Online Religious Studies Degree :: Accredited Universities

Grounded in the rich legacy of the Catholic intellectual and artistic heritage the focus of the Religious Studies program at St. Thomas University is theological; it explores the implications, both practical and pastoral, of faith’s search for understanding. However, as its name suggests, the Religious Studies program respects the religious diversity of our student body and reflects our position that religious understanding is fundamental to peace and justice in the world with its rich array of religions and religious practices.
The major in Religious Studies emphasizes breadth and depth and prepares students for life-long critical engagement with faith and religion, for careers in teaching and service, and for graduate studies in the field. The minors and certificates within the department introduce students to this important field of study and nicely complement other majors offered at the University.

Entry Requirements

Undergraduate Admission General Requirements
All applicants must have a High School Diploma or its equivalent, write a personal essay, and have at least one letter of recommendation sent to St. Thomas University.

The minimum criteria for consideration by the Admissions Committee are:

 Minimum, unweighted GPA of 2.50 (on a 4.0 scale).
 SAT score of at least 880 (Critical Reading + Mathematics sections) or a composite score of 18 on the ACT exam.

Applicants must meet the above requirements to be considered for admission. Applicants with lower credentials are considered on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions Committee with special emphasis on the personal essay, letter of recommendation, and placement test scores.

International undergraduate students must fulfill the same requirements as all other students applying for undergraduate admission. In addition, international undergraduate students must provide the following information:

1. Educational Documents: Official transcripts or Statement of Marks must be mailed to the Office of Admissions at St. Thomas University directly from the educational institution(s) attended. The official transcript or Statement of Marks must contain:

• Subjects studied
• Marks or grades awarded
• Length of class periods (optional)
• Number of periods per week for each subject (optional)
• Grading scale with minimum passing marks

Note: If transcripts or Statement of Marks do not indicate the type of degree and date awarded, certified copies of the diploma or other proof of the awarding of the degree must be presented. Certified copies of transcripts or Statement of Marks from foreign institutions may be submitted, but the
University requires that such transcripts or Statement of Marks be sent directly to St. Thomas University from the issuing institution(s).

2. English Translations: Documents in a language other than English must be accompanied by the original official English translation.
3. Evaluations: A NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) accredited evaluator must evaluate all transcripts from institutions outside the United States. The evaluation agency must indicate that the institution has accreditation equivalent to that of institutions recognized as accredited by the United States Department of Education. However, the Admissions Committee reserves the right to request an accredited evaluation of a transcript from an English speaking institution during the admissions process, if the accreditation of the institution is in doubt. International applicants can obtain information regarding accredited evaluators by contacting the Office of Admissions. International applicants must request that the evaluator provide the Admissions Committee with a course-by-course evaluation and a grade point average equivalent. Also, applicants must request that the evaluator send the original evaluation directly to the Office of Admissions. The costs associated with evaluation of transcripts are solely the responsibility of the applicant.
4. 4. TOEFL/IELTS: International students educated in foreign institutions where the language of instruction is not English are required to submit the results of either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Applicants who submit a TOEFL score of at least 197 on the computer-based test, 71 on the Internet-based TOEFL test, or an IELTS score of at least 5.5 will not be required to take any course in English as a second language.

Other Fees

• Application Processing Fee $ 40

• Tuition deposit $250

• Add/Drop Courses (after the first week of term/semester) $10

• Administrative Drop Fee $300

• International Student Fee $250

• Laboratory Fee $105

• Late Registration Fee ( after 1st week) $150

• Late Payment Fee (assessed monthly) 5 % APR

• Portfolio Assessment Fee (9 credit max) $767

• Returned check fee $50

• Transcript Fee (Official) – next day delivery $25

• Transcript Fee (Official) – 3 free per year $15

• Tuition payment installment plan (AMS) $75

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The Bachelor of Arts in religious studies offers a largely customizable curriculum that explores the diversity of the religions of the world within their particular historical, social and cultural contexts.

The program focuses on religion's societal, global and personal significance, as well as its impact on human history.

Students make connections with peers from diverse backgrounds that share an interest in the study of religion. Religious studies exercise a student's aptitude for critical thinking in relation to global issues. Other skills like leadership, research, problem solving, rhetoric, and in-depth analysis arm students with the abilities they need to compete in a job market that values multi-talented applicants. The program prepares students for jobs in fields such as global development, education, social outreach, journalism, law, business, and pastoral leadership.

