BA Religious Studies at University of Virginia

Programme overview

The Religious Studies major covers the history and practices of religious traditions from several disciplinary angles, plus theoretical discussion across literature and the arts, ethics and philosophy, and politics and global affairs. Students learn to work critically and sensitively with sources and to communicate ideas clearly.

Faculty: College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences | Department: Department of Religious Studies | Duration: 30 credits (ten 3-credit courses) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Charlottesville, VA, United States

What you will study

Required courses are RELG 1000 Questions in the Study of Religion (or RELG 1010 and 1040), RELG 3730 Conversations in the Study of Religion and RELG 4500 Majors Seminar, plus at least three concentration courses, two breadth courses outside the concentration and at least two electives. At least three courses must be at the 3000 level or above.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

To declare the major, students must complete at least one Religious Studies course with a grade of C or better. Each major course must be passed with a C (2.0) or above.

First-year entry for Fall 2027 via Early Decision, Early Action and Regular Decision; transfer applicants can apply for Spring or Fall entry.

First-year deadlines: Early Decision and Early Action November 1 (decisions by December 15 and February 15 respectively); Regular Decision January 5 (decision by April 1). Applications are submitted through the Common Application. Standardized testing is test optional for Fall 2027 first-year applicants.

Transfer deadlines: Spring Transfer October 1 (notification by December 1); Fall Transfer March 1 (notification by May 1). Transfer applications are test optional.

Application fees (2026-27): undergraduate $75; Graduate School of Arts & Sciences $85; Architecture $80; Batten graduate $75; Darden non-PhD $250, Darden PhD $100; Data Science $85; Education and Human Development $65; Law $85; McIntire graduate $85; Medicine $80; Nursing $88; SCPS $70; Graduate Engineering no fee.

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