Bachelor of Religious Studies at The Ohio State University
Study Religious Studies at The Ohio State University, a Bachelor degree offered on the Columbus campus in United States of America. This Full Time program is delivered on campus in English and takes approximately 4 years to complete. Students benefit from a structured learning experience designed to build both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The next intake is scheduled for August 24, 2027.
About Bachelor of Religious Studies
Religious Studies
Degree: BA
Campus: Columbus
College: Arts and Sciences
Religious studies is a uniquely comparative, cross-cultural and interdisciplinary way to study the world’s religions. Students develop a broad knowledge of the world’s religions past and present, along with the opportunity for critical analysis of the role of religion in relation to other social and cultural domains: history, politics, art, literature, science, technology and the media.
During their studies, students develop strong skills in analytical and critical thinking, written and spoken communication, and an understanding of cultural differences as they attend to the intersections of gender, ethnicity, race and class in relation to religious traditions and practices.
Students choose one of following two areas of concentration:
Study of religions: The in-depth study of different religious practices and beliefs in specific historical, cultural and geographical contexts. This concentration does not focus on religions in isolation, but on the similarities and differences among different traditions and on the many varying roles of religion in relation to other aspects of culture: history, literature, the arts and social institutions. This focus area emphasizes different disciplinary approaches to the study of religion, including historical, anthropological, psychological, sociological, cognitive and aesthetic.
Religions and cultures: The study of religions in relation to cultural, social and political institutions, and in relation to categories of identity and difference. This concentration does not focus on religion in isolation, but examines religion through the insights and methods of literary studies, ethnography, historiography, social analysis and cultural comparison. Religion is viewed as a set of beliefs and practices that are inextricably intertwined with race, class, gender and ethnicity, among other categories of affiliation and identification. Students also reflect on the category of religion itself, exploring the interrelations between knowledge and power in our own academic discourse about “religion.â€
Get started
Upon admission to the university, students can declare a major in religious studies within the College of Arts and Sciences.
Students are often unfamiliar with this field and decide upon the religious studies major after taking a course such as Introduction to Comparative Religion or Comparative Sacred Texts.
The religious studies undergraduate program is interdisciplinary and calls upon students to actively participate in shaping the major for themselves. Consequently, the major is both academically rigorous and tailored to students’ particular interests.
Curriculum
The religious studies major requires 36 semester hours in comparative studies and in fields related to the student’s area of concentration, including at least 24 credit hours at the 3000 level and above. Depending upon their interests, students may choose some courses offered by various participating units, including the departments of African American and African studies; classics; history; history of art; philosophy; women’s, gender and sexuality studies; and language and literature departments.
The study of religions concentration includes:
- Four core courses to provide introductory and capstone experiences
- Electives to fulfill both cross-cultural and interdisciplinary distribution requirements (in relation to history, art, literature, and social and political institutions)
The religions and cultures concentration includes:
- Two foundation courses to provide introductory and methodological background
- Interdisciplinary, thematic and comparative courses that emphasize cultural and social theory and relationships between religion and other elements of culture
- Distribution requirements to provide depth and focus in specific religious traditions
Possible careers
Students majoring in religious studies develop strong skills in analytical and critical thinking and in written and spoken communication. These skills are essential to many positions in both the public and private sector: government; the law; local, national and international service organizations; business and industry; and all levels of education. Religious studies students also develop their understanding of religious and cultural differences, including those of gender, ethnicity, race and class. In an increasingly diverse nation and interconnected world, employers have come to value this important area of expertise.
Graduates with a degree in religious studies are well prepared to pursue a wide range of academic fields—including religious studies, cultural studies, English, history and American studies—at excellent graduate schools, both public and private. Graduates of the program will also be well-positioned to attend professional schools and pursue degrees in law, medicine, teaching or social work.
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Religious Studies at The Ohio State University
Entry Requirements
Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.
Successful completion of university preparatory courses
High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA
Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community
Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement (e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)
Status as a first-generation university student
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State
Enrollment in your intended major
Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
English Program Requirements
we require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Religious Studies at The Ohio State University
How to Apply for Bachelor of Religious Studies at The Ohio State University
How do I submit scores?
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Tips for sending scores to Ohio State
Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 2 (SAT) and October 23 (ACT) are your last 2021 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.
Is the essay required?
The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.
Should I take a standardized test more than once?
Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.
How does Ohio State look at scores?
When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.
These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.
Official transcripts
High school transcripts
Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.
How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:
Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to [email protected].
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.
Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.
Official ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.How do I submit my scores?
We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.
Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor
While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.
If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to
[email protected]; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.
Official proof of English language skills
You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:
TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition*): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator*: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo*: 105 or higher
You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.
*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2022 or autumn 2022 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.
United States of America, Columbus