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Religious Studies
The Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies at the University of Wisconsin offers students a comprehensive exploration of the world’s major religions, belief systems, and spiritual practices. This four-year, full-time program allows students to study the historical, philosophical, and cultural dimensions of religion, while also examining the influence of religion on global politics, society, and ethics. Students will engage with a diverse range of religious traditions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and indigenous belief systems, while also exploring the ways in which religion intersects with culture, identity, and social issues.
The program offers an interdisciplinary approach, combining textual analysis, historical studies, and ethnographic research. Students will have the opportunity to explore topics such as comparative religion, sacred texts, theology, rituals and practices, and religious ethics. The curriculum includes a mix of lecture-based courses and seminar discussions, alongside opportunities for fieldwork, internships, and study abroad programs that provide direct exposure to various religious practices around the world. Graduates of the program will be prepared for careers in education, research, religious leadership, nonprofit work, and interfaith dialogue, as well as for further study in graduate programs in theology, religious studies, or divinity.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Religious Studies
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 15 January 2026
- Location: University of Wisconsin, United States
- Field of Study: Theology and Religious Studies
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Religious Studies and World Religions
- Introduction to Religious Studies: Theories and Methods
- Survey of World Religions: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism
- Introduction to the Bible: Historical and Literary Approaches
- Comparative Religion: Beliefs, Practices, and Rituals
- Religious Ethics and Social Justice
Year 2 – Intermediate Religious Studies and Theological Inquiry
- Theological Foundations: God, Humanity, and Salvation
- Sacred Texts: Scripture and Interpretation
- Religion and Culture: Rituals, Symbols, and Mythology
- Ethics in Religious Traditions: Comparative Approaches
- Religion and Society: Global Perspectives
Year 3 – Advanced Topics in Religion, Theology, and Global Studies
- Advanced Studies in Christianity, Islam, or Judaism
- Religion and Politics: The Role of Religion in Global Conflicts
- Religion and Gender: Feminist and Queer Theologies
- Mysticism, Spirituality, and Religious Experience
- Interfaith Dialogue and Global Religious Movements
Year 4 – Capstone Project, Fieldwork, and Career Preparation
- Capstone Research Project in Religious Studies or Theology
- Internship in Religious Organizations, Nonprofits, or Interfaith Initiatives
- Advanced Seminar in Religious Philosophy and Theology
- Professional Development: Graduate School Preparation and Networking
- Career Pathways in Religious Studies: Teaching, Research, and Advocacy
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from the University of Wisconsin have a wide range of career opportunities across various sectors. Many graduates choose to pursue careers in education, teaching religious studies or theology at high schools, colleges, or universities. Others work in nonprofit organizations, religious institutions, or community outreach, focusing on interfaith dialogue, social justice, and human rights. The program also prepares graduates for roles in counseling, mediation, humanitarian work, or international development, where an understanding of religion’s role in shaping human behavior is essential. Graduates may also continue their studies in graduate programs in theology, divinity, or religious studies, pursuing careers in academic research, clergy, or religious leadership. Additionally, the program offers solid preparation for those interested in public policy or advocacy, where knowledge of religion’s influence on law and ethics is highly valuable.
Why Choose This Program
The Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies at the University of Wisconsin offers a unique opportunity to study the diverse and complex world of religion through an interdisciplinary and cross-cultural lens. The program’s emphasis on comparative religion, theological inquiry, and ethics helps students develop a deep understanding of how religion shapes human experience, identity, and societal structures. With access to a broad range of courses, research opportunities, and field experiences, students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the global and local impacts of religious practices, beliefs, and traditions. The program fosters critical thinking, cultural awareness, and interpersonal skills, all of which are highly valued in careers in education, public service, nonprofit work, and religious leadership. Whether interested in pursuing a career in interfaith dialogue, teaching, research, or social advocacy, the University of Wisconsin’s Religious Studies program provides the tools and experiences necessary to succeed in a wide variety of professional fields.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 608-262-2433
Email: admissions@grad.wisc.edu
Address: 217 Bascom Hall, 500 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
