Religion BA
Lycoming College Campus, United States
Bachelor of Arts in Religion
Lycoming College
Religion / Religious Studies
Religion BA at Lycoming College: Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts in Religion at Lycoming College offers a rigorous exploration of the world's religious traditions, sacred texts, and the existential questions that shape human experience. Rooted in the liberal arts tradition of one of the 50 oldest private colleges in the United States, this program prepares you for careers in ministry, education, nonprofit leadership, and graduate study in theology or religious studies.
The Religion major at Lycoming emphasizes comparative study, scriptural analysis, theological ethics, and independent research. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, you benefit from close mentorship and discussion-based learning in small classes where professors know you by name.
Students in the program complete a capstone research project (REL 447 Research in Religion) and a senior oral defense, ensuring that you graduate with strong analytical, writing, and communication skills. Opportunities for internships in churches, hospitals, and nonprofit organizations, as well as field archaeology in the Near East, further enrich your academic experience.
Key Program Highlights
- Comprehensive curriculum spanning world religions, biblical studies, theology, and ethics with both comparative and textual approaches
- Senior capstone research project and oral defense that develop advanced critical thinking and scholarly communication skills
- Access to biblical language study in Greek and Hebrew, plus field archaeology opportunities in the Near East and Mediterranean
- Membership eligibility in Theta Alpha Kappa, the national honor society for Religious and Theological Studies
Curriculum and Course Modules
The Religion major at Lycoming College consists of ten courses that span comparative religion, scriptural analysis, theology and ethics, and elective specializations. No more than four 100-level courses may count toward the major, and at least seven courses must carry the REL prefix. Students also complete a required capstone research course and senior assessment.
Introduction to World Religions (REL 110)
3 creditsAn introductory, interdisciplinary examination of the phenomena associated with religion, exploring the worldviews of major world traditions through comparative analysis.
Introduction to the Old Testament (REL 113)
3 creditsA critical study of the Hebrew Bible, examining its literary forms, historical contexts, and theological themes within the ancient Near Eastern world.
Introduction to the New Testament (REL 114)
3 creditsAn analytical exploration of the New Testament writings, their historical backgrounds, literary genres, and theological significance within early Christianity.
What is Religion? (REL 220)
3 creditsA deeper investigation into the nature and definition of religion, examining theoretical frameworks and methodologies used in the academic study of religious phenomena.
Topics in Comparative Religion (REL 320)
3 creditsAn advanced course exploring specific themes and traditions across multiple religions, fostering cross-cultural understanding and comparative analytical skills.
Research in Religion (REL 447)
3 creditsThe required capstone course in which senior majors conduct independent research, write a scholarly paper, and present an oral defense before department faculty.
Elective Courses
Admission Requirements
Lycoming College takes a holistic approach to evaluating applications, considering your academic record, personal qualities, and career goals. All applications and inquiries for this program are handled through Uni4Edu, your single point of contact for a seamless admissions experience.
Academic Requirements
- High School DiplomaCompletion of a recognized secondary school diploma or equivalent qualification is required for admission.
- Academic TranscriptsOfficial high school transcripts must be submitted. International transcripts must be translated into English.
- Standardized TestsLycoming College is test-optional. SAT or ACT scores may be submitted but are not required.
- Personal EssayA personal essay explaining your interest in studying at Lycoming College and your academic goals is required.
- Letter of RecommendationAt least one letter of recommendation is required for domestic applicants. Recommendation letters are encouraged but not required for international applicants.
English Language Requirements
- TOEFL iBTMinimum score of 70
- IELTSMinimum overall band score of 6.0
- Duolingo English TestMinimum score of 100
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
Lycoming College is committed to making education accessible and affordable. The college offers generous financial aid packages, with the vast majority of students receiving some form of scholarship or grant support. Contact Uni4Edu for personalized information about funding opportunities available to you.
Merit-Based Academic Scholarships
Lycoming awards merit scholarships based on academic achievement, including GPA and overall application strength. These renewable awards are available to both domestic and international students.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects for Religion Graduates
A Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Lycoming College equips you with critical thinking, ethical reasoning, cross-cultural communication, and research skills that are valued across many professions. The program prepares graduates for seminary study, nonprofit leadership, education, and a wide range of careers in the public and private sectors.
Potential Career Paths
Typical Employers and Graduate Destinations
Rankings and Recognition
Lycoming College is consistently recognized among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. Founded in 1812, the college has earned accolades for academic quality, value, and its commitment to student success and social mobility.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| National Liberal Arts Colleges | U.S. News & World Report | #96 |
| Best Value Schools | U.S. News & World Report | #21 |
| Best 391 Colleges | Princeton Review | Included |
| Best Colleges in America | Money Magazine | Four-Star Rating |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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