As a religious studies major, you’ll take an interdisciplinary approach to the academic study of religion, drawing upon humanities and social scientific disciplines and situating religious traditions within historically and theoretically critical contexts. You won’t be asked to adhere to nor explain away particular religious stances; instead, you’ll develop the intellectual tools to understand how normative claims about religious beliefs and practices are implicated in constructing and contesting various social identities, and how these claims help shape historical events.

Sample classes

Outcomes

All information below is based on the 2022 First-Destination Post-Graduate Survey. Lists are not exhaustive; rather, they are a sampling of the data. "Other" includes time off, travel, volunteer experiences, and/or preparing for graduate school. If you would like more information, please email as_careers@cornell.edu

What can you do with a degree in religious studies?

Graduate school:

In 2022, many religious studies majors embarked on graduate school journeys. They pursued various advanced degrees, with the majority dedicated to their MA or PhD. Their graduate field interest ranges from East Asian studies to religious studies and theology.

These ambitious individuals have chosen to continue their education at prestigious institutions like the University of California-Los Angeles, Yale University, and the University of California-Santa Barbara.

Employment: 

The majority of religious studies graduates entered sectors in education, retail, technology, and government.

Where 2022 Religious Studies Graduates Work

Employer	Job Titles
Amazon	Federal Cloud Consultant
Lead for America	Climate Fellow
National Institute of Health	Postbaccalaureate IRTA Fellow
St. Johnsbury School District	Afterschool Education Instructor and Tutor
Vantage Japan, Inc	Kindergarten English Teacher