University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

The BA in Religion provides a broad foundation in the history, texts, practices and theories of religion. Core study covers comparative approaches to religion, methods and theory in religious studies, and research skills. Students typically take modules that explore major world traditions — including Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Islam and Judaism — alongside specialised courses in Indigenous Hawaiian and Pacific religions, East Asian religions, and religion in the modern Americas.

• Core topics: introduction to religious studies, methods and theory, research practicum, senior capstone or thesis.
• Regional and tradition-focused modules: Buddhism in Asia, Hindu traditions, Christianity in global perspective, Islam in Southeast Asia, Shinto and Japanese religion, Indigenous Hawaiian religion and practice.
• Thematic modules: religion and ecology, religion and politics, ritual and material culture, religion and gender, religion in diaspora communities.
• Language and contextual study: opportunities to study relevant languages (such as Hawaiian, Japanese or other Asian languages) and to take courses in related departments like Anthropology, Asian Studies and Pacific Islands Studies.
• Fieldwork and practical experience: community-based projects, museum internships, archival research and study abroad or exchange options that allow in-region research in Asia and the Pacific.

Entry requirements

Admission to the BA in Religion follows the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa undergraduate entry process. Typical applicants hold a secondary school qualification recognised by the university or an equivalent international credential. Mature students and transfers with college-level credit are considered according to standard transfer policies.

• Academic background: successful completion of secondary education with a record of work in humanities or social sciences is advantageous; there are no mandatory prerequisite subjects beyond the general university admission requirements.
• English language: applicants whose first language is not English will need to meet the university's English-proficiency requirements through recognised tests or equivalent evidence.
• Additional considerations: personal statements, letters of recommendation and evidence of interest in religion, cultural studies or related fields can strengthen an application. Transfer credit and AP/IB scores are assessed individually.

Career prospects

Graduates in Religious Studies develop critical thinking, research, writing and intercultural communication skills valued across many sectors. Career paths are diverse and often interdisciplinary.

• Public and community service: roles in government, community development, multicultural outreach and non-profit organisations.
• Cultural institutions: museum work, archival and curatorial projects, cultural resource management, and roles at heritage organisations in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.
• Education and outreach: secondary teaching (with additional certification), adult education, public programming and curriculum development.
• Professional fields: careers in law, journalism, international affairs, social work and business where cultural literacy and ethical reasoning are assets.
• Further study: many graduates pursue postgraduate research in religious studies, theology, anthropology, Asian studies or related disciplines, or professional training for chaplaincy and counselling roles.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa offers a distinctive setting for studying religion because of its geographic location and research strengths in Asian and Pacific religions, Indigenous Hawaiian traditions and religion-environment relationships. The department benefits from interdisciplinary collaboration with Asian Studies, Anthropology, Indigenous Studies and environmental programmes, providing students with a wide range of academic and practical learning opportunities.

• Regional expertise: faculty specialists in Asian religions, Pacific Indigenous religions and religion in diasporic communities offer direct access to scholarship informed by the Pacific context.
• Local resources: proximity to museums, cultural centres and community organisations in Honolulu supports internships, fieldwork and applied research.
• Global and community engagement: study abroad and exchange programmes in Asia and the Pacific, combined with community-based projects, help students develop comparative perspectives and practical experience.
• Interdisciplinary learning: options to combine religious studies with languages, history, environmental studies and social sciences to tailor degree pathways to academic and career goals.