About this Program

This program is designed to provide students with a solid grounding in the history of philosophy and the ability to analyze arguments proposed in serious discussions of any subject. This concentration is designed for students looking to understand the role of religion in human culture and to expand their cultural competency. Students may also choose to minor in religious studies.

Program Highlights

  • Courses equip you with versatile and marketable skills, including critical thinking, excellent verbal and written communication, and problem-solving

  • Students completing Philosophy BAs have the highest average composite GRE scores and either the best or nearly the best law school admission rates

  • Our program provides access to real-world experiences such as conferences, clubs, service learning, and summer programs to enhance your resume

  • Passionate faculty invest in the success of every student and seek to support a diverse, and inclusive community of philosophical thinkers

AT A GLANCE
Degree Level
Undergraduate
Degree Earned
Bachelor of Arts
Delivery Modes
On-Campus

Careers

Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Reporters and Correspondents

$51,550 Median Salary

Collect and analyze facts about newsworthy events by interview, investigation, or observation. Report and write stories for newspaper, news magazine, radio, or television.

Clergy

$50,800 Median Salary

Conduct religious worship and perform other spiritual functions associated with beliefs and practices of religious faith or denomination. Provide spiritual and moral guidance and assistance to members.

Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers

$71,540 Median Salary

Monitor and evaluate compliance with equal opportunity laws, guidelines, and policies to ensure that employment practices and contracting arrangements give equal opportunity without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary

$78,790 Median Salary

Teach courses in philosophy, religion, and theology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Religious Studies at ODU?
Students entering the Bachelor of Arts program in Religious Studies should meet the minimum university admission requirements Undergraduate Admission.
  • A student needs to have earned a grade of C or better in ENGL 110C or its equivalent and completed at least 26 credit hours

  • It is also recommended the student have completed PHIL 110P, PHIL 120P, PHIL 230E, or PHIL 250E, but it is not required

Transfer

At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful...

Cost

Estimated rates for the 2024-25 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

Active Duty Military Rate
Cost Per-Credit $250
Virginia Resident
Cost Per-Credit $408
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Cost Per-Credit $439
Non-Resident
Cost Per-Credit $1,109

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial Aid.

Contact

Professor

9016 BATTEN ARTS & LETTERS
NORFOLK, 23529