Overview

The Religious Studies program at University of Wisconsin Madison uses historical methods to understand how religions develop in time; critical literary methods to understand religious ideas; aesthetic methods to understand religious art and material culture; social-scientific methods to understand the relationship between religion, society and culture. Religious studies can also engage a variety of professional disciplines in analysis of how religion functions in economic, educational or political contexts, healthcare and scientific research, to name some examples.

Some ways of studying religion emphasize understanding religions on their own terms, other ways use comparative methods to discern differences and similarities between religions. Students of religion also study ways that people use religious resources to make meaning outside the boundaries of religious institutions and identities. Above all, the field of religious studies requires a willingness to explore different ways of interpreting human life and diligent effort to develop understanding of how religious ideas, symbols, rituals and spaces serve as resources for people in a variety of contexts as they make sense of and live out their lives in the world. Thus, religious studies provides important preparation for thinking, communicating and functioning professionally and personally in a complex, multidimensional world.

Key Facts

Proficiency in close reading, interpretation, and written and oral analysis.

Proficiency in accessing, appraising, and utilizing a variety of resources and methods for research across disciplinary lines.

Proficiency in categorizing, analyzing and comparing diverse systems of value and belief in a variety of contexts.

Global and local religious literacy; identifying, evaluating, and interpreting the interrelationships and impact of religious worldviews and communities in Wisconsin, the United States and globally.

Ability to conduct and present sustained research on primary sources using methodologies/analysis of religious studies culminating in the senior capstone project.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

America and Religions
Women, Gender and Religion
Buddhism
The Crusades: Christianity and Islam
Sects and Cults
Medieval Social and Intellectual History, 1200-1450
Sacred Places and Journeys
Science, Medicine and Religion

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Madison, United States

Disciplines

Theology and Religious Studies View 870 other Bachelors in Theology and Religious Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Admissions application
Application fee
Course and grade information from grades 9-12
Two essays: tell us about your academic and personal achievements
One required letter of recommendation
English language proficiency
Official test scores: scores from either the ACT or the SAT

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

44210 USD / year

≈ 44210 USD / year
Out-of-State

44210 USD / year

≈ 44210 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12186 USD / year

≈ 12186 USD / year

Additional Details

Minnesota Resident: $16,638

Living costs

Madison

United States

1015 - 1752 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 Religious Studies.

Available Scholarships

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

About

Overview

Key Facts

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

Additional Details

Living costs

Madison

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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