Religious Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies at Arizona State University offers students a comprehensive exploration of diverse religious traditions, beliefs, and practices from around the world. This interdisciplinary program is designed to engage students with the historical, cultural, philosophical, and ethical dimensions of religion, encouraging critical thinking and analytical skills. Throughout the coursework, students examine major world religions such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Indigenous spiritual traditions, as well as lesser-known faiths and new religious movements. The program emphasizes understanding religion's role in shaping societies, influencing political and social issues, and contributing to human experience across different cultures and time periods.

Students in the Religious Studies program have opportunities to study religious texts, archaeological findings, and contemporary religious movements. The curriculum includes courses in religious philosophy, ethics, mythology, and the social sciences, providing a well-rounded education that fosters cultural awareness and global perspectives. ASU's faculty comprises experts in various religious traditions, theology, anthropology, and history, offering mentorship and research opportunities to deepen students’ knowledge. The program encourages experiential learning through community engagement, internships, and study abroad programs, allowing students to observe and participate in religious communities firsthand.

Graduates of the Religious Studies program are prepared for careers in education, non-profit organizations, religious institutions, journalism, public policy, and cultural consultancy. The program also provides a strong foundation for students aspiring to pursue advanced degrees in theology, religious studies, or related disciplines. With an emphasis on analytical skills, ethical reasoning, and intercultural competence, the Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies at ASU equips students to become thoughtful leaders and informed global citizens. Whether seeking to understand the complexities of faith or prepare for a diverse professional environment, students find a supportive and challenging academic community dedicated to exploring the profound questions of human existence.

30 credit hours including the required applied project course (REL 593) and a foreign language exam, or 
30 credit hours, a thesis and a foreign language exam

Thesis Option:

This option is recommended for students intending to seek admission to a doctoral program upon completion of the master's degree or planning to teach in the discipline at community colleges. For the thesis option, the student must satisfy the following requirements:

1. an oral defense of the thesis
2. reading knowledge of all languages relevant to the proposed thesis topic
3. a thesis that earns six credit hours of 599 Thesis credit
4. 24 credit hours of course work, including six credit hours in methods and theory (REL 501 and 502), six credit hours of graduate seminar (REL 591), offered each semester on varying topics within the academic study of religion and three credit hours of research (REL 592) to prepare the thesis proposal

Applied Project Option:

This option is recommended for students intending to augment their primary area of expertise and professional training in fields such as:

• counseling
• journalism
• K-12 education
• law
• social work
• the ministry

For the applied project option, the student must satisfy the following requirements:

1. an oral defense of the applied project
2. three publishable papers: one on theory and method, one on the student's minor area of study, and one on the major area of study
3. reading knowledge of a foreign language relevant to the proposed area of concentration
4. 30 credit hours of course work, including six credit hours in methods and theory (REL 501, 502), six credit hours of graduate seminar (REL 591), four courses in a major area of concentration and two courses in a minor area

• When considering the Religious Studies MA program at ASU: please be aware that during the admissions process, we look for students whose research interests can be well served by the members of our Graduate Faculty at ASU.  We have a very diverse faculty with a wide range of interests, which you can explore on our website. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the faculty member(s) they may want to work with during their time at ASU.

• Regular acceptance normally requires an undergraduate GPA of 3.5, and GRE scores of at least 600.

  Provisional acceptance may be based on a weak undergraduate record or GRE scores, and require that the student complete 9 graduate hours in religious studies with a B (3.00) or better during the first semester. For applicants whose background in Religious Studies is weak (fewer than 15 hours of undergraduate course work in Religious Studies), but who have a strong undergraduate record and good GRE scores: you may receive an acceptance letter that stipulates deficiencies to be met (deficiencies can be met by taking undergraduate courses in the first year of the program in addition to the regular M.A. requirements).

APPLICATION DEADLINES ARE JANUARY 15 AND MAY 1

1. Online Electronic Application: Fill out Graduate Admissions application.
2. References: The name, institution/company, and exact email addresses of three (3) electronic references from faculty or others qualified to provide an accurate evaluation of your potential as a graduate student.
3. GRE: Official GRE Scores are sent to ASU code 4007 (leave department code blank). Scores should be no more than five years old.
4. Statement of Purpose: Upload a statement of purpose of about 1,000 words (3-4 pages double-spaced) describing your academic background, reasons for wishing to pursue an M.A. in Religious Studies, the proposed area of specialization, and specific research topics you plan to engage in at Arizona State University.
5. Writing Sample: Upload a sample of your original scholarly writing. The sample should be between fifteen and thirty pages in length and should represent your best academic writing.
6.  CV: Upload your current curriculum vitae.
7.  Transcripts: Send official transcripts to Graduate Admissions Services.
8. TOEFL: The score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) from students whose native tongue is not English.  The minimum TOEFL requirement is 550 (PBT) or 80 (iBT).  TOEFL scores should be sent electronically through ETS to ASU. 

Scholarships

• Teaching or Research Assistantships
• Global Education

Religious Studies at Arizona State University offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the diverse religious beliefs, practices, and traditions that have shaped human culture across history and around the world. The program is designed to explore religion from multiple perspectives, including historical, cultural, philosophical, and social viewpoints, allowing students to develop a nuanced understanding of the role religion plays in shaping societies and individual identities. The curriculum includes courses in religious history, sacred texts, contemporary religious movements, ethics, and the intersection of religion with politics, gender, and race. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to interpret complex religious phenomena through various academic disciplines. Students have opportunities for hands-on learning through internships, research projects, and participation in scholarly events, facilitating practical engagement with the study of religion. The program prepares students for careers in education, public service, non-profit organizations, and other fields where understanding religious diversity and intercultural communication are essential. Faculty members are scholars with expertise spanning a wide range of religious traditions, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and indigenous religions. Arizona State University also provides resources such as specialized libraries, research centers, and partnerships with community organizations to support student learning and research. The program encourages critical reflection on religious issues and promotes an inclusive, respectful understanding of religious diversity. With flexible options including bachelor’s degrees, minors, and certificates, students can tailor their academic journey to their interests and career goals. The university's emphasis on innovation and experiential learning ensures that graduates are well-equipped to navigate and contribute to an increasingly globalized society where religion continues to play a significant role.