Bachelor's in Liberal and Interdisciplinary Studies - Religious Studies

This religious studies degree is fully online and can be completed through seven-week asynchronous courses that allow students to work at their own pace.

Students pursuing a religious studies degree explore world religions, as well as exciting courses on topics such as Goddesses, Witches, Cults, Yoga, and Mysticism.

Religious Studies PROGRAM DISTINCTIONS

• An internationally renowned group of teaching scholars work closely with students to shape their program of study.
• The program offers a Pre-Divinity Track that prepares students for graduate study in a professional divinity school and career paths in religious non-profits.

Academic Excellence and Recognition in Religious Studies 

Students enrolling in UNCG’s Religious Studies program receive high-quality instruction from a faculty of internationally recognized scholars. The program emphasizes critical analysis of religious traditions through courses on Western and Non-Western traditions, ethics, and cultural studies. You can also join honor societies and academic communities that enhance your educational journey and help you form networks of peers and future colleagues. 

THE Religious Studies STUDENT EXPERIENCE

• Complete your degree fully online, with no set class meeting times.
• Develop key skills such as critical thinking, communication, and problem solving.
• Take courses in a variety of disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, fine arts, literature, history, philosophy, religion, and ethics.

Why Choose an Online Religious Studies Degree?

A religious studies degree is more than just an academic pursuit — it equips you with intercultural fluency, empathetic wisdom, and critical thinking skills that are essential in today’s globalized world. Studying religious traditions and philosophies online with UNCG’s Religious Studies program offers flexibility while maintaining high academic standards. Religious Studies at UNCG is academic in nature and does not cater to any particular religion or denomination, making it suitable for students of all backgrounds.   

AFTER GRADUATION

• Students are prepared for a variety of careers including non-profit management, pastoral work, and education.
• Graduates hold positions including child/family therapist for Pro Behavioral Health (Boulder, Colo.); vice president for ResourceNet International; manager of pastoral care services for Carilion Health Systems; pastor at Long Branch Baptist Church (Charlotte, N.C.); UNCG development officer; mediator in the Center for Conflict Resolution (Chicago); and vice president at a branch of the Bank of America.
• Graduates have attended prestigious graduate programs at Princeton, Columbia, Duke, Emory, Harvard, Princeton Theological Seminary, Union Theological Seminary, University of Chicago, UNCG, Wake Forest, and Yale.

Career Opportunities with a Religious Studies Degree 

Graduates of UNCG’s Religious Studies program develop strong analytical, communication, and research skills, making them valuable candidates in education, journalism, diplomacy, public service, and nonprofit management, among many other fields. Many students also use this degree as a foundation for graduate studies in counseling, law, or theology. Some of UNCG’s Religious Studies graduates go on to distinguished divinity schools at Princeton and Yale, among others. 

AFFILIATED MINORS

Islamic Studies and Jewish Studies minors are also available for those wishing to further focus their study of religious traditions.

The College of Arts and Sciences offers a minor in Videogaming and Esports that pairs well with this degree. Students complete one required course and 12 hours of electives in courses like Intro to 3D Animation and Fandom and Religion: Rituals, Texts, Communities. Learn More.

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