Religious Studies
The academic, non-devotional study of world religions.
Religious studies examines religious traditions, texts, practices, and beliefs from an academic (not devotional) perspective, using historical, textual, and comparative methods. Programs typically cover multiple traditions rather than focusing on just one.
Coursework includes close reading of religious texts in translation, historical study of how traditions developed, and comparative analysis of belief systems, with an emphasis on understanding religion's role in culture, politics, and society.
Typical courses you might take
- ✓Introduction to World Religions
- ✓Sacred Texts & Interpretation
- ✓History of [a specific tradition]
- ✓Religion and Society
- ✓Comparative Religion
- ✓Religion, Ethics, and Politics
- ✓Research Methods in Religious Studies
- ✓Senior Thesis
Sample four-year plan
Illustrative, not a registration planOne possible way these courses could be sequenced alongside general education and elective credit. Real programs vary in order, pacing, and prerequisites by school, use this to get a rough sense of the arc, not to plan actual registration.
- ✓Introduction to World Religions
- +General education requirement
- ✓Sacred Texts & Interpretation
- +General education requirement
- ✓History of [a specific tradition]
- +General education requirement
- ✓Religion and Society
- +Free elective
- ✓Comparative Religion
- +Free elective
- ✓Religion, Ethics, and Politics
- +Elective in the major (or minor coursework)
- ✓Research Methods in Religious Studies
- +Elective in the major (or minor coursework)
- ✓Senior Thesis
- +Capstone, thesis, or culminating project (common in many programs)
Skills you'll build
This major might be a good fit if you...
- ★Curious about belief systems and their role in human life
- ★Enjoys close reading and comparative analysis
- ★Comfortable discussing sensitive or contested topics evenhandedly
- ★Interested in history, ethics, or cultural studies broadly
Common minors & double-major pairings
Philosophy · History · Anthropology
Frequently asked questions
What is a Religious Studies major?
The academic, non-devotional study of world religions.
What courses do Religious Studies majors take?
Typical coursework includes classes like Introduction to World Religions, Sacred Texts & Interpretation, History of [a specific tradition], among others, see the full course list above for this major's typical lineup.
What skills do you build in a Religious Studies program?
Religious Studies coursework typically builds skills like Comparative and critical analysis of belief systems, Close reading of historical and sacred texts, Understanding religion's role in culture and politics, Cross-cultural sensitivity and perspective-taking.
Is Religious Studies a good major for me?
It tends to be a good fit if signals like "Curious about belief systems and their role in human life" or "Enjoys close reading and comparative analysis" describe you. See the full "good fit if you..." list above for more.
What other majors pair well with Religious Studies?
Common minor or double-major pairings include Philosophy, History, Anthropology.
How is Religious Studies different from Philosophy?
They're related but distinct. Religious Studies: The academic, non-devotional study of world religions. Philosophy: Rigorous reasoning about knowledge, ethics, and existence. Use the compare tool to see courses and skills side by side.
How long does it take to earn a Religious Studies degree?
Most bachelor's degrees, including this one, are designed to be completed in about four years of full-time study. Exact timing depends on your school, course load, transfer credit, and any changes of major along the way.
Printed from majoratlas.com/majors/religious-studies