Religious Studies

UCI's Religious Studies program offers a critical multidisciplinary lens into world religions, history, global philosophies, and culture.

Students critically analyze multiple global traditions using diverse interdisciplinary theories and methods. These traditions include, but are not limited to, internally diverse communities of Atheism, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Indigenous and Native traditions, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, New Religious Movements, Sikhism, and Zoroastrianism.

Far from dismissing religion as an irrelevant factor in society, students develop skills in writing, speaking, cross-cultural dialog, and/or research to effectively communicate the value of a global study of religions for public life and global citizenship.

Our Religious Studies student research hub links faculty mentors with students across campus interested in conducting research projects in the study of religion and current projects can be seen on our homepage.

Recent students have combined their Religious Studies major or minor (or new three-class certificate) with degrees in chemistry, neurobiology, psychology, mathematics, business administration, political science, history, art, and other programs. These combinations enable students to enrich their resumes and job prospects with cross-cultural fluency, interdisciplinary rigor, and greater comfort with complexity.

Requirements

All students must meet the University Requirements.

All students must meet the School Requirements.

Requirements for the Major

12 courses (48 units) are required for the major.

Electives

1. With the approval of the Director, other relevant courses may satisfy the requirements for the major. One relevant lower-division course may be substituted for an upper-division course, with prior approval.

Studying Abroad: Students are encouraged to study abroad and may be able to satisfy a significant portion of their requirements abroad. Courses taken abroad must be approved by the Director of Religious Studies in order to be applied toward major requirements.

Residence Requirement for the Major: A minimum of five upper-division courses required for the major must be completed successfully at UCI.

Career Opportunities

Majoring in Religious Studies provides an excellent preparation for living and working in multicultural communities, including nonprofit leadership, mediation, counseling, education, journalism, technology, business, or graduate study in law, medicine, public health, diplomacy, and more. Check out the Religious Studies website for additional information.

The UCI Division of Career Pathways provides services to students and alumni including career counseling, information about job opportunities, a career library, and workshops on resume preparation, job search, and interview techniques. See the UCI Division of Career Pathways website for additional information.