B.A. in Biology
Whittier College, located in Whittier, California, offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in ...
B.A. in Religion Studies
Whittier, California
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in Religious Studies at Whittier College focuses on religion as a significant component of cultural diversity and a powerful social institution. The curriculum encourages students to investigate how religious traditions are embedded in local environments, fostering an appreciation for both theoretical issues in the study of religion and the human search for meaning and values. Students develop the ability to interpret diverse religious phenomena, fostering a nuanced understanding that is highly valuable in an interconnected world.
Curriculum: The curriculum is structured to provide a broad yet deep exploration of religious diversity and critical analysis. Students typically begin with an introductory course such as "Religious Diversity in America" or "Exploring Religion." Core upper-level courses include "Ways of Understanding Religion," which delves into theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of religion, and a "Senior Intellectual Memoir and Portfolio," serving as a capstone experience. The program requires students to complete credits across three key categories: "Global Religions" (covering traditions like Monotheisms, Religions of Asia, Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism), "Religions: Comparisons and Contrasts" (exploring themes across traditions), and "Religion: Cultural Critique" (examining the impact of religion on politics, ethics, gender, and society). The curriculum is enhanced by opportunities for field trips, particularly leveraging the diverse religious landscape of the greater Los Angeles region.
Research Focus: Research and scholarly inquiry are deeply embedded in Whittier College's Religious Studies program. Students are actively encouraged to assist professors with their research projects, publications, and initiatives, gaining invaluable hands-on experience. The program also supports students in pursuing their own fieldwork and research projects under faculty supervision. Senior religious studies students routinely present their culminating senior projects at Whittier's annual celebration of Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities (URSCA). This commitment to discovery and the creation of knowledge is a hallmark of the program, with past student research including topics like the divine representation of women politicians in South Asia and narratives of pilgrimage.
Industry Engagement: While a Religious Studies degree is rooted in the humanities, Whittier College ensures its graduates are well-prepared for diverse professional paths by cultivating highly transferable skills. The program's emphasis on critical thinking, cross-cultural understanding, ethical reasoning, research, and sophisticated communication makes alumni valuable in fields requiring strong analytical and interpretive abilities. Whittier's Weingart Center for Career and Professional Development actively supports students in exploring career options and securing internships. Graduates have pursued successful careers as teachers, ministers, counselors, editors, non-profit organizers, and business leaders, demonstrating the broad applicability of their skills in various professional and civic roles.
Global Perspective: A robust global perspective is central to the B.A. in Religious Studies at Whittier College. The curriculum explicitly includes courses on "Global Religions" and "Religion and Globalization," ensuring students engage with a wide array of religious traditions from around the world. The department's faculty often have expertise in diverse global religious cultures, such as Southeast and South Asian Buddhism or the history of the Islamic world, further enriching this global understanding. Whittier College also strongly promotes and supports study abroad opportunities, including through the Global Poet Scholarship. These international experiences allow students to gain firsthand knowledge of how religion shapes different societies and cultures globally, fostering a deeply informed global outlook.
Location
Whittier, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 53019
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 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Whittier College offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students to help make a high-quality education affordable and accessible. These scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and other talents while supporting diversity and global engagement on campus.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students are eligible for merit scholarships based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, extracurricular involvement, and leadership qualities. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically upon admission consideration or through separate applications.
International Student Academic Scholarships: Whittier College provides dedicated academic scholarships for international applicants, which recognize outstanding academic records from students worldwide. These awards typically range from partial to substantial tuition reductions and are renewable each year based on satisfactory academic performance.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While international students do not qualify for federal financial aid, Whittier College offers some need-based assistance through institutional funds. International applicants must submit a financial aid application along with supporting documents to be considered for these awards.
Specialized and Departmental Scholarships: Certain departments and programs at Whittier may have specific scholarships for international students who demonstrate excellence or interest in particular fields, such as business, sciences, or the arts. These awards encourage students to pursue their academic passions with financial support.
A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Religious Studies from Whittier College provides graduates with a distinctive and highly versatile skillset, emphasizing critical thinking, cross-cultural understanding, ethical reasoning, and nuanced communication. This liberal arts foundation makes alumni exceptionally adaptable and valuable across a broad spectrum of professional fields, enabling them to navigate complex social and global dynamics with empathy and insight.
Non-profit Program Manager / Community Organizer: Graduates are well-suited for roles in non-profit organizations, particularly those focused on social justice, interfaith dialogue, humanitarian aid, or community development. Their understanding of diverse belief systems and social issues allows them to effectively design and implement impactful programs.
Social Worker / Counselor (with further education): A Religious Studies degree offers an excellent foundation for careers in social work or counseling. The emphasis on empathy, understanding human experiences, and ethical dilemmas prepares graduates for roles where they support individuals and families facing various challenges. Further education (e.g., MSW, M.A. in Counseling) is typically required for direct practice.
Educator (K-12 or Higher Education): Many Religious Studies graduates pursue careers in education, teaching world religions, history, or humanities in secondary schools. With a master's or Ph.D., they can become professors, continuing to research and teach religious studies at the university level.
Journalist / Content Creator (Focus on Culture/Religion): The strong research, analytical, and writing skills honed in Religious Studies are invaluable for journalism. Graduates can report on religious trends, cultural phenomena, and societal issues, often specializing in topics where religion intersects with politics, art, or social life.
Human Resources Specialist / Diversity & Inclusion Professional: Understanding diverse worldviews, cultural nuances, and ethical frameworks makes Religious Studies graduates excellent candidates for HR roles, particularly those focused on fostering inclusive workplaces, managing employee relations, and promoting diversity.
Museum Professional / Archivist: For those interested in cultural heritage, graduates can work in museums, archives, or cultural institutions, contributing to the preservation, interpretation, and exhibition of religious artifacts, texts, and historical records.
Government Analyst / Foreign Service Officer: The ability to analyze complex cultural and geopolitical issues, combined with cross-cultural communication skills, prepares graduates for roles in government agencies (e.g., State Department, intelligence agencies) or international relations, particularly when dealing with regions where religion plays a significant role.
Ethical Advisor / Compliance Officer: With a strong foundation in ethical reasoning and diverse moral frameworks, graduates can work in corporate or organizational settings to develop ethical guidelines, ensure compliance, and advise on complex ethical dilemmas, especially in fields like business ethics or healthcare.
Lawyer / Paralegal (with further education): Religious Studies provides excellent preparation for legal careers, as it cultivates critical analysis of texts, logical argumentation, and an understanding of foundational ethical and societal principles that underpin legal systems. Many graduates pursue law school after their B.A.
Religious Leader / Chaplain (with further education/ordination): While a B.A. in Religious Studies is academic and non-confessional, it provides a strong intellectual foundation for those who wish to pursue ministry, chaplaincy, or other religious leadership roles. Further theological education (e.g., Master of Divinity) and denominational ordination are typically required.
