Religious Studies BA Online

Religion is increasingly recognized as a vital part of our individual and community identity, as a political force nationally and globally, and as both a source of conflict and a potential resource for healing social divisions. This compact and fully-online BA in Religious Studies degree completion program at Chico State—one of only four offered nationally—offers both deep knowledge of major religious traditions and comprehensive exploration of the role of religion in the contemporary world.

In courses like Religion, Politics and Conflict; Religion, Sex, and Gender; Religion, Science, and Technology; and the capstone course Religion, Public Life and the Professions, you will work closely with outstanding professors in small classes that will both challenge you and closely support your learning.

Knowledge that Opens Pathways

Those who are employed in almost any field today—business, health care, education, law enforcement, social work, journalism, you name it—find themselves working with religiously diverse populations that they need to understand in order to be effective. A religious studies degree is clear evidence of the strong writing and critical thinking skills and multicultural competence that are sought by today’s employers.

When you complete this program, you’ll be a well-rounded and educated problem solver, a fluent writer, and a person who can examine issues from many perspectives. You’ll have significant technological and research skills; will be able to handle data interpretation and qualitative analysis; and be prepared to work effectively in challenging and culturally diverse settings. Your sensitivity to the ethnic, religious, and socio-economic identities that people bring to the table will be one of your strongest attributes. 

Graduates of our program have gone on to successful careers in teaching, business (corporate and start-ups), law, health care administration, national security, high school teaching, not-for-profit administration, and higher education. Religious studies majors are especially well-prepared for work in public service and public policy, international affairs, and non-profit leadership. This is a result of their global and cultural literacy and their ability to reflect on questions of meaning and value in complex social contexts.