Bachelor Of Arts - Honours Arts - Religious Studies at University of Waterloo - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-11-18

Program overview

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Program overview

Earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies at the University of Waterloo. This program allows students to explore the fundamental beliefs that shape our world and how religions influence various aspects of society, including politics, economics, and culture. With a focus on critical thinking and multicultural understanding, graduates are well-prepared for diverse career paths. The program also offers the opportunity to gain valuable work experience through paid co-op work terms, enhancing both academic and professional development.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies is structured to provide a comprehensive education over a four-year period. The program includes:

Program Length: Four years
Co-op options available, allowing students to gain practical work experience
Flexibility to choose a second major or minors to tailor the degree to personal interests
Access to over 100 undergraduate courses covering various religious traditions and cultural studies

Students can choose to study through either the Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business streams, with a mix of core courses and electives throughout their studies. The program emphasizes a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing students for their future careers.

Featured Experiences

The Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies offers several unique features to enhance the learning experience:

Paid co-op work terms, providing up to 20 months of relevant work experience
Opportunities to engage in joint programs with Wilfrid Laurier University, expanding learning options
Hands-on learning through various projects and collaborative courses
Access to a diverse range of courses that cover global religions, cultural studies, and spirituality
Field experiences that allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Pastor: Leading religious services and providing spiritual guidance to community members.
Youth Minister: Engaging with young people in religious settings, offering support and mentorship.
Teacher: Educating students about religious studies and cultural awareness in schools.
Life Coordinator: Assisting individuals in navigating life challenges through spiritual and practical support.
Facilitator: Leading workshops and discussions on religious and cultural topics in various settings.

Other potential roles include working as an Executive Assistant in healthcare settings, Development Officer for non-profits, or Registered Early Childhood Educator in child care services. The program equips students with the skills needed to thrive in a multicultural society and contribute meaningfully to the global economy.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit University of Waterloo official website

Last updated on 2025-11-18

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For the Bachelor of Arts - Honours Arts - Religious Studies program at the University of Waterloo, the following Academic Requirements apply:

Minimum GPA: Not specified.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.
Prerequisite courses: Not clearly mentioned.

For international students, particularly those from Vietnam and other Asian countries, the following general requirements are applicable:

Completion of the Bàng Tốt Nghiệp Phố Thông Trung Học (Secondary School Graduation Certificate).
English and Mathematics with a minimum grade of 7.5 in each subject.
Overall average of 8.3.

It is advisable for students to apply as soon as possible to ensure they meet all necessary deadlines. For any clarification and support regarding the application process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

English Language Requirements

English is the language of instruction at the University of Waterloo. Success in our programs requires a high level of English language proficiency.

You need to provide an English language test score if:

your four most recent years of full-time education have NOT been in an English-language school system AND
your first language is NOT English.

Required English Language Scores

Tests that do not appear on this chart are not accepted for admission consideration.

Official test scores must be sent by the testing agency directly to Waterloo's Office of the Registrar. Emails, faxes, and student copies of test scores are not accepted for admission.

Test	Minimum Score	How to Send Test Results
Internet-based TOEFL (iBT), including Home Edition and Paper Edition	90 overall, 25 writing, 25 speaking	Waterloo's institution code is 0996 and our department code is 00. We do not accept electronic TOEFL scores for undergraduate admissions.
IELTS Academic	6.5 overall, 6.5 writing, 6.5 speaking, 6.0 reading, 6.0 listening	We accept the electronic Test Report Form (TRF). Waterloo's e-transfer institution name is University of Waterloo – Undergraduate OR University of Waterloo Admissions.
CAEL or CAEL online	70 overall, 60 per band, 70 writing, 70 speaking	You must log in to your affiliated account and select University of Waterloo as a recipient institution.
PTE Academic	63 overall, 65 writing, 65 speaking	Send your Score Report Code or Registration ID to myapplication@uwaterloo.ca.
Cambridge English test (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency)	180 overall, 176 writing, 176 reading, 176 speaking, 176 listening	Go to the Candidate Results Online portal, input your ID and secret number then click on "Send my result."
Duolingo English test	The minimum requirement for tests completed before July 1, 2024 is an overall score of 120, with minimum Literacy and Production scores of 110. Tests completed after July 1, 2024 require an overall of 120 with Literacy and Production scores of 125 for direct entry to a Waterloo program.	Results will not be accepted without subscores. You must log in to your affiliated account and select University of Waterloo – Undergraduate as a recipient institution.
EFAS - English for Academic Success	75% overall in 400 levels, 75% in each of academic, oral, and writing	Your scores will be sent to us automatically by the English Language Institute.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!