Religious Studies, B.A.

Program Overview

The undergraduate program offers courses that focus on a wide range of cultures, religions, and traditions globally. If you are looking for a major or minor, religious studies allows for considerable flexibility. Even if you have already chosen a major, Religious Studies courses might add a fascinating dimension to your education. You might like our courses so much you take on a second major. We commonly have students double major in Psychology and Religious Studies, Sociology and Religious Studies, Political Science and Religious Studies, English and Religious Studies, and more. Students in Education, Social Work, and various health professions find our courses helpful for increasing their cultural competencies.

We currently offer three department-based scholarships for our majors!

Religious Studies graduates find the skills they acquire highly attractive in a variety of career areas. Our graduates regularly enter the fields of medicine, business, law, communications, public relations, international studies, education, and the helping professions.

Program Contact

Alexandra Kaloyanides, Ph.D.

Undergraduate Program Director

akaloyan@charlotte.edu

Still trying to decide?

Want to learn more about UNC Charlotte? Fill out the form for information on the university, application process, events, and more. For specific program questions, contact the program representative listed above.

Ready to apply?

Start your application today and discover the opportunities that await you at UNC Charlotte.

Apply Now

Religious Studies Honors Program

Want to take your education to the next level? Eligible students can apply for the Religious Studies Honors Program for a thesis option and additional coursework to graduate with honors.

Explore Honors Programs

Religious Studies, B.A. at a Glance

The major in Religious Studies consists of 30 course credit hours, with at least 15 hours (5 courses) at the 3000-level or above. The requirements are as follows: 1. RELS 2600: Introduction to the Study of Religion, which students are encouraged to take as early as possible. 2. RELS 1502 World Religions 3. Two (2) courses (6 credit hours) designated as historical analysis, which focus on a particular historical period or figure; consider a movement, idea or institution across several historical periods; and examine questions of historiography more generally. 4. Two (2) courses (6 credit hours) designated as textual analysis, which focus on reading texts closely and carefully; examine methods and histories of textual interpretation; and consider how religious groups and cultures have composed, transmitted and been shaped by texts. 5. Two (2) course designated as cultural analysis, which focus on how religious discourses, practices and identities interact with, influence and are influenced by the larger culture of which they are a part. 6. One elective class at the 4000 level.

Delivery

Online, On-Campus

Credit Hours

120 Credit Hours in the degree with 30 Credit Hours in the major

Register for an In-Person Campus Visit

Experience the heart of UNC Charlotte with our in-person campus visits. Register for a First-Year Student Info Session and Tour offered daily — an unmissable opportunity to live the Niner life.

Schedule A Tour

Accelerated Path to a Master’s

Qualified students can begin graduate coursework while completing their undergraduate degree through our Early Entry Program. This option lets you save time and tuition as you move seamlessly from your bachelor’s to a master’s program.

Learn More About Early Entry