Many seminaries and universities offer four-year programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Religion. The BA or BS in Religion prepares you for further, advanced education at a graduate or seminary level.

Course requirements at seminaries and Christian universities emphasize the origin and contents of the Bible. You develop skills for using the Bible to minister to laity and to address contemporary, practical life issues.

At non-denominational schools, the curriculum typically focuses on the traditions of the major world religions. Students explore the cultural influences of Judaism, Hinduism and Buddhism on the art, political systems and institutions of societies.

Coursework includes the examination of scriptures of different faiths and mythologies communicated through oral tradition. Universal spiritual questions provide direction for comparative inquiry into how various belief systems address the human need for meaning. Faculty of non-denominational religious studies programs come from a variety of backgrounds and bring their diverse faith experiences to the classroom.