Bachelor in Religion/Religious Studies (Bachelor's)

At Berea College, tuition is Tuition is fully covered for all admitted students through Berea College's unique tuition-free model..

This programme focuses on the academic study of religious traditions and spiritual practices across cultures and historical periods. Students examine how religion shapes human life and societal values through interdisciplinary methods. The curriculum draws from fields such as history, anthropology, and gender studies. Courses are cross-listed with departments including African and African American Studies and Peace & Social Justice Studies.

Focus areas include African and African American Studies, Asian Studies, History, Peace & Social Justice Studies, Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Spirituality.

The programme requires a total of 120 credits. Students complete core courses in religious studies and take electives across multiple disciplines. A minor is available and can be paired with the major in any combination.

Graduates pursue careers in education, nonprofit work, public service, and graduate study in religious or cultural fields.

Applicants must meet Berea College's general admission requirements. A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Submission of transcripts and standardized test scores is part of the application process.

The programme totals about 120 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 33% of applicants.

Berea College, founded in 1855 in Berea, Kentucky, is a private liberal arts work college with a distinguished history of access and inclusion. Known as the first coeducational and racially integrated college in the Southern United States, Berea enrolls roughly 1,652 students and emphasizes close faculty mentorship, small classes, and deep connections to regional culture. The campus experience blends rigorous academics with community engagement and a strong commitment to experiential learning.

Academically, Berea offers about 25 undergraduate programs supported by faculty active in teaching, research, and public scholarship. The college is nationally recognized for its service-learning model and its collections documenting Southern Appalachian history and music. Every student receives a Tuition Promise Scholarship so tuition is covered, and the federally recognized work college model hires students on campus, enabling many graduates to leave with little or no student debt while gaining valuable professional skills.

For international students seeking an affordable, values-driven liberal arts education, Berea provides personalized support, opportunities for internships and study abroad, and a collaborative community focused on social responsibility. Admissions prioritize academic promise and a willingness to contribute to campus life through work and service. Berea is a strong fit for students who want rigorous classroom learning combined with hands-on experience and a mission-oriented environment that supports career readiness and civic engagement.