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Religious studies is a broad field examining major world religions, although many degrees in the U.S. focus on the Christian faith. Undergraduates in this discipline develop and practice skills in textual analysis, critical thinking, cultural empathy, and persuasive writing through general education and core coursework. Most programs end in a capstone course where students tie together everything they've learned. In true liberal arts fashion, religious studies faculty seek to mold students into inquisitive graduates who can articulate the traditions and importance of many religious beliefs. This focus is broader than a bachelor's in theology program, which seeks to create experts in Christian biblical interpretation.

Most online degree programs deliver courses asynchronously, meaning that enrollees sign in to a learning management system to complete work and view lectures on their own time. Many programs have synchronous elements, such as regular live video conferences that allow students to ask professors questions and interact with classmates. Some colleges provide part-time enrollment options that allow students to work at a slower pace.

Admission requirements differ by college, but most require high school or GED transcripts showing a minimum 2.5 GPA, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay on a designated topic. Applicants may need to take the ACT or SAT tests. Most online religious studies bachelor's degrees feature 120 credit hours of coursework that takes four years of full-time study to finish.

Are you unsure about pursuing a religious studies degree? Explore our comprehensive list of online bachelor's programs.

Religious studies programs can vary widely in scope, but many have courses in common. Programs with a focus on comparative religion, for example, usually offer surveys of major belief systems. At the same time, Christian-focused degrees generally highlight classes that situate Christianity within broader world religious history. Many programs also require foreign language credits to encourage students to delve into primary sources.

The courses below feature in many religious studies bachelor's degree curricula:

• Early Christianity: This course surveys the initial events that formed Christianity. Students learn the varieties of Jewish and Roman beliefs in the Middle East during that time and how they shaped the accounts of the New Testament's authors. Faculty also discuss how Christian thought and identity diverged from Judaism as Christianity spread over time.
• Judaism, Christianity, and Islam: Students examine the common themes and historical threads tying these three religions together. Topics include the origins of each faith, their tensions with one another, and their social and political influence in today's world. In addition, students read translated excerpts from each religion's key texts to understand how each approaches the same moral and epistemological questions.
• Religion in America: This class provides a broad view of U.S. religious history from its inception. Professors usually discuss the beliefs of indigenous settlers, scrutinize the Puritan Christianity of the first European arrivals, and examine contemporary religious pluralism. Topics include religion's influence on American politics, tolerance and intolerance through the centuries, and demographic trends.
• Religion, War, and Peace: All major religions wrestle with violence and its justifications, which this class covers in depth. Enrollees study sacred texts in Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam to investigate various perspectives on war, peace, and coercive conversion. They also hear lectures on religion-based wars throughout history and read contemporary scholars on the subject.
• Science and Religion: Students probe the changing relationship between faith and worldly inquiry. Topics include religious authorities' endorsement or rejection of various scientific conclusions, famous scientists' spiritual beliefs throughout history, and contemporary conflicts between science and religion.

Some colleges allow students to tailor their religious studies undergraduate degrees with a concentration. Enrollees take a common core of classes for the major and gear their electives toward their chosen focus area. A concentration can help students specialize in an area of interest they might want to work in, such as church administration or public policy. See below for a few examples of concentrations available at some schools.

• Biblical Languages: Christian colleges usually offer this specialty. Students learn ancient Hebrew, ancient Greek, or Aramaic so they can read the New or Old Testaments in their original language in order to apply their own interpretations.
• Christian Ministry: Students may choose this path if they're interested in church outreach. They take courses in evangelism, administration, group psychology, and Christian ethics from the perspective of their chosen denomination.
• Leadership: Similar to the Christian Ministry concentration above, this specialization is for students who want to work in administration or outreach. However, it's not limited to Christian students and parochial organizations. Leadership students learn motivational psychology and management skills, which are helpful when leading teams in non-profits, businesses, schools, and church organizations.
• Philosophy: This concentration examines the interplay between spirituality and rational philosophy. Students read the works of philosophers from Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim backgrounds to learn how these authors reconciled religion with their philosophy. Philosophy students have ample opportunities to practice critical thinking skills that can serve them well in both religious and secular occupations
• Politics and Global Affairs: Students who pursue this concentration are typically interested in the intersection between religion and levers of power. Courses cover religion's relationship with war, social justice, nationalism, and the law in North America as well as the wider world.

As with many humanities disciplines, a religious studies major aims to teach students an array of useful skills rather than train them for a specific career path. In addition, alumni may gain subject-matter knowledge that can potentially help them secure work for religious organizations, non-profits serving diverse cultures, or government agencies with overseas appointments.

• Religious and nonprofit organizations need administrators to coordinate faith-based initiatives. These plan outreach events, oversee religious training, and prepare team budgets. Students might spend some electives on business administration courses to improve their management skills.
• Religious groups and non-profits often operate on lean budgets, so are crucial to their operations. They use their interpersonal skills to solicit donations, update social media feeds, and network at fundraising events. Interested students may want to pursue a finance or accounting minor to improve their marketability in this field.
• help curators set up collections, clean and store items, acquire new pieces, and coordinate insurance and security. They often begin this career with a bachelor's degree, and some subject matter expertise can make them more competitive for entry-level jobs. Most positions are in densely populated states that host more museums.
• help oversee operations for non-profit charities, churches, and companies with outreach and community service initiatives. They create and coordinate service programs and handle logistics for ongoing projects. Employers with religious affiliations might appreciate candidates with a religious education who demonstrate dedication to the organization's values.
• Parochial schools need to educate students at all levels. Christian school teachers typically don't need to meet state licensing requirements, but employers may require certifications from specialty organizations in their denomination.

Considering an online religious studies degree? This comprehensive pros and cons list aims to provide a clear overview of the advantages and disadvantages associated with pursuing such a degree in a digital learning environment. By weighing these factors, you can better assess whether an online religious studies degree is the right choice for you and whether it's worth the investment of time and resources.

Potential Benefits

• Graduates with a religious studies degree often possess valuable skills in critical thinking, cultural understanding, and ethical reasoning. These competencies make religious studies graduates adaptable and well-rounded individuals.
• Pursuing a religious studies degree online offers flexibility. Students can access coursework and resources from anywhere with an internet connection, allowing them to tailor their education around personal and professional commitments.
• Studying religious studies online provides an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. It allows individuals to explore different belief systems, cultures, and philosophies, fostering a greater understanding of the world's diverse religious traditions and promoting tolerance and empathy.

Potential Drawbacks

• While religious studies is a legitimate academic field, some employers or graduate schools may not fully understand its value or relevance, potentially affecting job prospects or admissions to further education. 
• Some religious studies programs may be closely affiliated with specific faith traditions or denominations, which can limit the diversity of perspectives and teachings explored within the curriculum. This may not align with the beliefs of all students.
• Studying religion can be a sensitive and controversial subject, leading to challenging classroom discussions and potential disagreements with professors or peers. This can create a challenging learning environment for some students.
• Depending on the program's focus, religious studies may not provide students with the same level of practical, marketable skills as other fields of study. Graduates may need to pursue additional education or training to qualify for certain job opportunities.

Online religious studies degrees offer several benefits, including flexibility in scheduling and accessibility for learners from diverse backgrounds. They allow individuals to explore their spiritual interests and gain a deeper understanding of various religious traditions. Additionally, online programs can be more convenient for students managing work, family, or other commitments. However, prospective students should be aware of potential drawbacks, such as limited career prospects in the field, the sensitivity of religious topics, and varying perceptions of the degree's academic value. To make an informed decision, individuals should weigh these factors against their personal and professional aspirations when considering an online religious studies degree.