Appalachian State University
Religious Studies (BA) - General Religious Studies
Application Deadlines
Location
Boone campus
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Learn about transferring credits to App State
Expand your perspective by exploring world faiths.
App State’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Religious Studies - General Religious Studies explores religion with a focus on the comparative study of world religions and religious diversity. A Religious Studies degree provides students with a broad understanding of the role of religion in shaping human societies and individual lives, encouraging critical thinking, cultural awareness and an appreciation for diversity.
This interdisciplinary program exposes you to the foundational texts of world religions, critical scholarship and current theoretical debates. Studying religion will develop your critical thinking, writing and persuasion skills. You will learn how to debate your values and, through the study of religious theory, come to understand the origin of information and how knowledge is created from different perspectives.
The program will prepare you for successful careers in a wide range of fields, including ministry, teaching, journalism, politics, education, nonprofit businesses and publishing.
A ‘Best College’ for 2025
The Princeton Review named App State among the best schools in the U.S. and Southeast for 2025.
Top 3 in innovation, undergraduate teaching
U.S. News & World Report has recognized App State as a top three school for innovation and the high quality of its undergraduate instruction for eight consecutive years.
A ‘Best College’ for value
App State’s quality, affordability and student outcomes place it among the nation’s 2024 best schools for value, according to Money.com
Elevate Your Education
Courses
Minors
A minor is required. Popular minors include Anthropology, Philosophy, Psychology and Sociology.
Transferring Credits
Learn about App State’s credit transfer process, and use our Transfer Equivalency Course Search tool to determine how your courses may transfer to App State.
General Education
With courses in history, natural and social sciences and humanities, App State’s General Education Program will reshape your outlook on learning and provide a foundational skill set that will prepare you for any career.
Accelerated Master’s
You can begin your graduate studies as an undergraduate and earn your master’s degree in as little as one year.
Careers and Mountaineers
Where can an App State degree take you? Anywhere you want to go! Our passionate and engaged alumni become leaders in their communities and chosen professions.
Careers
- Campus Religious Coordinator
- Chaplain
- Church Building Engineer
- Church Camp Director
- Clergy
- Counselor
- Denominational Executive
- Diplomat
- Director of Religious Education
- Fund-raiser
- Guidance Counselor
- Labor Relations Researcher
- Lawyer
- Lobbyist
- Missionary
- Nonprofit/NGO Manager
- Nursing Home Director
- Political Campaign Worker
- Priest
- Professor
- Psychologist
- Public Policy Manager
- Rabbi
- Religious Researcher
- Religious Staff Writer
- Research Assistant
- Youth Minister
Some of these roles may require education beyond a bachelor’s degree.
Career information resource
App State’s Career Development Center
Services provided by the Career Development Center include resume reviews, career coaching, job and internship search assistance, and other tools for you to achieve life and professional success.
More to Explore at App State
Fund Your Education
Numerous scholarship and financial aid opportunities are available to help fund your App State education. Learn more about scholarships and financial aid.
International Experience
Work outside your cultural boundaries. Learn more.
Real-world Internships
Gain firsthand experience while earning your degree. Learn more
Find Your Community
Get inspired and get involved by joining App State clubs and organizations, such as the Religious Studies Club. Learn more
Honors College
Develop high-level creative thinking and research skills. Learn more and check out the departmental honors program.
Apply
Are you ready to become a Mountaineer? Take the next step, apply for admission to App State and elevate your future success.
Admissions questions? Contact us.
Connect
Visit Campus
Explore App State’s campuses in Boone and Hickory and learn more about what life is like as a Mountaineer.
Attend an information session to get to know App State’s people and programs.
Admissions Counselor
Have questions related to the App State admissions process? Our admissions counselors are here to help.