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Religious Studies BA Online

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  • Program Type

    Undergraduate Major

  • Delivery Type

    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 ConflictReligion, Sex, and GenderReligion, 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.

A person taking notes while kneeling in front of a headstone

A Flexible Program and Fascinating Field

Immerse yourself in as wide a variety of topics as you will find in a college curriculum—history, philosophy, art, psychology, and sociology—in this 34-unit major that also offers maximum flexibility with classes available fully online..

Knowledge that Opens Pathways

Students outside on campus.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.

Unique Learning Opportunities

You have the freedom to choose how you experience learning through available real-time and recorded options, as well as access to expert faculty.

  • A student working from a laptop in a dorm room.

    The Only Fully Online Option in the West

    We can accommodate your schedule! The program features the only fully online religious studies program on the West Coast.

  • A student showing his phone to two individuals at a career center event

    Internships that Benefit You

    Choose an internship that matches your passions as a death doula, counselor, chaplain, museum curator, soup kitchen assistant, and more.

  • Two people talking in front of an art piece with one holding a notebook

    We Will Know Your Name

    Our smaller programs mean that you will be known by your professors and peers. The professors make you a priority and find joy in your successes.

Hear From Faculty and Students in the Program

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