Bachelor in Religion/Religious Studies (Bachelor's)

Tuition is Tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year is $63,500 per year..

Students in this programme work on research projects such as analyzing religious themes in films, taking part in archaeological fieldwork, and writing senior papers. They examine how religion influences history, politics, and culture using critical and interdisciplinary approaches. Course topics include religion in social movements, environmental ethics, and religious othering in media. The programme supports close work with faculty and individualized academic plans. Students frequently conduct independent research and study abroad.

Focus areas include Religion in Latin American social movements, Islam and capitalism, Environmental ethics, Religious othering in media, Early Christianity and archaeology, Religion and liberation.

The programme requires a senior comprehensive project, which includes independent research and a written thesis. Students complete coursework across historical, cultural, and theoretical approaches to religion, with opportunities for interdisciplinary study and fieldwork.

Graduates pursue careers in research, environmental justice, museum studies, community organizing, and graduate study in religious studies or related fields.

Applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Occidental College. No specific prerequisites for the Religious Studies major are listed. Submission of a personal statement and academic transcripts is required.

The programme totals about 32 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 40% of applicants.

Academic exploration at Occidental spans more than 40 majors and programs, supported by faculty who serve as scholars, teachers and mentors. Learning extends beyond the classroom through internships, community partnerships and hands-on research in Los Angeles and Southern California. Students can also take part in the Kahane UN Program, which offers direct participation in the work of the United Nations headquarters in New York City.

Occidental’s campus sits on 120 acres in Eagle Rock, a Los Angeles community within miles of downtown. Planned in 1911 by California architect Myron Hunt, it combines Spanish Colonial-style halls and preserved historic buildings with science facilities. The Academic Quad, between the Academic Commons and Johnson Student Center, serves as a central place for study, conversation, club activities, performances and art installations.

Students live and learn on a residential campus with residence halls, dining, student activities, athletic facilities and the McKinnon Center for Global Affairs. Los Angeles is part of the academic setting, with classes, internships and research using the city and region as an extended learning environment. International and dual citizen students make up 15% of the Oxy community. Occidental meets 100% of demonstrated financial need, and the 2027 application has no fee, with Early Action available by November 1. Support resources help students succeed during their college years.