Religious Studies Major
Religious Studies is the academic study of religious traditions, texts, and practices. It is a major within Arts & Humanities.
Religious Studies is the academic study of religious traditions, texts, and practices from around the world and throughout history. Rather than promoting or evaluating any particular faith, the major examines how religions develop, what they teach, how people practice them, and what role they play in human societies. Students learn to analyze sacred texts, understand different belief systems, explore the history of religious movements, and consider how religion intersects with culture, politics, law, and daily life. The work involves critical reading, research, and learning to think carefully about unfamiliar worldviews.
Students drawn to Religious Studies often have genuine curiosity about how people find meaning, organize communities, and express values through faith traditions. Some pursue the major to deepen understanding of their own background; others want broad knowledge across multiple traditions. The major typically begins with foundational courses covering major world religions and key concepts in religious analysis. As students progress, they take more specialized courses that examine particular traditions, time periods, or themes in greater depth, and they develop research skills that let them investigate religious questions independently.
Typical coursework
Course requirements vary by school, but a Religious Studies program commonly includes topics such as:
- World religions
- Sacred texts
- Religion and society
- Philosophy of religion
- Comparative religion
- Religious history
Most programs also include general-education requirements and, in many fields, a capstone project, internship, or research experience.
Degree levels
Religious Studies is commonly offered at these levels:
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Availability differs by institution, and program names can vary (for example, a Bachelor of Arts versus a Bachelor of Science track).
Common career directions
Graduates with a Religious Studies background pursue a range of paths. Some roles related to this field of study include:
- Researcher
- Nonprofit program associate
- Writer
- Educator
Many careers require additional steps beyond the major — such as a graduate degree, a license, or a certification — and many graduates work in fields unrelated to their major. What you study is one factor among many in where your career goes.
General career information is drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Career paths vary widely by person, school, and region; this is not a list of guaranteed jobs or earnings.
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Find degree programs →Frequently asked questions
What is a Religious Studies major?
Religious Studies is the academic study of religious traditions, texts, and practices. It is part of arts & humanities, and combines foundational coursework with more focused study as you advance.
What courses do Religious Studies majors take?
Coursework varies by school, but commonly includes topics such as world religions, sacred texts, religion and society, philosophy of religion, and others, plus general-education requirements.
What can you do with a Religious Studies major?
Graduates pursue a range of paths, including roles such as researcher, nonprofit program associate, writer. Many roles require additional steps such as a graduate degree, license, or certification. This is general information, not a guarantee of any job or salary.
What degree levels is Religious Studies offered at?
It is commonly offered at the bachelor's, master's, doctoral level, though availability varies by institution.