Bachelor in Religion/Religious Studies (Bachelor's)

Tuition is Tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year is $64,880..

This programme is designed for undergraduate students interested in the global study of religious traditions and spiritual practices. Students explore religious phenomena through theoretical and methodological frameworks across diverse cultures and historical periods. The curriculum emphasizes critical analysis, writing, and interdisciplinary engagement with fields such as history, anthropology, and philosophy. Each student works closely with faculty to tailor a personalized course of study.

Focus areas include Qur’an and early Islamic history, Nationalism in early Judaism and Christianity, Tibetan and Chinese Buddhism, Religion and social justice, Religion and the arts, Religion and neuroscience.

The major requires 36 credits distributed across introductory, intermediate, and advanced courses. Students complete a senior thesis or capstone project in their final year.

Graduates pursue careers in law, medicine, nonprofit administration, education, financial management, and research, with many entering graduate programs in theology, law, and social sciences.

Applicants must meet Bates College's general admission requirements. A high school diploma or equivalent, transcripts, standardized test scores, and a personal statement are required. International students must submit English proficiency scores.

The programme totals about 36 credit hours. On-campus, full-time, four-year programme. For international students, tuition is well above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 13% of applicants.

Students at Bates take part in a campus community that connects academic life with social responsibility and the wider city of Lewiston. Campus activities include arts and athletics, concerts, readings, plays, exhibitions, and dance performances. Public and community events, alumni activities, and student-led conversations add to the range of experiences available beyond scheduled classes. The college's calendars also include orientation, holidays, examinations, registration, commencement, and reunion.

Academic choice is central to the Bates experience. Students can choose from 38 majors and 29 minors, or create an interdisciplinary major through the Independent Interdisciplinary Studies program. The faculty community includes scholars, scientists, and artists who support students through personalized mentorship. Academic opportunities extend from first-year seminars to senior thesis work, with an emphasis on intellectual inquiry, reflection, personal growth, and engagement with the world beyond the campus.

International students can connect with Bates through virtual information sessions, student-led Bobcat Chats, and an on-demand virtual campus tour. The admission team provides regional contacts for applicants selecting their country or region, alongside opportunities to speak with current students or admission staff. Bates is located at 2 Andrews Road in Lewiston, Maine. In-person visits include a student-guided campus tour, an information session, and opportunities to learn about admission and financial aid.