Programs
Our programs in the Department of Religious Studies offer students a novel academic approach that investigates religion's critical relevance to contemporary politics and society. As an undergraduate religious studies major, you'll examine and analyze the world's spiritual traditions in the classroom while you engage with the local and global community through internships, study abroad opportunities, research projects and community-engaged learning experiences. Graduate students can develop their expertise with a master's, PhD or graduate certificate. Graduate students will conduct independent research that advances a better understanding of how religion influences cultures, economies, governments and social movements in the United States and around the world.
Whatever your path, our faculty will be there every step of the way, supporting your research and investing in your personal and intellectual development.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Religious Studies
About this Program
Why is religion so critical to understanding contemporary culture, economics and politics? Our BA in religious studies delves into major world religions with an emphasis on how such traditions impact today's global society. World-class faculty connect the past and present with a balance of traditions, methods and theoretical approaches.
In the classroom, you'll sharpen skills in written and oral communication, research methods and problem-solving, and develop a more complex awareness of human diversity. Religious studies is an interdisciplinary field that inspires conversation across disciplines, so we encourage our students to double major.
Beyond the classroom, you'll have opportunities to visit local community churches, mosques, synagogues and temples. By directly engaging religious communities or local non-profits, you can discover the complexity of religious identity and practice. You can also encounter world religions through study abroad opportunities in places like Austria, Chile, India, Indonesia, Israel and Turkey.
You'll graduate with an in-depth, applied knowledge of cross-cultural analytical tools. Many religious studies majors go on to graduate school in law, religious studies and related fields, while others use their skills in business, human resources, social work, government, non-profits and journalism.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Religious Studies
About this Program
The graduate certificate in Religious Studies offers in-depth grounding in key religions and traditions. Upon completion, you'll have gained a strong foundation in two major world religious traditions, theoretical approaches to the study of religion and knowledge of major issues in a particular religious tradition or aspect of religion.
This certificate is designed for students currently enrolled in graduate programs in fields other than religious studies, as well as working professionals looking to enhance their credentials or expand their expertise in a new direction. Credits earned through the program can also apply toward the Religious Studies master's degree. Students who successfully complete the program requirements will be awarded a graduate certificate. The program adheres to U.S. federal guidelines mandating 24-credit hours of graduate-level coursework.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Religious Studies
About this Program
Our Master of Arts in Religious Studies program offers a unique interdisciplinary approach, focusing on how religious traditions influence contemporary global issues. You'll study a variety of religions, gaining diverse perspectives and critical theory insights.
This program helps you understand the connections between religion and issues within fields such as politics, media, or journalism through cross-disciplinary conversations. Our faculty are active scholars who provide practical knowledge as well as cross-cultural analytical tools. You can tailor your education by choosing from five areas of specialization and four degree-completion options: a master's thesis, a publishable journal article, a creative project, or comprehensive examinations.
Designed to support both career advancement and academic research, this program prepares you for doctoral studies or professional roles. Choose from our fully online program or our on-campus program.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Religious Studies 4+1
About this Program
Our BA + MA in Religious Studies provides a dynamic approach to understanding how religious traditions shape and influence the world. By exploring the role of religion in topics such as politics, media, and journalism, you'll gain invaluable insight into the complexities of the modern world. You can tailor your degree to match your passions by choosing from five areas of specialization: lived religions; critical theory; sacred texts; religion and international studies; and philosophy and religion.
Our 4+1 program is the perfect way to earn both your BA and MA in just five years—saving you time and money. Starting in your fourth year, you'll integrate undergraduate and graduate-level courses, giving you a head start on graduate study.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
World Religions
About this Program
The World Religions Specialized Graduate Certificate offers students the opportunity to cultivate graduate-level understanding of three of the world's major religious traditions, grounded in an understanding of how religion works in today's globalizing world. It aims to complement students' professional and scholarly knowledge with an understanding of the many ways that religion, politics, economics, culture and society intersect - in the United States and around the world.
This certificate is designed for students currently enrolled in graduate programs in fields other than religious studies, as well as working professionals who want to enhance their credentials or expand their expertise. This certificate can be applied to the 45 credit-hour Religious Studies MA program.
