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Religion Major

Bachelor of Arts in Religion

Gain an understanding of the major religions of the world, their traditions and roles in society, with the Bachelor of Arts in Religion in the College of Liberal Arts at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø.Ìý

As a Religion major, you’ll explore the complex relationships between religion and class, ethnicity, gender, race, sexuality and other areas of society—as well as the ways in which religions connect to one another. Students are encouraged to explore and ask questions about the nature of religion, and what impact it has on personal identity, social life and political structures.Ìý

Religions covered in the curriculum includeÌý

  • African and African American religions,Ìý
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  • °ä³ó°ù¾±²õ³Ù¾±²¹²Ô¾±³Ù²â,Ìý
  • °ä´Ç²Ô´Ú³Ü³¦¾±²¹²Ô¾±²õ³¾,Ìý
  • Daoism,
  • Hinduism, and
  • Judaism.

You’ll learn about the major figures of these world religions, how they developed over time and how they relate to one another. You’ll also form a deep understanding of how cultures form, how different communities grow, why conflicts arise and how they are resolved.

The Religion Major can help students understand and appreciate our culturally, socially diverse world, and inspire empathy, curiosity and open communication.Ìý

A female student in a red jacket smiles during a class discussion.

Religion Department

Founded in 1961, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Department of Religion was one of the earliest religion departments established at a public or state-related university. The goal of the departmentÌýand its programsÌýis to provide students with a broad understanding of a wide variety of religious traditions and an awareness of how religion functions in communities around the world.

The department has strong relationships and affiliations with outside secular and religious institutions, including theÌý

  • Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary,Ìý
  • Lutheran Theological Seminary,Ìý
  • Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in PhiladelphiaÌýandÌý
  • University of Pennsylvania Department of Religious Studies.

Classes & Curriculum

In addition to university and College of Liberal Arts requirements, Religion BA students will complete major-specificÌýrequired and elective courses. The following courses are available.Ìý

  • Death and Dying
  • East and West and Religion in Philadelphia
  • Islam
  • Religion and Human Sexuality
  • Religion in Film
  • Zombie Apocalypse

After completing course requirements, students will complete a capstone project worth three credits.Ìý

Learn more about Religion Major requirements.Ìý

Related Graduate Degrees

Certificate Programs

The College of Liberal Arts has for you to expand your knowledge and diversify your 51³Ô¹ÏÍø education. Certificates can complement bachelor's programs, allowing you to specialize in an area and highlight your exposure to disciplines outside of your major.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full .

These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $19,608.00 per year
Out-of-state: $35,232.00 per year

Our Academic Advisors

Advising support is provided by the College of Liberal Arts Center for Academic Advising. You can find more information on the CLA Academic Advising webpage ().

Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development

Dedicated advisors at the Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional DevelopmentÌýin the College of Liberal Arts are available to guide students through their academic careers and with their career paths beyond 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. They can help you choose a major, navigate your curriculum, identify internship opportunities, explore career opportunities and determine your post-graduation plans. .

Program Contact

For questions regarding the Religion Major, contact the following staff member.

Belinda WilsonÌýis theÌýadministrator in the Religion Department.
Phone: 215-204-0472
Email:

The following staff members lead the Religion Department.

Khalid A.Y. Blankinship is the chair.
Phone:Ìý215-204-5443
Email:Ìý

Terry Rey is the undergraduate chair.
Email:

Irina Segal is theÌýcoordinator.
Phone:Ìý215-204-1742
Email:Ìý

University Honors Program

The College of Liberal Arts participates in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Honors Program. .Ìý

Students who meet certain academic and extracurricular criteria may become members of the following honor societies.Ìý

  • is a national society that honors academic excellence during a student's first year at college.
  • is an international society that enables members to realize their potential through the advancement of academics, leadership and service.Ìý
  • is open to juniors and seniors in the College of Liberal Arts. To qualify for Phi Beta Kappa, a student must maintain a high grade point average in a broad, rigorous program of study in the liberal arts, including mathematics and foreign languages.

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Student Clubs & Organizations

Supplement your College of Liberal Arts coursework and enhance your undergraduate experience at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø with more than 300 student clubs and organizations. You’ll have opportunities to meet and network with other students, get involved with the community, grow your interests, and develop résumé-boosting skills and experiences.

The following student organizations may be of interest to students in the Religion Major.

  • is a nondenominational Christian organization.Ìý
  • is the center for Jewish life at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø as well as a center for those students who do not have a Jewish life on their campuses in the Philadelphia area.
  • is open to people of all ethnicities, nationalities and religious backgrounds. It aims to enhance the lives of all international students at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø by providing service opportunities that meet practical needs, hosting social events to build connections among Americans and international students, and promoting spiritual growth.

Learn more about 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s student clubs and organizations.

Study Away

College of Liberal Arts undergraduate students are encouraged to study away for an academic year, semester or summer. Enrich your 51³Ô¹ÏÍø experience by immersing yourself in new cultures, histories and perspectives in countries such as China, Germany, Ghana and Italy, as well as at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Rome and Tokyo campuses.

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Accreditation

51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s departments and programs are accredited by the .

Additional Program Information