Major: Religious Studies
How can religion lead both to the activism of Gandhi, Mother Teresa, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and to cult suicides? How was the universe created? Do we have souls? Religious studies majors explore such questions -- but they don't settle for simple answers. Instead, they seek rich insights through research, reading, writing, and discussion.
Whatever their differences, most religious studies majors agree that, as one student put it, "we are really one people; we just have different ways of expressing truth." If you are fascinated by religious questions and traditions, and enjoy exploring many points of view, consider this major.
Religious studies majors learn about the nature of religious belief and traditions. Courses focus on specific religions such as Hinduism, academic fields used to study religion such as anthropology, and religious history and politics.
“Other traditions and the religious experiences of other people are so different, but just as valid as mine.”
Andy, junior, religious studies, Cornell University
Are You Ready To...?
- Learn a second language
- Contribute to class discussions
- Try out some of the practices you study, such as meditation or midnight mass
- Study religious traditions by visiting nearby congregations -- or even other countries
- Learn more by visiting the website of the American Academy of Religion
It Helps to Be...
Open-minded. Religious studies programs attract both students who practice various religious traditions, and those who aren't religious. If you can respect differences while seeking common ground, you'll enjoy your studies.
College Checklist
- Does the program encourage belief in a particular faith?
- Does the program offer courses in both Eastern and Western traditions?
- What approaches -- for example, historical and sociological -- will you use to study religion?
- Will you be able to study themes for today's world, such as religion and women or religion and ecology?
- Will you be expected to study a second area, such as classics, in depth?
“I found a vast resource of professors and books that try to cope with the meaning of life, and I was expected to search for some meaning myself.”
Charlotte, sophomore, religious studies and
psychology and German, Santa Clara University
Course Spotlight
Many programs require a senior thesis. This is your chance to dig deeper into a topic that interests you, such as the role of medicine men in Native American culture or of women in orthodox Islam.
You may even do some original research for your paper, such as interviewing members of a religious group or helping out on an archaeological dig. As you work, you'll meet with a professor who will give you advice.
Explore this major in more depth on MyRoad™