Easiest Religious Studies Degree Programs (2026)

Religious studies explores the beliefs, practices, and cultural impact of religions around the world, making it a fascinating field for students interested in history, philosophy, and human behavior. Because the subject spans so many traditions and perspectives, coursework can sometimes feel broad or complex.

At the same time, some programs are structured to be more approachable, helping students focus on key concepts without becoming overwhelmed. For this reason, religious studies is often considered among the easiest college degrees, particularly for those who enjoy reading, discussion, and analytical thinking.

Because the field also examines how religion shapes societies and cultures, it shares common ground with disciplines like sociology and anthropology. This overlap makes it useful to compare religious studies with other easy social sciences degree when considering workload and academic focus. In this article, we’ll break down what to look for in a religious studies program and highlight options that offer a more manageable path.

How To Identify the Easiest Religious Studies Degree Programs

All college degree programs will vary in difficulty based on a few key individual factors like passion for the subjects and commitment to studying.

Beyond some of the student-specific reasons, there are also a few general factors that can show that a degree program will be easier compared to similar degrees offered at other universities.

When looking into degree programs, look for key difficulty indicators such as:

• Degree level (i.e. associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctorate)
• Online vs in-person classes
• The university's acceptance rate
• The university's graduation rate

Just because a religious studies degree program has some or all these indicators doesn't mean it will be easy, but it will probably be easier than other religious degree programs.

Degree Level

Religious studies degrees, like most other college degrees, come in four main education levels.

The four main levels of degree are:

• Associate: 60 credit hours, usually earned in 2 years
• Bachelor's: 120 credit hours, usually earned in 4 years
• Master's: 150 to 160 credit hours (this includes the credit hours earned for a bachelor's degree and added master's level courses)
• Doctorate: 120 credit hours beyond the credit hours needed to complete a bachelor's degree, but this can vary depending on the degree program and

Higher-level college degrees require more credit hours to earn, but they also include higher-level coursework and more work needed outside of classes.

Most jobs in the field require a religious studies bachelor's degree, but there are still opportunities for graduates with associate degrees, which is usually the easiest degree to earn.

Online, Hybrid, or Fully In-Person Courses

For many students, one of the most difficult parts of a religious studies degree is the stresses that come with on-campus learning.

Finding a fully online degree program helps reduce the burden associated with college.

Some advantages of online education include:

• Flexible class schedules and self-pacing options
• No commutes or on-campus living
• Reduced tuition costs

Some students prefer the structure of on-campus learning, so it's important to include your preferences when you're trying to pick the right degree program for you.

The Acceptance Rate of The University

Every year colleges must accept or reject students for a variety of reasons.

Colleges with higher acceptance rates are easier to enroll in. This will ultimately make the degree easier to earn than a degree from a college with a lower acceptance rate.

Acceptance rate isn't an indication of education quality.

Many online colleges have near 100% acceptance rates because they aren't confined to the requirements that come with campus facilities. Online religious studies degrees can be easier to get into but provide the same post-graduation employment opportunities.

Graduation Rates

One of the most important indicators of a degree program's difficulty is the graduation or completion rate of the program.

Although a high graduation rate doesn't mean a program is easy, it is often an indicator of an easier program.

To properly evaluate a school's graduation rate, you need to make sure that you look at the rate for your program and not the overall school. The total graduation rate will include all degree programs, which can influence the accuracy of the data.

What Colleges Offer Religious Studies Degrees?

If you're looking for the easiest religious study degree program, the above criteria will help get you started.

The following colleges offer fully online religious studies degree programs:

• University of Central Florida
• Arizona State University
• Grand Canyon University
• Kentucky Wesleyan College
• Andrews University

Some colleges offer Christian-focused religious studies, while others offer degrees that encompass multiple religions.

If you're trying to find a more general religious studies course or a degree with comparative religious studies, you might need to review the curriculum of a school before applying.

Finding The Best and Easiest Religious Studies Degree for You

With so many schools offering religious studies degree programs, it can be overwhelming for prospective students trying to find the right program for them.

Before you apply for a religious studies degree program, start with Learn's database.

To help students looking for the easiest religious studies degree, and any other degree you can think of, we've put together a database of thousands of articles and other educational resources.