requesting F-1 or J-1 status must submit proof of financial support for the first year of study.