Chapman University

What you'll study

The programme provides a broad, comparative curriculum grounded in historical, textual and social-scientific approaches to religion. Core study typically includes introductions to the academic study of religion, methods and theory, and courses on major religious traditions such as Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. Students read sacred texts, learn critical interpretive methods, and examine religion's intersection with ethics, politics, gender, law and the arts.

Typical modules and topics include:

• Introduction to Religious Studies — frameworks for studying belief, ritual and religious communities.
• Methods and Theory — historical, anthropological and literary approaches to religion.
• Sacred Texts and Interpretation — close reading of scriptures and interpretive traditions.
• Religions of Asia and Religions of the West — comparative surveys of major world traditions.
• Religion and Ethics / Religion and Politics — how beliefs shape moral and civic life.
• Religion, Culture and Media — religion in film, literature and contemporary media.
• Language and Textual Study — opportunities to study relevant languages or translations for primary-source work.
• Capstone / Senior Seminar — supervised research project or thesis synthesising coursework and independent study.

Students may combine the major with electives in history, philosophy, anthropology, sociology or languages, and pursue internships, community-engaged learning or study abroad to deepen practical and comparative knowledge.

Entry requirements

Admission to Chapman University is selective and based on a holistic review of academic preparation, personal statement and supporting materials. For the Religion programme, applicants should demonstrate strong performance in secondary-school coursework, particularly in humanities or social-science subjects, and an ability to read and write analytically.

Typical application materials include high-school transcripts or equivalent, a personal statement outlining academic interests and reasons for studying religion, and letters of recommendation. International applicants should present the equivalent academic qualifications from their home country and evidence of English proficiency if required. Mature or transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and a statement of preparation for upper-level study and research.

Career prospects

A degree in Religious Studies prepares graduates for a wide range of careers that value critical thinking, cross-cultural literacy and strong communication skills. Common pathways include:

• Further study in graduate programmes (MA, MDiv, PhD) for careers in research, higher education, theology or professional ministry.
• Education and teaching at secondary or postsecondary level (with appropriate certification for K–12), museum education and public history roles.
• Public and community service, including non-profit management, advocacy, interfaith and community relations, and social services.
• Law, public policy and government work, where skills in ethical reasoning and cultural literacy are essential.
• Journalism, publishing, cultural programming and media production with a focus on religion, ethics or cultural affairs.
• Chaplaincy and pastoral care, which typically require additional professional training or certification.

Graduates often combine the major with complementary internships, language study or professional preparation to enter specific fields.

Why study at Chapman University

Chapman offers a liberal-arts environment with relatively small class sizes and close faculty mentorship, enabling sustained engagement with primary texts and guided research projects. Faculty are active scholars across historical, textual and social-scientific approaches, providing students with access to research-led teaching and opportunities for independent scholarship such as senior theses or directed readings.

Located in Southern California, Chapman provides access to diverse religious communities, cultural institutions and internship opportunities in the Los Angeles and Orange County region. The university’s emphasis on interdisciplinary study and experiential learning helps students combine religious studies with fields such as history, philosophy, international studies and the arts, while campus career services support preparation for both employment and graduate study.