Study at the Intersection of Religion, Culture and Politics
At DU,the exploration of global religious traditions is founded on interdisciplinary knowledge paired with opportunities to perform original research and engage with religious communities both at home and around the world. Students work with faculty mentors to understand and analyze the practices, scriptures and histories of belief systems that shape the world we live in today.
Along with developing practical research and communication skills, students work to understand the lived experiences of religious communities, and how religious beliefs and practices shape politics and society in the U.S. and around the world. With a degree in religious studies in hand, graduates go on to launch careers in education, law, government, nonprofit management, ministry, public relations and social work, among many other rewarding fields.
Religious Studies Programs
Whether you're taking classes in religious studies as an undergraduate or building your knowledge on the way to a master's or PhD, our academic programs will expand your understanding of the world's religious practices and help you develop key skills that will propel you to a fulfilling pathway once you've graduated.
Over 90 percent of CAHSS students take advantage of the opportunity to study abroad during their time at DU. Attending classes at an outside institution and immersing yourself in a new culture can help you expand your perspective on the practice of religion around the world, building intercultural communication skills and a greater understanding of religion's role in different communities.
Theta Alpha Kappa is the nationally recognized honors society for students in religious studies and theology, at the graduate and undergraduate level. Students who maintain a 3.5 grade point average in religious studies courses, along with a 3.0 GPA overall, may qualify for Theta Alpha Kappa, which also awards small grants and scholarships.
Our University is deeply invested in the public good, and that philosophy extends to our religious studies programs. We bring students together with religious organizations and religiously-affiliated non-profits in local and global communities to discover how religion can be key a element of community building and service toward the greater good.
Many students participate in an internship as part of their educational experience in the Department of Religious Studies. Both undergraduate and graduate students are afforded a range of opportunities to work with nongovernmental, nonprofit or educational organizations to develop practical skills and real-world knowledge of institutional missions and processes.
Students should speak to their undergraduate or graduate advisor at the start of the quarter prior to starting an internship to explore placement options and find the best fit for their educational goals. Internships can be taken for credit or simply as part of the student's professional development, and are not limited to the Denver area. Students are welcome to seek opportunities across the United States and abroad. Many students use the summer quarter to take internships.
The Kirk Lectures were launched by religious studies faculty in the mid 1990s. These lectures bring insight and expertise from across the academic field to campus to advance our students' understanding of the role of religion around the world. The lecture has featured educators, researchers and community religious leaders speaking on their experience and academic work. As part of the program, students have the opportunity to meet with and learn from each year's Kirk Lecturer.
Explore the full range of educational and career-boosting opportunities for students in the Department of Religious Studies.
Go to the graduate admission application to submit your information. For information on admission requirements, visit the graduate academic programs page and locate your program of interest.
