BA in Religious Studies in Riverside United States | University of California, Riverside

Pursuing a degree in Religious Studies offers valuable preparation for navigating today's diverse, multicultural world while equipping students for various professional paths including education, counseling, business, legal fields, writing, healthcare, creative arts, and faith-based leadership. The program cultivates essential, versatile skills applicable across all career fields. At UC Riverside, Religious Studies courses foster informed, independent thinking while teaching scholarly research methods - from gathering information to analyzing data through critical evaluation. The curriculum emphasizes meticulous, unbiased text analysis, open-minded source evaluation, and detailed observation of individual and group dynamics. Students learn to critically interpret data using appropriate theoretical frameworks and effectively communicate findings through written analysis and oral presentations.
Religious Studies majors enjoy numerous research opportunities beyond standard coursework, including faculty-led visits to sacred sites like Hacienda Heights' Hsi Lai Temple, Saint Andrew's Orthodox Church, and Riverside's Islamic Center. The department hosts undergraduate organizations such as the Religious Studies Club and a Theta Alpha Kappa honor society chapter. Students can access field internships and annual merit-based scholarships specifically for Religious Studies majors: