Overview

The Religion programme at The City University of New York provides students with a sophisticated framework for understanding the diverse spiritual landscapes that shape human history and contemporary culture. As the oldest and most extensive initiative of its kind within the university system, it employs an interdisciplinary approach to examine the world's major belief systems. Students explore the complex intersections of faith, practice, and social identity through a variety of academic lenses.

Why Religion at The City University of New York?

This programme stands out as the largest and most comprehensive religious studies centre within the institution. It benefits from a unique inter-departmental structure, drawing on expertise from eight participating divisions, including Anthropology, Classics, and Sociology. Students have access to a vast array of over eighty courses, ranging from ancient Near Eastern traditions to modern theological movements. The student-led Religion Forum further enriches the academic environment by hosting guest speakers, film nights, and seminars that foster secular dialogue on religious expression.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 620 per credit
National fee: USD 620 per credit
Local fee: USD 305 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured into four distinct categories: basic introductions, theoretical methodologies, specific religious issues, and major world traditions. Students must complete 24 credits for the major, often supported by minors in related fields such as philosophy or history. Modules may include:

Nature of Religion
Approaches to Religion
Asian Religions
Abrahamic Religions
Faith and Disbelief
Religion and Social Justice
Religion and Human Rights
Religion and Psychology
Buddhism

Careers with Religion

Graduates of this programme are well-prepared for diverse professional paths and advanced academic study. The department provides specific guidance for those intending to pursue graduate work, recommending complementary language studies in Greek, Hebrew, or Chinese. Through the "What can you do with a Religion Major" series, students explore how their analytical and cross-cultural skills apply to various industries. The programme emphasises the development of critical thinking and research abilities that are highly valued in education, social services, and international relations.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Nature of Religion

Approaches to Religion

Religious Experience

Faith and Disbelief

Ideas of God in Contemporary Western Thought

Religion and Social Justice

Religion and Human Rights

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-09-15 00:00:00 , Local
- Apply before 2026-09-15 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-08-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00 , Local
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00 , National

More details

These are priority deadlines

Language

English

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

New York City, United States

Disciplines

Theology and Religious Studies View 869 other Bachelors in Theology and Religious Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

Required

English requirements

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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Other requirements

General requirements

In addition to your completed Admission Application, the admission review process includes consideration of the following:

High school/secondary school transcript/diploma or equivalent

Overall Grade Point Average (GPA) and success in individual subjects

SAT/ACT Scores

Curriculum rigor

College essay

Letters of recommendation (optional)

Evidence of demonstrated leadership and intellectual curiosity

Official TOEFL, EILTS, PTE, or Duolingo English Language Test scores (for students on an F1/J1 visa and were educated in a non-English speaking environment outside of the US)

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

18600 USD / year

≈ 18600 USD / year
Out-of-State

18600 USD / year

≈ 18600 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

9150 USD / year

≈ 9150 USD / year

Living costs

New York City

United States

1819 - 3968 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Religion.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

New York City

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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