Bachelor degree
48 months
Application deadlines: January 1
Processing time: April 1
Application fee: $25
Full-time
Intakes: August 30
International tuition: $44,382
Domestic tuition: $44,382

Program overview

The religion curriculum at California Lutheran University challenges students to engage in the academic study of religion and to explore the religious questions raised in multiple faith traditions, such as the existence and nature of God, how personal and community ethics are shaped, how religion informs our living in a complex and global society, and the role of scriptures in the lives of the faithful. While the primary focus of the religion curriculum is the Christian tradition, courses are also offered in the other major religious traditions of the world as well as in biblical languages. The religion degree program at Cal Lutheran provides a solid grounding in the academic study of religion, using the tools of critical thinking, analysis of primary sources, and engagement with diverse religious traditions both locally and globally. This program supports the liberal arts emphasis of the University and prepares students to understand and negotiate the myriad complexities of religion they will face after graduation, whether they work in business, local government, social services, education, medicine, administration, sales, or the environment. In addition to teaching students the skills of critical thinking and sustained community engagement needed for many careers today, the Religion Major also prepares students for graduate study in religion. Pre-seminary advising is also available.

Study options

This program can be done
On campus

Requirements

Exams:

    Complete Your Application & Essay Complete The Common Application and personal essay by the appropriate deadline. Please keep in mind all application documents must be submitted by the application deadline (including Official Test Scores, Official Transcripts, Letter of Recommendation and Personal Statement). Request Recommendation Request a letter of recommendation from one your teachers through the Recommender Section of the Common Application. You will need your recommender's email address for this section. We suggest that you begin the process early to give them plenty of time to respond before the deadline. Submit Application Fee All applicants must submit a non-refundable $25 application fee or submit a fee waiver. If the fee will present a financial hardship for you and your family, you may be eligible for a waiver of the application fee. Ask your guidance counselor to submit a Fee Waiver Request (we accept the NACAC and College Board Fee Waiver request forms). Request Test Scores (Optional) Arrange to have official SAT or ACT test results sent to Cal Lutheran before the deadline, or you can apply Test-Optional. If you choose to apply without SAT or ACT please complete all "Supplemental Questions" on the Common Application. You will also be contacted to schedule an interview with an admission counselor. SAT code: 4088 ACT code 0183 English Proficiency International students must submit proof of English proficiency. This can be demonstrated by taking the TOEFL, IELTS or PTE examinations. Additionally the English proficiency requirement is waived for students who transfer from a US Community College, or complete Level 112 at any ELS Language Center. Transcripts Official high school transcripts must be sent to us directly from schools you have attended through. Your high school counselor may submit these via online services such as Docufide, Naviance, and The Common Application, or mail in a physical copy to the Office of Undergraduate Admission. Optional Interview Interviews are only required for students who choose to apply without the SAT or ACT (see above). However, students who would like the opportunity to add an optional interview to their application review can do so in one of the following ways: • Visit campus. It is a great way to explore Cal Lutheran, connect with current students and meet with an admission counselor. Tours and interviews are available Monday through Friday in the morning or afternoon • Meet with an admission representative if they are visiting your area or through Skype, WeChat, WhatsApp, Line, or another video conferencing app. • Students in Asia have the option to interview with Vericant. California Lutheran University, in partnership with Vericant, provides in-person interviews for international applicants interested in showcasing English communication skils, unique experiences, and professionalism as a part of their overall application review. Final Review Double check your work and review thoroughly to ensure you have recorded your information accurately. Once your application has been submitted, you cannot go back in and edit it. English Proficiency Conversational and academic proficiency of English is an integral part of studying at Cal Lutheran. . International students are required to provide proof of English proficiency in one of the following ways: • Minimum TOEFL score of 213 computer-based; 550 paper-based; or 79 internet-based • Minimum IELTS score: 6.5 • Minimum Pearsons (PTE Academic) score: 58 • Completion of ELS 112 • Completion of freshman English (college level) with a grade of "C" or better at an accredited community college or university Applicants who attend secondary school where English is the language of instruction for a minimum of three years may have the proof of English proficiency requirement waived on a case by case basis.

    Career opportunities

    Opportunities exist for students to do internships and independent studies, allowing them to explore areas of potential career interest, and students majoring in religion graduate from Cal Lutheran well-prepared for seminary study. In addition, Lutheran students are eligible for the Associate in Ministry program for lay persons who are certified by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

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