Overview

The Religious Studies programme at Northeastern University provides students with a sophisticated framework for understanding the role of faith and spirituality within global historical and political contexts. By engaging with comparative methodologies, learners examine how various traditions manifest in everyday life and influence modern human affairs.

This major is structured to balance a broad survey of world religions with the opportunity for in-depth mastery of specific cultural dimensions. Students explore the normative and ideological issues that arise from religious practice, gaining the intellectual tools necessary to navigate complex social landscapes. The curriculum emphasises the development of critical writing and interpretive skills through diverse academic approaches.

Why Religious Studies at Northeastern University?

Northeastern University distinguishes itself by offering an applied approach to the study of religion, preparing students to address the conceptual and worldview dimensions of environmental and social issues. The institution provides unique experiential learning opportunities, including the Dialogue of Civilisations and global co-op placements, which allow students to observe religious practices first-hand across different continents.

The Department of Philosophy and Religion fosters a vibrant research environment through initiatives like The Ethics Institute and Sacred Writes. Students benefit from a curriculum that integrates public scholarship and undergraduate research, ensuring that academic theories are grounded in practical, real-world applications and contemporary ethical debates.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 33995 per semester
National fee: USD 33995 per semester
Local fee: USD 33995 per semester

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

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on theoretical frameworks, cultural literacy, and the comparative analysis of Western and Eastern traditions. Modules may include:

Academic Study of Religion
Religious Traditions
Religion in Popular and Material Cultures
Western and Eastern Traditions
Religion, Politics, and Social Justice
Hermeneutics and Textual Interpretation
Ethical Dimensions of Religion
Religion in Historical Contexts
Rituals and Practices

Careers with Religious Studies

Graduates are equipped with versatile skills in critical thinking and cross-cultural communication, making them valuable assets in various professional sectors. The programme prepares individuals for roles in government, international relations, and social justice organisations where an understanding of religious influence is essential. Many alumni also pursue careers in education, journalism, and public policy, or continue their academic journey through advanced graduate research.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Selling Spirituality
The Meaning of Death
Apocalypticism in Film
Sex in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
Islam: Rituals, Traditions, and Debates
Religious Perspectives on Health and Healing
Science Fiction and Film: Moral Dilemmas and Ethical Analysis
Music and Religion
Cults and Sects
Possession, Sacrifice, and Divination in African Diasporic Religions
The Religious Worlds of Boston: Faith and Devotion in Urban Life
Ethics: East and West
Hinduism, Buddhism, and Beyond: Eastern Religions
Chinese Philosophy and Religion
Japanese Buddhism
Goddesses, Witches, Saints, and Sinners: Women in Western Religions

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

135

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TOEFL^® IBT

106

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

7.5

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Credits

128 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Boston, United States

Disciplines

Theology and Religious Studies View 867 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

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

106

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

7.5

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

Your Common Application or Coalition Application
Your application must be submitted by the deadline, along with either the application fee ($75) or a fee waiver request.
Your Secondary School Report and Official High School Transcript must be submitted directly from your high school.
Optional Standardized Testing.
All applicants from US and international high schools will be able to choose to submit standardized testing (SAT or ACT) or not.
Non-native English-speaking applicants must continue to submit official results from an approved English Language Test or request a waiver through the Application Status Check.
English Proficiency: All students, regardless of citizenship must demonstrate English language proficiency when applying to Northeastern.

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

67990 USD / year

≈ 67990 USD / year
Out-of-State

67990 USD / year

≈ 67990 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

67990 USD / year

≈ 67990 USD / year

Living costs

Boston

United States

1560 - 3239 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

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

Boston

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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