Undergraduate Irish Studies

Degree Overview

The online undergraduate Irish Studies program gives students the opportunity to explore the history, culture, literature and politics of the Irish people through courses that focus on significant historical events and religion, notable art and architecture, traditional music and dance and the literary works of some of Ireland's most prominent masters. The courses are taught by the staff and adjunct faculty of the Centre for Irish Studies at Galway, ensuring our students access to some of the leading experts in Irish culture and history.

There are two ways you can earn a diploma in Irish Studies from the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUI):

• Successfully complete five undergraduate courses (15 credit hours) from the Irish Studies program
• Successfully complete any three of the online courses (listed below) and complete two courses at NUI, Galway's Irish Studies Summer School in Ireland

You can also earn an undergraduate Certificate of Completion in Irish Studies by successfully completing four courses (12 credit hours).

Irish Studies Course Options

• IRSH410E: Early Christian Ireland
• IRSH410F: Medieval Ireland, Literature & Society 1169-1998
• IRSH410G: Early Modern Ireland, 1603-1845
• IRSH410H: Modern Ireland: Culture & Society, 1845-1998
• IRSH410I: Social and Political Change in Contemporary Ireland
• IRSH410J: From Ceilis to Riverdance (traditional Irish music and dance)

Immerse Yourself in 1500 Years of Irish History, Culture, and Language:

• Study the relationship between Ireland's religious history and architecture by learning about Royal Sites, High Crosses, Castles, Monasteries of Ireland, Celtic Civilization, St. Patrick and Irish Christianity
• Delve into the cultural, historical and political tensions in Ireland since the Norman Invasion, such as The Great Famine, 1916 Revolt, The Free State, Ireland and the European Union, Northern Ireland and 'The Troubles'
• Read literary works including the Táin Bó Cuailgne and Irish Bardic poetry, explore the writings of notable Irish authors such as W.B. Yeats, Seamus Heaney, J.M. Synge, Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill, James Joyce, Aodhagán Ó Rathaille, Samuel Beckett, Flann O'Brien and Máritín Ó Cadhain and analyze the authors' influence within literature, as well as their reflection of cultural heritage and important political movements
• Explore through listening, watching and reading, Ireland's long tradition of music and dance, discovering its history, forms and role in Irish society, past and present

Total Degree Requirements
Certificate of Completion in Irish Studies: 12 credit hours
Undergraduate diploma in Irish Studies from NUI, Galway: 15 credit hours

How to Apply

Take the next step in your Regis experience and connect with a Regis enrollment counselor for information and assistance.

Apply Now

Students with prior college credit, military credit, professional licenses or certificates or several years of work experience may be able to translate this experience directly into college credit.

Your enrollment counselor will help evaluate your prior learning credit, provide information regarding financial aid and tuition assistance, recommend courses and help you get started with the application process.

At a minimum, applicants seeking a bachelor's degree from the College for Professional Studies must either:

• Possess a high school diploma (from a regionally accredited high school) or its equivalent and a minimum of 30 semester hours of transferrable course credit from a regionally accredited college or university, OR
• Possess a high school diploma (from a regionally accredited high school) or its equivalent and three years of documented, post-high school work experience. Applicants who do not meet this requirement may submit a letter of appeal to the School Assistant Dean. Download guidelines for work experience admission appeal.

Please remember: Applications that are incomplete and/or missing information will NOT be processed. Apply a minimum of 14 days before the start of classes to ensure optimal course selection.

Degree-Seeking Applicants: Materials Needed for Application and Admission

• Application: Completed online undergraduate application form
• Application fee: $50.00 non-refundable application fee (waived for previous Regis University students)
• Writing skills placement essay: All new, degree-seeking students must submit a writing sample with the application for admission, even if English credits are being transferred toward your degree. Select one of the essay topics to demonstrate your abilities. Download a copy of the essay guidelines and essay evaluation criteria. (The writing skills placement essay is not required for non-degree seeking students.)
• Submit official transcripts within 30 days of the date of application. If you have never attended college, request official high school or GED transcripts to be sent directly to the CPS Undergraduate Office of Admissions. If official transcripts are not received within 30 days you will be unable to register for future courses until the transcripts are received.
• Transcript request forms are included with your application materials. Official transcripts must be sent directly from your previously attended schools to the CPS Admission Office.
• Transfer credit cannot be evaluated or awarded until all official transcripts are received.
• Work experience: If you have at least 30 credit hours of college course work, work experience is optional. If you have less than 30 credit hours to transfer toward your degree, you must document that you have at least three years of work experience after high school, or a combination of work experience and previous college credit equivalent to three years. Applicants who do not meet this requirement may submit a letter of appeal to the School Dean. Download the guidelines for work experience admission appeal.
• Additional admission requirements apply to international students who are non-U.S. citizens.

Non-degree seeking or certificate only applicants:

• Submit the application, application fee, indicate a minimum of 30 semester hours of transferable course credit from a regionally accredited college or university OR meet the 3 years of work experience and meet all prerequisites for specific courses you plan to register for.
• You do NOT need to submit transcripts or the writing sample.
• NOTE: You are limited to taking a maximum of 18 credit hours and you are NOT eligible for financial aid or veteran's benefits. If you decide to become degree-seeking you must meet all admission and degree requirements of the undergraduate program selected.

*Because some text books used in the Irish Studies Program come from Ireland and the U.K., please allow ample time for delivery. For more information, please contact the Regis University Bookstore.

Class Starts