Oregon State University United States

Religious Studies (B.A.)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon January 2027

Course Overview

The Religious Studies (B.A.) at Oregon State University invites you to explore the diverse tapestry of human belief and practice, understanding its profound impact on cultures, societies, and individual lives. This undergraduate degree is designed for students eager to develop critical thinking, argumentative writing, and cultural literacy skills, essential for navigating our complex global landscape. You will delve into the study of religious ethics, worldviews, and the historical and philosophical underpinnings of various traditions, preparing you for a world that increasingly values global diversity and informed citizenship.

This full-time, on-campus program, studied over four years, offers a flexible curriculum allowing you to tailor your studies through electives in areas such as religious ethics, Buddhist traditions, Islamic studies, and the Bible as literature. You will engage with core courses and select from a wide range of specialized topics, potentially culminating in an independent study or reading and conference project. Graduates of this Bachelor of Arts program are well-prepared for diverse career paths in education, government, humanitarian services, journalism, law, medicine, and politics, equipped with analytical and communication skills valued across many sectors.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

The Religious Studies B.A. program offers a comprehensive exploration of global religious traditions and their cultural significance. Core courses introduce foundational concepts and methods for studying religion, alongside an examination of world religions and quests for meaning. Students will engage with diverse religious traditions from around the globe, including Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, and Jewish practices, as well as the role of religion in the United States. The curriculum further allows for in-depth study of religion and culture through various specialized topics, historical contexts, and philosophical inquiries.

1 Required Core Courses

Quests for meaning: world religions
Introduction to religious studies
Seminar

2 Global Literacy in Religion

Religious ethics and moral problems
Introduction to Buddhist traditions
Religion in the United States
Introduction to Hindu traditions
Introduction to Islamic traditions
Introduction to Jewish traditions
World-views and values in the Bible

3 Studies in Religion and Culture

4 SHPR Courses

Religion and U.S. foreign relations
A history of Christianity in Africa
Science and religion
The idea of God
Special topics
Study of peace and the causes of conflict
Special topics
Critics of religion
Gandhi and nonviolence
Intellectual issues of Mexico and Mexican Americans
Ancient Jewish history
Early Christianity: origins to 600
History of medieval Europe
History of medieval Europe
History of early modern Europe
Medieval and early modern Spanish history
Pacifism, just war, and terrorism
First freedom: religious liberty and intolerance
Early Latin America
United States religion and social reform
Philosophies of China
Islamic civilization
Islamic civilization
Special topics
Independent study
Reading and conference
Great figures in philosophy
Selected topics
The Holocaust in its history
History of Buddhist philosophy
Buddhism, non-violence, and social justice
Yoga and tantric traditions
Theory and practice of modern yoga
Spirituality and ecology: green yoga
Philosophy and religion
World views and environmental values
Biomedical ethics
Native American philosophies
Death and dying
Religion in the American West
Politics and religion in the modern Middle East

5 Non-SHPR Courses

Folklore and expressive culture
Contemporary native issues
The Bible as literature
The Holocaust in literature and film
Native American literature
Classical political thought
Sociology of religion
Introduction to women, gender, and sexuality studies
Feminism and the Bible
Muslim women
Global feminist theologies

6 Additional Requirements

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 41,110.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 41,110.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 41,110.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 41,110.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 164,440.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 799.00 - USD 1,094.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,000.00 - USD 4,560.00
Transport USD 600.00 - USD 1,200.00
Utilities & Bills USD 960.00 - USD 1,800.00
Estimated Total USD 4,560.00 - USD 7,560.00

Living cost estimates are based on Corvallis Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

94%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Clinical & Medical ServicesCorporate Training & DevelopmentCurriculum & Instructional DesignEarly Childhood & Primary EducationEducational Support ServicesHealth Technology & Digital HealthHealthcare Administration & ManagementHigher Education & UniversitiesNursing & Allied HealthRehabilitation & Physiotherapy

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Portland Community College

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

The Episcopal Church

Why Study Religious Studies (B.A.) at Oregon State University

What makes this program stand out

January 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in January 2027

Very Fast Application response time

Oregon State University typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 days, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at Oregon State University in United States

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Religious Studies (B.A.) at Oregon State University

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks without a separate work permit on campus. Off-campus work may be possible after the first year with university approval.

What English language score do I need for this course?

For English proficiency, a Duolingo overall score of 100 is required, along with specific scores in comprehension, conversation, literacy, and production. Alternatively, acceptable TOEFL and IELTS scores can also be submitted.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers in education, journalism, law, and humanitarian services.

What will I actually study in this course?

This program is available at the following locations:

  • Corvallis
  • Ecampus

The School of History, Philosophy, and Religion offers a BA or BS degree in Religious Studies as well as a minor in Religious Studies, and an undergraduate certificate in medical humanities. Courses emphasize skills in critical thinking, argumentative and expository writing, cultural literacy, citizenship, and global diversity.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Religious Studies (B.A.) program accepts students in January, March, June, and September. Be sure to apply during these months for admission.
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