Religious Studies, BA at The University of Alabama

    Religious Studies, BA at The University of Alabama

    Religious Studies, BA at The University of Alabama

    The Religious Studies, BA is a Bachelor degree offered by The University of Alabama at its main campus in Tuscaloosa , United States of America. The program is delivered on campus as a Full Time course in English and requires approximately 4 years to complete. Students study at the university's main campus while gaining the knowledge and practical experience expected for this area of study. The next intake is available from July 5, 2027.

    About Religious Studies, BA

    Apart from requirements that apply to all students in the College of Arts and Sciences, the only prerequisites for religious studies students are an interest in cross-cultural work in different historical periods and a curiosity about the many ways that human communities--past and present--have devised for creating worlds in which to live and act.

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    Admission into the Major

    Students are encouraged to declare a major no later than the fourth semester of full-time enrollment (or at 61 semester hours for transfer students). Students declare a major by completing the Change of Major/Minor Application online under the Student tab on myBama. Prospective majors and double-majors should contact the religious studies office to make an appointment with the REL undergraduate advisor to discuss their career goals and academic interests.

    Special Opportunities

    The Department of Religious Studies has greatly benefited from donors who have endowed scholarship funds to support its students (either as merit-based awards or funds used throughout the semester, and at the Chair’s discretion, to assist those in financial need). The names of the students who have received these awards, selected by a faculty committee each year, are inscribed on plaques that hang in the department’s lounge.

    The department also conducts four ongoing lecture and discussion series, supports an active Religious Studies Student Association, and hosts the local chapter of Theta Alpha Kappa, the national honors society for the study of religion. Find us on Facebook: "Department of Religious Studies at The University of  Alabama" and the "Religious Studies Student Association" or on Twitter @StudyReligion and Instagram. Finally, in addition to featuring undergraduate research on the department's blog, the Religious Studies department hosts an annual undergraduate research symposium. Talk to an REL professor about getting involved.

    Requirements and Admission Criteria for Religious Studies, BA at The University of Alabama

    Entry Requirements

    • The undergraduate international admissions office will review the applicant’s transcripts within the context of the school, curriculum and country.
    • GPA will be calculated on all coursework, not just core subjects. UA considers applicants with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for admission.
    • UA will accept unofficial transcripts for admission purposes. These can be emailed or uploaded by the student. 
      • If a student applies with unofficial documents, we MUST receive the official documents directly from the school or testing authority by July 1 for Fall admission and November 1 for Spring admission. 
      • Any student who does not provide official copies will not be able to enroll for courses. 
      • If a student’s official documents are not available by that time, exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis. Students requesting an exception must email [email protected] before the deadline to be considered.
    • For academic admission, students must meet the English proficiency requirement. For more information see UA’s English Language Proficiency page. 
    • Students who meet the academic and financial qualifications, but do not meet the TOEFL, IELTS or PTE score requirement may apply for conditional admission.
      • Conditionally admitted students will begin their studies in the English Language Institute and then enter directly into their academic coursework once they have satisfied English proficiency. 
      • For more information see UA’s conditional admission page.
    • Students requiring F-1 and J-1 visas must also send documentation in order to secure an I-20 or DS-2010.
    • Successful candidates for UA will have completed a college preparatory curriculum.

    English Requirements

    • PTEMin 54
    • IELTSMin 6
    • TOEFLMin 79

    English Program Requirements

    • The undergraduate international admissions office will review the applicant’s transcripts within the context of the school, curriculum and country.
    • GPA will be calculated on all coursework, not just core subjects. UA considers applicants with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for admission.
    • UA will accept unofficial transcripts for admission purposes. These can be emailed or uploaded by the student. 
      • If a student applies with unofficial documents, we MUST receive the official documents directly from the school or testing authority by July 1 for Fall admission and November 1 for Spring admission. 
      • Any student who does not provide official copies will not be able to enroll for courses. 
      • If a student’s official documents are not available by that time, exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis. Students requesting an exception must email [email protected] before the deadline to be considered.
    • For academic admission, students must meet the English proficiency requirement. For more information see UA’s English Language Proficiency page. 
    • Students who meet the academic and financial qualifications, but do not meet the TOEFL, IELTS or PTE score requirement may apply for conditional admission.
      • Conditionally admitted students will begin their studies in the English Language Institute and then enter directly into their academic coursework once they have satisfied English proficiency. 
      • For more information see UA’s conditional admission page.
    • Students requiring F-1 and J-1 visas must also send documentation in order to secure an I-20 or DS-2010.
    • Successful candidates for UA will have completed a college preparatory curriculum.

    Career Opportunities after Completing Religious Studies, BA

    Types of Jobs Accepted

    Majors and minors in Religious Studies develop crucial skills necessary for citizenship in the 21st century, including critical thinking, oral and written communication skills and cultural literacy. Graduates of the program have pursued careers in a variety of venues, such as medicine, law, non-profit government organizations, various religiously-affiliated ministries, public administration, music and teaching.

    Learn more about opportunities in this field at the Career Center

    Tuition and Fee Information for Religious Studies, BA at The University of Alabama

    How to Apply for Religious Studies, BA at The University of Alabama

    • Copy of your passport
    • Relevant visa and immigration documents (This includes PR card, current visa, or F-1/ J-1 visa request and supporting documents)
    • Unofficial transcript copies from every secondary school you have attended. This includes academic transcripts, mark sheets, grade reports, diplomas or certificates, national standardized examination results, or other academic course work.
      • Include an English translation for all documents not written in English. If you need assistance translating your documents into English, we recommend using the American Translators Association to find a certified translator.
      • Students graduating high school in Nigeria, Liberia, Ghana, The Gambia or Sierra Leone must submit a copy of their WASSCE results and scratch card information (serial number and PIN) in order to complete their application.
    • Students that graduated 6 or more months ago should also provide a brief statement listing any academic activities since graduation (including any post-secondary coursework at institutions inside or outside of the US, English language programs, study abroad programs, etc.) List name(s) of the institutions and dates of attendance. If you have no additional academic activities, please write a short statement that speaks to your activities during the gap period. In the statement, please include the following and send to International Admissions at [email protected]:
      • Full Name
      • Address
      • High School/Secondary School
      • Graduation Date
    Religious Studies, BA at The University of Alabama
    The University of Alabama
    The University of Alabama
    United States of America

    United States of America, Tuscaloosa

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