BA Religion at George Washington University

Programme overview

GW’s religious studies program investigates diverse religious traditions in global contexts. Areas of focus include Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Daoism, Chinese religions, and ethics. Inherently interdisciplinary, the major examines religious traditions as historical, literary, political, cultural, and economic phenomena. With a reputation for nurturing undergraduate students and for producing graduates with exemplary critical thinking and writing skills, the GW Religion department has historically served as a feeder to elite graduate programs in the law, medicine, and multiple academic disciplines.

Faculty: Columbian College of Arts and Sciences | Department: World Religions | Location: Washington, DC, United States

What you will study

The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Undergraduate Programs. 21 credits in seven Religion (REL) courses taken in accordance with the following requirements: At least one elective course must be in the Abrahamic traditions, and at least one elective course must be in the non-Abrahamic traditions. At least two REL courses taken at the 3000-level or above, excluding REL 3901 and REL 4101W.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

University/college-level admission (applies to all majors): For information about the admission process, including deadlines, visit the Office of Undergraduate Admissions website. Applications can be submitted via the Common Application. For questions visit undergraduate.admissions.gwu.edu/contact-us.

USD 72,000 a year (2026-27). Full-time main campus undergraduate tuition for students entering in 2026-27 in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, Elliott School, Milken Institute School of Public Health or School of Engineering and Applied Science (12-18 cr Source

First-year students enter in the fall semester; transfer applications are accepted for fall and spring admission.

Early Decision I deadline is November 1 and Early Decision II is January 5 (both binding); the Regular Decision deadline is January 5. Applications use the Common Application. Transfer applications are due April 15 for fall and October 1 for spring. Testing is optional (SAT or ACT), except for BA/MD, homeschooled and narrative-evaluation applicants. BFA applicants (except Interior Architecture) submit a portfolio of 10 to 15 works through SlideRoom. The application fee is $80.

International applicants whose first language is not English submit TOEFL (minimum 90), IELTS (minimum 6.5) or PTE Academic scores.

Apply through the official page: https://undergraduate.admissions.gwu.edu/

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