Why Study Religon?
Religion has had and continues to have a profound impact on the lives of individuals and communities across the globe.
The academic study of religion provides students with a powerful lens for examining the values, ideals, practices, and power structures of particular societies. In addition, knowledge of the histories of different religions is vital for the understanding of past and current conflicts, as well as of religious activism concerning human rights, environmental conservation, and an end to global poverty.
What topics will I study?
You will examine an extraordinary wide range of human phenomena: from art and architecture to myths and magic; from the Bible to the Buddha; from religious traditionalism to global transformation.
What methods will I use?
The comparative and cross-cultural study of religion employs methods from a variety of disciplines, including history, classics, anthropology, sociology, media studies, cultural studies, and political science.
Religion is a key component of:
- Current events
- US & world history
- The everyday lives of people around you
You don’t have to be religious to major in Religious Studies.
Religious Studies isn’t about practicing religion. It’s about studying what religion is and why it matters. Anyone can major in Religious Studies. Hear what one of our graduating students has to say about the program.
What can I do with a Religious Studies major?
Humanitarian Services
- Development: Economic, Community
- Disaster/Disease Relief
- United Nations
Education
- Teaching
- Research
- Multicultural Programming
Business
- Human Resources
- Marketing
- Public Relations
Communications and Arts
- Writing
- Publishing
- Radio, Television, and Film
Social Services
- Advocacy
- Counseling
- Law
Religiously Affiliated Areas
- Clergy
- Mission Work
- Military
Learn more about the world, consider a major in Religious Studies!
For a complete list, go to: whatcanidowiththismajor.com/major/religious-studies/
Interested in declaring a major (or double major) in Religious Studies?
Contact an advisor to talk about it: Riley Finch (rfinch1@utk.edu); Dr. Erin Darby (edarby1@utk.edu).
You can declare Religious Studies major or minor here.
A minor in Religious Studies is one of the best ways to learn more about the world around you! No matter what your major, a minor in Religious Studies is a perfect way to round out your education!
And it fulfills the university-wide "Connections Package" requirement!
If your major is:
Pre-Med |
A minor in Religious Studies will give you the tools to interact with patients from diverse backgrounds, and to learn more about the complex relationships between science and religion. |
Pre-Law |
A minor in Religious Studies will help you to better represent religiously diverse clients, and to understand the role that religion does (and doesn't) play in shaping the law in the U.S. and around the world. |
Business |
You live in a multicultural society and do business in a global economy. Religious Studies will equip you to better understand diverse clients & markets. |
Political Science |
Religion is an essential aspect of human experience. A minor in Religious Studies will deepen your understanding of diverse cultures and their histories. It's the perfect complement to any degree in humanities or the social sciences. |