Those enrolled in the program choose between three thematic tracks focusing on religious life in global contexts, in practice and representation, or in modernity. Housed in ASU’s School of Historical, Philosophical, and Religious Studies, the program allows room for personal preference, catering to individuals with numerous interests and job prospects.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must successfully complete ASU competency requirements. Admission may be granted with one deficiency in no more than two competency areas. Deficiencies cannot be in both math and laboratory science. Students must earn a minimum 2.0 in any subject area. Most competencies may also be met by test scores or college courses.

English - 4 years (composition/literature based)
Math - 4 years - Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II and one course requiring Algebra II as a prerequisite.
Laboratory Science - 3 years total (1 year each from any of the following areas are accepted: Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Integrated Sciences, and Physics)
Social Science - 2 years (including one year American History)
Foreign Language - 2 years (same language)
Fine Arts - 1 year

Applicants must also meet at least one of the following:

Top 25% in high school graduating class
3.0 GPA in competency courses (4.0 = A)
ACT 22 (24 nonresidents)*
SAT Reasoning 1040 (1110 nonresidents)*

*ASU does not require the writing portion of these tests.

Official transcripts must be mailed directly to Undergraduate Admissions by the records office of the issuing institution(s). ASU does not accept transcripts delivered by hand or fax. Please have your previous academic institution(s) mail your official transcript to the appropriate ASU mailing address

Individual Review
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All students who don’t meet the above standards will be evaluated through a process called Individual Review. Through this process Undergraduate Admissions will review all available information about a student’s application, carefully considering all aspects of a student’s academic background and accomplishments. Submission of an ACT or SAT test score is highly recommended. In some cases, additional information might be requested.

International Applicants
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TOEFL and IELTS score must be mailed to the university.

Other Fees

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Candidates for the Bachelor of Religious Studies degrees already have earned or plan to earn a substantial amount of college credit from another institution. While at Central, almost all of a BRS student’s classes will be in Bible and ministry. BRS students may also add a minor and/or certificate to their degree.

Entry Requirements

In order to enroll in a BRS – Christian Leadership degree program, a student must meet the following qualifications:

Students must have attended at least two years of college at an accredited institution besides Central.

Students must have earned at least 36 credits of approved general studies courses at an accredited institution with a grade of C- or above.

Students must have earned at least 24 credits of approved open elective courses at an accredited institution with a grade of C- or above.

Other Fees

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Religions are among the most influential forces shaping the human experience, both in the past and in the present. Without some insight into diverse religious traditions, it is not possible to understand today's world or to prepare adequately for tomorrow's.

New Zealand society, politics, education, and the arts continue to be influenced by the Judeo-Christian tradition while increasingly being affected by other traditions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. Globally, religion often functions as the principal source of individual and communal identity, answering questions about meaning and purpose, morality and freedom, responsibility and happiness.

Religious Studies investigates religions critically but with empathy, seeking to appreciate the role of religion in society and the perspectives of religious believers. It differs from theology in that it is not grounded in any particular religious tradition but deals even-handedly with religions found throughout the world. Religious Studies complements other subjects such as history, philosophy, classics, politics, anthropology, and literature.

Entry Requirements

To enrol in the Bachelor of Arts programme you must qualify for undergraduate admission, either through Bursaries and Scholarship Examinations, NCEA Level 3, New Zealand University Entrance, Admission with Equivalent Status, Discretionary Entrance or Adult Admission. Please visit http://enrol.massey.ac.nz for details.

Other Fees

Enrolment Fee - $51.40 (NZD)

Student Services Levy - $237.50 (NZD)

Massey Foundation Fee -$22.40 (NZD)

Distance Learning overseas venue fee - $214.20 (NZD)

Textbooks

Incidental Unit Fees

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This program is designed to enhance professional competence of teachers in religious studies education. It also targets clergy engaged in the education sector as chaplain, education secretaries and pastoral care providers to youth. The programme prepares students for positions in primary schools, secondary schools, teachers colleges, universities, religious ministries specializing in education issues and provide entry into doctoral programmes.

The main catchment for MA religious studies are primary, Secondary and college teachers who hold a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields and wish to specialize in Religious Education as a teaching subject.

Entry Requirements

Bachelors degree from a recognized university with a minimum of 2nd class honors upper division or equivalent qualification

Other Fees

Service Fee(Kshs)

Attachment 1000

Graduation (undergrad) 6000

Graduation (postgraduate) 8000

Credit Transfer Application Fee 1000

Credit Transfer Fee per credit hour 1000

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