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Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies
Discover the religious traditions, beliefs, actions, and cultural practices of individuals and communities across the world and throughout history with a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies degree at University of Redlands.
Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Arts
Program Types
Undergraduate, Major, Minor
Mode of Study
On Campus
Department
Religious StudiesSchool / College
College of Arts and SciencesWhat is a religious studies degree?
In the Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies program, you will consider the many aspects of religions around the world. Through meaningful study of religions in an academic context, you will dig into the spiritual, historical, literary, ethical, practical, contemplative, and social dimensions of religious people and cultures.
Why should you major in religious studies at Redlands?
As a student in the Religious Studies program, you will work alongside engaged, award-winning faculty and become part of an inclusive community that seeks to promote understanding and generate respect for lived religion across traditions. Through thought-provoking coursework, you will be prepared to continue your education at the graduate level, through pursuing seminary, doctoral studies, or to begin a career in a variety of fields, including chaplaincy, law, medicine, education, global leadership, and public policy. You will have the opportunity to experience and explore local religious communities as well as to travel and study abroad. Each will sharpen your understanding of religion and equip you to positively impact both your local and global community.
Classes you'll take
To view specific program requirements and coursework information, visit the current university catalog.
Foundations of Religious Studies
The foundational course provides students with a framework for understanding religious traditions and introduce students to the methods and approaches used to study religion.
Complete ALL of the following courses:
- REL125 - Introduction to World Religions
Exploring Religious Traditions
Complete at least 2 of the following courses:
- REL145 - Introduction to Islam
- REL232 - Hinduism(s)
- REL233 - Buddhisms
- REL308 - Christian Scriptures With the permission of the advisor, students may substitute one of the courses with another course in that same tradition.
Four additional courses selected from the list or from a semester abroad program chosen in consultation with an advisor in the Religious Studies Department. Johnston seminars or First-Year Seminars taught by Religious Studies Faculty might count toward that total with the approval of the Religious Studies faculty advisor. Students interested in graduate study are encouraged also to take REL 299: Research Methods.
Complete at least 4 of the following courses:
- REL120 - Religion & Ethics
- REL122 - Religion & Ecology: Environmental Ethics
- REL126 - Asian Religion in Southern California
- REL131 - American Religious History
- REL145 - Introduction to Islam
- REL165 - Islam in America
- REL189 - Religion & Popular Culture
- REL199 - Cults and Sects: the History of New Religious Movements in America REL202 - History of Judaism
- REL206 - The 'Other' Jesus
- REL208 - Global Christianities
- REL225 - Islam in the Media
- REL232 - Hinduism(s)
- REL233 - Buddhisms
- REL241 - Ancient/Biblical Hebrew
- REL242 - Hellenistic Greek
REL245 - LGBTQ Spiritual Journeys, Religious Controversies - REL250 - Compassion
- REL251 - Women, Sex & Western Religion
- REL252 - African-American Religion and Spirituality
- REL255 - Gender in Islam
- REL265 - The Prophet
- REL292 - Sacred Life-Stories in Asian Religious Traditions
- REL299 - Research Methods
- REL307 - Old Test Lit: Hebrew Scriptures
- REL308 - Christian Scriptures
- REL323 - Quest of the Mystic: the Inner Path
- REL325 - Japanese Religion and Arts
- REL330 - Buddhist Literary Imaginations
- REL350 - The History of Social Protest in America
- REL351 - Women, Sexuality, & Buddhist Traditions
- REL358 - Psychology and Religion
- REST231 - Native American Women and Gender Issues
- REST346 - Native American Religions & World Views
- SOAN354 - Jewish Identity
A topics course approved by departmental advisor may be substituted.
Three options and requirements:
- Senior Paper
- Twenty pages in length
- Minimum fifteen source bibliography
- One reader
- Honors Thesis
- 35 pages in length
- Minimum of twenty-five sources
- Two readers
- GPA in Religious Studies courses of 3.45
- Timeline for Honors proposal and drafts will be set by the Senior Seminar instructor
- Internship
- Internship work begun prior to senior year
- Internship must be 80 hours minimum
- Students must have a proposal for internship approved by department advisor prior to beginning it
- Paper of 15 pages reflecting upon the internship and how the experience interconnects with coursework in religious studies
- One reader
- Assessment letter from internship supervisor
Complete ALL of the following courses:
-
- REL490 - Senior Seminar
- REL495 - Senior Seminar
Why should you minor in religious studies at Redlands?
The religious studies minor offers you a strong understanding of the subject through six required courses.
