M.S. in Quantitative Economics
California Lutheran University (CLU) offers an outstanding Master of Science (M.S.) pro...
B.A. in Religion
Thousand Oaks, California
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
California Lutheran University (CLU) offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Religion, designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of religious beliefs, practices, and their impact on society and culture. This program encourages students to explore diverse religious traditions and their historical contexts while fostering critical thinking and analytical skills essential for examining complex spiritual and ethical issues.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.A. in Religion at CLU encompasses a wide range of courses, including the study of world religions, theology, ethics, and the philosophy of religion. Students engage with texts, historical narratives, and contemporary issues, allowing them to understand the role of religion in shaping human experience and societal values. Additionally, the program offers opportunities for students to pursue specialized studies in areas such as biblical studies, religious history, or interfaith dialogue.
Research Focus: CLU emphasizes a strong research component within the Religion program, encouraging students to engage in independent study and collaborative research projects with faculty members. This focus on research helps students develop their critical thinking and analytical skills while exploring various religious themes and phenomena. Students are also encouraged to present their research at academic conferences, providing valuable experience in academic discourse.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a key aspect of the B.A. in Religion program at California Lutheran University. Students have the opportunity to participate in internships and service-learning projects within religious organizations, non-profits, and community service agencies. These experiences not only enhance students' practical skills but also help them build professional networks and gain insights into potential career paths related to their degree.
Global Perspective: The B.A. in Religion at CLU incorporates a global perspective, examining religious beliefs and practices from diverse cultural contexts. Students explore how religion intersects with issues such as social justice, human rights, and global conflicts, preparing them to engage thoughtfully with the complexities of contemporary religious landscapes. This emphasis on global awareness fosters an appreciation for the rich diversity of religious traditions and encourages respectful dialogue among different faith communities.
Location
Thousand Oaks, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 49880
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
California Lutheran University is dedicated to making higher education accessible to students from diverse backgrounds, including international students. The university offers several scholarship opportunities to support the academic pursuits of international students.
International Student Scholarship: CLU provides merit-based scholarships specifically designed for international students. These scholarships recognize academic achievement, leadership qualities, and contributions to the community. The International Student Scholarship is competitive and varies in amount based on the applicant's academic profile.
Presidential Scholarship: The Presidential Scholarship is a prestigious merit-based award offered to high-achieving students, including international students. It covers a significant portion of tuition costs and is renewable for each year of a student's undergraduate studies, provided they maintain the required GPA.
CLU International Grant: The CLU International Grant is another form of financial assistance available to international students. This grant is based on financial need and is designed to supplement other forms of aid to help students meet the cost of attending CLU.
Community College Transfer Scholarship: CLU values the contributions of transfer students, including those transferring from community colleges. The Community College Transfer Scholarship is available to eligible international transfer students, providing financial support to ease the transition to CLU.
CLU Endowed Scholarships: The university administers various endowed scholarships, and international students may be eligible for some of these awards. These scholarships often have specific criteria, such as academic excellence, leadership, or involvement in particular fields of study.
External Scholarships: CLU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities offered by organizations, foundations, and government agencies. The university provides guidance and support to help students identify and apply for external scholarships.
Graduates with a B.A. in Religion from California Lutheran University (CLU) have a diverse range of career opportunities available to them. Many find fulfilling roles in religious organizations, including positions such as pastoral staff, youth ministers, or directors of religious education, where they can lead programs, provide spiritual guidance, and foster community engagement.
Non-Profit and Community Services: The skills gained in the Religion program also prepare graduates for careers in non-profit organizations and community service agencies. They may work as program coordinators, outreach specialists, or grant writers, focusing on social justice initiatives, humanitarian efforts, or interfaith dialogue, making a positive impact on their communities.
Education: Graduates can pursue teaching positions in religious studies or theology at high schools or community colleges. With additional qualifications, they can become educators who inspire students to explore complex ethical, philosophical, and spiritual questions related to religion and society.
Counseling and Social Work: For those interested in providing support to individuals and families, additional education in counseling or social work can lead to careers as licensed counselors or social workers. Graduates can apply their understanding of religious and ethical principles to assist clients in navigating personal challenges, mental health issues, or spiritual crises.
Research and Academia: Graduates may also pursue advanced studies in religion, theology, or related fields, leading to careers in research and academia. Those who earn graduate degrees can engage in scholarly research, teach at universities, and contribute to academic publications, exploring the intersections of religion with culture, ethics, and social issues.
Journalism and Communication: Another viable path for graduates is in journalism or communication, focusing on religion reporting, editing, or writing for various media outlets. They can leverage their expertise to cover religious issues, interfaith relations, and the role of religion in contemporary society, contributing to informed public discourse.
