Bachelor of Arts in Religion

Gain an understanding of the major religions of the world, their traditions and roles in society, with the Bachelor of Arts in Religion in the College of Liberal Arts at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø.Ìý

As a Religion major, you’ll explore the complex relationships between religion and class, ethnicity, gender, race, sexuality and other areas of society—as well as the ways in which religions connect to one another. Students are encouraged to explore and ask questions about the nature of religion, and what impact it has on personal identity, social life and political structures.Ìý

Religions covered in the curriculum includeÌý

  • African and African American religions,Ìý
  • µþ³Ü»å»å³ó¾±²õ³¾,Ìý
  • °ä³ó°ù¾±²õ³Ù¾±²¹²Ô¾±³Ù²â,Ìý
  • °ä´Ç²Ô´Ú³Ü³¦¾±²¹²Ô¾±²õ³¾,Ìý
  • Daoism,
  • Hinduism, and
  • Judaism.

You’ll learn about the major figures of these world religions, how they developed over time and how they relate to one another. You’ll also form a deep understanding of how cultures form, how different communities grow, why conflicts arise and how they are resolved.

The Religion Major can help students understand and appreciate our culturally, socially diverse world, and inspire empathy, curiosity and open communication.Ìý

A female student in a red jacket smiles during a class discussion.

Religion Department

Founded in 1961, °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø’s Department of Religion was one of the earliest religion departments established at a public or state-related university. The goal of the departmentÌýand its programsÌýis to provide students with a broad understanding of a wide variety of religious traditions and an awareness of how religion functions in communities around the world.

The department has strong relationships and affiliations with outside secular and religious institutions, including theÌý

  • Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary,Ìý
  • Lutheran Theological Seminary,Ìý
  • Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in PhiladelphiaÌýandÌý
  • University of Pennsylvania Department of Religious Studies.

Classes & Curriculum

In addition to university and College of Liberal Arts requirements, Religion BA students will complete major-specificÌýrequired and elective courses. The following courses are available.Ìý

  • Death and Dying
  • East and West and Religion in Philadelphia
  • Islam
  • Religion and Human Sexuality
  • Religion in Film
  • Zombie Apocalypse

After completing course requirements, students will complete a capstone project worth three credits.Ìý

Learn more about Religion Major requirements.Ìý

Related Graduate Degrees

Certificate Programs

The College of Liberal Arts has for you to expand your knowledge and diversify your °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø education. Certificates can complement bachelor's programs, allowing you to specialize in an area and highlight your exposure to disciplines outside of your major.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more.ÌýYou can view the full .

These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident:Ìý$18,864.00Ìýper year
Out-of-state: $33,912.00Ìýper year

LA-REL-BA

Additional Program Information