Columbia University

What you'll study

The Religion major at Columbia introduces students to the historical development, core texts, rituals, beliefs and social roles of diverse religious traditions. Coursework balances textual and historical study with critical theory and social-scientific approaches. Typical topics and modules include:

• Scripture and Textual Traditions: study of primary religious texts (for example, Hebrew Bible, New Testament, Qur'anic studies, Buddhist sutras) together with methods of exegesis and hermeneutics.
• History of Religions: surveys of ancient, medieval and modern religious histories across regions — South Asia, East Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the Americas.
• Philosophy of Religion and Theology: explorations of metaphysics, arguments for and against religious claims, concepts of the divine, ethics and religious epistemology.
• Anthropology and Sociology of Religion: study of ritual, religious identity, conversion, secularisation, and religion's role in politics and social life.
• Language Training: options to learn or deepen ancient and modern languages relevant to religious studies such as Biblical Hebrew, Koine Greek, Classical Sanskrit, Arabic, Chinese or Japanese.
• Methods and Theory: courses on research methods, critical theory, digital humanities approaches to religion, and fieldwork techniques.
• Capstone/Advanced Seminars: small-group seminars that focus on specialised topics and original research, often requiring a substantial research paper.

Students frequently combine the major with electives and concentrations in related departments — for example history, philosophy, anthropology, Middle Eastern studies, East Asian studies, or political science — and have opportunities for directed research and independent study under faculty supervision.

Entry requirements

Admission to Columbia College is competitive and based on a holistic review of academic achievement and extracurricular engagement. Typical expectations for successful applicants include:

• Strong secondary-school academic record with a rigorous course programme (advanced-level courses, International Baccalaureate, honours classes where available).
• High-standard performance in language and humanities subjects; demonstrated ability in critical reading and writing.
• Personal essays and recommendation letters that speak to intellectual curiosity, commitment to study and fit with Columbia's liberal arts environment.
• Standardised test submission policies vary; applicants should consult Columbia's current admissions guidance. International applicants must demonstrate English-language proficiency where required.
• No formal prior study of religion is required, although experience in related coursework, language study, or extracurricular engagement with religious or cultural organisations is advantageous.

Career prospects

A degree in Religion provides versatile analytical, research and communication skills valued in many fields. Graduates pursue careers in:

• Academia and research — further study in religious studies, theology, history, philosophy or related humanities and social sciences.
• Education — teaching at secondary level or working in museum and heritage education.
• Law, public policy and international affairs — roles that require critical thinking about ethics, identity and cultural difference.
• Non-governmental and faith-based organisations — programme management, advocacy, community engagement and human rights work.
• Journalism, publishing and communications — reporting and analysis on religion, culture and public life.
• Business and consulting — positions that value intercultural competency, ethical reasoning and research skills.

Many students also combine the major with internships in New York City, alumni networks and interdisciplinary programmes to transition into professional roles or graduate study.

Why study at Columbia University

Columbia offers the Religion major within a leading liberal arts environment and provides access to extensive research resources, including Columbia's libraries, special collections and area studies centres. The university's faculty include scholars working in Jewish studies, Islamic studies, South and East Asian religions, Christianity, philosophy of religion and religion in modern public life, enabling a wide range of specialisations.

Studying in New York City adds practical advantages: rich cultural institutions, religious communities, museums and internship opportunities across media, policy and NGOs. The programme's interdisciplinary connections allow students to pursue joint interests across departments and take advantage of Columbia's seminar-style learning, research mentorship and pathways to graduate study and professional careers.