Foundations of Religious Studies
Complete ALL of the following courses:
- REL125 - Introduction to World Religions
Electives
Complete at least 4 of the following courses:
- REL145 - Introduction to Islam
- REL232 - Hinduism(s)
- REL233 - Buddhisms
- REL308 - Christian Scriptures
- REL122 - Religion & Ecology: Environmental Ethics
- REL122 - Religion & Ecology: Environmental Ethics
- REL126 - Asian Religion in Southern California
- REL131 - American Religious History
- REL145 - Introduction to Islam
- REL165 - Islam in America
- REL189 - Religion & Popular Culture
- REL199 - Cults and Sects: the History of New Religious Movements in America
- REL202 - History of Judaism
- REL206 - The 'Other' Jesus
- REL208 - Global Christianities
- REL225 - Islam in the Media
- REL241 - Ancient/Biblical Hebrew
- REL242 - Hellenistic Greek
- REL245 - LGBTQ Spiritual Journeys, Religious Controversies
- REL250 - Compassion
- REL251 - Women, Sex & Western Religion
- REL252 - African-American Religion and Spirituality
- REL255 - Gender in Islam
- REL265 - The Prophet
- REL292 - Sacred Life-Stories in Asian Religious Traditions
- REL299 - Research Methods
- REL307 - Old Test Lit:Hebrew Scriptures
- REL323 - Quest of the Mystic: the Inner Path
- REL325 - Japanese Religion and Arts
- REL330 - Buddhist Literary Imaginations
- REL350 - The History of Social Protest in America
- REL351 - Women, Sexuality, & Buddhist Traditions
- REL358 - Psychology and Religion
- REST231 - Native American Women and Gender Issues
- REST346 - Native American Religions & World Views
- SOAN354 - Jewish Identity
Undergraduate application deadlines
Fall Term - First Year
Early Action 1: November 1
Early Action 2: December 1
Regular Decision: January 15*
Spring Term - First Year
Deadline: November 1*
Fall Term - Transfer
Priority Deadline: March 1*
Spring Term - Transfer
Priority Deadline: November 1*
Summer Term - Transfer
Priority Deadline: February 1*
Note
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis after the deadline based on capacity.
What you'll learn
What you'll learn
Gain a deep appreciation for the diversity and complexity of religious cultures and communities.
Employ interpretive methods to study religious texts, uncovering insights that illuminate personal and communal understanding.
Experience personal transformation through engaging and reflective study of religious beliefs and practices.
Develop critical thinking skills that foster independence and a thoughtful approach to complex religious questions.
Graduates pursue careers as
With a deep understanding of cultural values, ethics, and belief systems, graduates are equipped to navigate complex global issues and foster more inclusive, effective policymaking with a sensitivity to various religious communities across transnational relations.
Understanding diverse religious traditions and ethical frameworks will allow graduates to promote dialogue and mutual understanding for peace building and collaboration.
By utilizing deep insights into cultural diversity, ethics, and human values, graduates in religious studies can foster responsible leadership, cross-cultural communication, and meaningful global engagement.
Religious Studies graduates can inspire critical thinking and empathy while helping a diverse student body explore the world’s diverse cultures and spiritual traditions.
Graduates pursue careers as
Student Testimonial
“In 2025, I interned with the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy, where I supported work related to interfaith dialogue, peace building, and women's education in Afghanistan. The experience helped me see how religion can be an important part of conversations surrounding diplomacy, conflict, education, and human rights. I am continuing to explore these interests through my internship with CAIR-LA (Council on American- Islamic Relations), where I have worked in Muslim civil rights advocacy, community outreach, and public policy. Being involved in grassroots organizing has been especially meaningful because it has shown me that advocacy is not only about policies, it is also about listening to people and their stories, building relationships, and helping communities have a voice in the decisions that affect them. My experiences through the Religious Studies department have helped me realize that studying religion can open doors far beyond academia."
— Morsal Maroofi '27, Religious Studies and Public Policy major
Student Testimonial
“I believe religious studies serves as an essential guide to help us grow as a community. The program at Redlands teaches me to look at faith and history from an analytical perspective, but more importantly, it helps me practice real empathy. Outside the classroom, I bring this mindset directly into my work as the new starting up GIS Intern with the San Bernardino County Department of Public Works. Bridging these two worlds allows me to use spatial data and mapping not just as technical tools, but as practical ways to always put our community first, understand local needs, and shape how I engage with people every day.”
— Michael Mejia-Campos '27, Religious Studies, GIS, and Computer Science major
Student Testimonial
“The Religious Studies program at Redlands held me in a pocket of support, encouragement, and guidance during a time of great personal spiritual growth as an undergraduate. I was able to evolve as a student and emerging spiritual teacher under the influence of the thoughtful and open-minded faculty. The class offerings provided me with an understanding and deepening of socio-cultural and historical awareness. Compassionate teachers who take the time to bring out your passions and interests. The Religious Studies program has true care woven into the offerings and resources it provides to the culture of the school and community whether it be through unique guest speakers, culturally relevant classes, site visits to centers of spiritual practice, or hosting restorative and community building gatherings.”
— Collrane Mergens ’22, Religious Studies major
Redlands' Signature Experiences
The Core Four Framework
At Redlands, our students’ success is at the heart of everything we do. We offer experiential learning opportunities, but our CORE Four initiative takes that commitment to a deeper, intentional level. More than a set of experiences, the CORE Four is a framework for transformation. Learn more about how students can prepare for their academic journey.
Want to know more?
Get in touch with our admissions team.
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