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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
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, doctrinal, 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 at University of Redlands, you will work alongside engaged, award-winning faculty and become part of an inclusive community that seeks to generate respect for religious lives of all traditions. Through thought-provoking coursework, you will be prepared to continue your education at seminary, pursue a doctoral program, or start a career in a variety of fields, including law, medicine, and ministry. You will have the chance to travel locally or abroad, and sharpen your understanding of religion to positively impact your 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 Scriptrs
- 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 2025 - First Year
November 15, 2024 - Early Action
Fall 2025 - First Year
January 15, 2025 - Regular Decision*
Fall 2025 - Transfer
March 1, 2025 - Regular Decision*
Note
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis after the deadline based on capacity.
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.
What you'll learn
Graduates pursue careers as
Teaching the history, beliefs, and practices of various religions to students of all ages.
Conducting research and teaching courses on the academic study of religion at the university level.
Promoting understanding and cooperation among different religious communities through dialogue and collaborative projects.
Providing spiritual guidance and support within hospitals, military units, universities, and other institutions.
Graduates pursue careers as
Featured faculty
Every Redlands faculty member is an active practitioner in their field. The classes they teach emerge from their unique research and practices, and they’re passionate about what they’re sharing. At Redlands, faculty are invested in and committed to your success.
Julius Bailey
Professor, The H. Eugene Farlough-California Chair in African-American Christianity, Graduate School of Theology
Lillian I. Larsen
Professor, Department Chair, Crawford Professor of Christianity
Sana Tayyen
Assistant Professor
Want to know more?
Get in touch with our admissions team.
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