Religious Studies (Religion, Politics and Global Affairs) ,BA
Buddhism, Christianity, Conflict, Culture, Current Affairs, Global Affairs, Hinduism, Islam, National Security, Political Science, Terrorism, beliefs, ethics, judaism, politics
Accelerated options for this program are not currently available to ASU Online students.
You'll gain valuable skills in interdisciplinary research, cross-cultural understanding, empathy, critical analysis and communication. These skills enable you to address crucial contemporary issues, including globalization, health care, human rights, immigration and the meaning of life.
In the Bachelor of Arts program in religious studies with a concentration in religion, politics and global affairs, students consider how the study of religion expands the understanding of political culture, communal formation, governance, nationalism, statehood and citizenship in domestic and global contexts.
Students explore religion's role in shaping political values, social movements, civic organizations and communal norms, with particular attention to how religion impacts issues of health, the environment, migration, peace, conflict, violence and various issues of social justice. Special consideration is given to the religious intersections of nationality, ethnicity, race, gender and other vital facets of human community and identity.
In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit The College's website for more information and requirements.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe or Online , ASU Local
- Second language requirement: Yes
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
- First required math course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
- Math
intensity: General
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
First-year
| Transfer
| International
| Readmission
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:
- Formulate a thesis about a significant issue in religious studies related to politics and global affairs.
- Address and analyze a scholarly issue in religious studies related to politics and global affairs.
- Develop a sustained, evidence-based argument about a significant issue in religious studies related to politics and global affairs.
Religion plays a major role in societal norms, politics and traditions all over the world. Through Global Education programs (more than 300 distinct programs are available), students witness diverse religions and cultures firsthand and gain a heightened understanding of the impact of religion. This understanding, as well as the cultural competence, and communication and critical thinking skills that students acquire, enhance their resumes.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these programs for students majoring in religious studies with a concentration in religion, politics and global affairs.
Religious studies graduates seek jobs in many professional areas, including:
- chaplaincy
- diversity management
- education
- foreign service
- health care, including mental health and counseling
- journalism
- law
- nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations
- public service and public policy
- publishing
Religious studies is an excellent foundation for graduate and professional studies in:
- anthropology
- gender studies
- health care
- history
- law
- justice studies
- philosophy
- political science
- sociology
- theology
Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
8.6%
|
$38,520
|
|
|
7.5%
|
$135,740
|
|
|
14.9%
|
$56,570
|
|
|
18.4%
|
$49,710
|
|
|
-3.3%
|
$55,960
|
|
|
3.4%
|
$48,090
|
|
|
2.7%
|
$78,780
|
|
|
-0.2%
|
$49,380
|
|
|
0.6%
|
$55,550
|
|
|
5.3%
|
$50,820
|
Historical, Philosophical & Religious Studies, Sch
|
COOR 4591
SHPRSadvising@asu.edu
480-965-8364
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
