Religious Studies

The Religious Studies program at Duke University offers students an in-depth exploration of the diverse religious traditions, beliefs, practices, and historical developments that have shaped human societies across the globe. This interdisciplinary major combines insights from humanities, social sciences, and theology to foster critical thinking and cultural understanding. Students engaging in this program have the opportunity to study a wide range of topics, including ancient religions, contemporary faith movements, religious texts, rituals, ethics, and the role of religion in politics and society. The curriculum is designed to encourage analytical skills, cultural literacy, and respectful dialogue about religious diversity. Students may choose courses that focus on specific traditions such as Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, and indigenous religions, as well as courses examining religious philosophy, history, and the impact of religion on art, literature, and social change. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in education, public policy, international relations, non-profit work, journalism, and religious leadership. Students are also encouraged to pursue independent research, participate in internships, and engage with faculty who are leading scholars in their fields. Duke’s vibrant intellectual community, combined with global perspectives on religion, provides an enriching environment for students to develop a nuanced understanding of religion and its significance in the modern world. Whether interested in academic research, community engagement, or practical application, students completing this program gain valuable knowledge and critical skills to navigate and contribute thoughtfully to an increasingly interconnected and religiously diverse world.

To receive the Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies, you are required to successfully complete 10 Religious Studies courses, with at least 6 of these numbered 200 or above. Other course requirements are:

• Introductory course
  • All majors must enroll in RELIGION 101—Introduction to Religious Studies
• 1 course must be either:
  • a Religious Studies independent study taken in your junior or senior year,
  • A small group learning experience/seminar taken in your junior or senior year, or
  • A Religious Studies honors project
• At least 3 courses within "Three Religious Traditions"
  • All students must take at least 1 course from each of 3 different religious traditions
• 4 course set with a thematic or methodological focus
  • In consultation with your advisor and with the advisor's approval, you must choose a set of 4 courses that constitute a focus on a particular aspect of religion

For students participating in a Study Abroad program, please note that only 2 approved Study Abroad courses can count toward your major.

Also, only 1 Divinity School course can count toward the major, and that course cannot be equivalent to a course offered by the Department of Religious Studies. Students interested in taking Divinity School courses should consult the Director of Undergraduate Studies about which ones may count toward the Religious Studies major.

• Common Application or Coalition Application
• Early Decision Agreement
• Secondary School Report with Counselor Recommendation
• High School Transcript
• Two Teacher Recommendations
• First Quarter Grades
• Midyear Grade Report
• Final Transcript
• SAT (Two Subject Tests strongly recommended) or ACT with Writing
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Minimum band score expected: 7
• ​PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English) Minimum score expected: 70
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Minimum scores expected: 100 on the internet-based TOEFL, 600 on the paper-based TOEFL

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

Duke University will meet full demonstrated financial need for a limited number of international students. Each year Duke expects to enroll 20-25 first-year foreign citizens who receive need-based financial aid and/or merit-based scholarships. There is no need-based aid for international transfer applicants.

Religious Studies at Duke University offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary exploration of religious beliefs, practices, texts, and cultures from around the world and throughout history. The program aims to deepen students' understanding of the role religion plays in shaping societies, influencing individual identities, and fostering cultural diversity. It encourages critical thinking, comparative analysis, and engagement with complex ethical and philosophical issues related to religion. Students have the opportunity to study a wide range of religious traditions, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and indigenous religions, among others. The curriculum combines coursework in history, theology, anthropology, philosophy, and literature to provide a multidisciplinary perspective on religious phenomena.

Students can pursue undergraduate majors or minors in Religious Studies, choosing from various courses that cover topics such as sacred texts, religious ethics, rituals, art, and religious history. The program also emphasizes experiential learning, offering opportunities for internships, community engagement, and research projects. Many courses include field visits, guest lectures, and participation in religious communities on and off-campus. Faculty members are distinguished scholars known for their research and teaching excellence, and they often incorporate the latest scholarship into their classes.

Duke's Religious Studies program prepares students for diverse career paths, including education, law, public policy, journalism, non-profit work, and international relations. The program promotes critical reflection on the importance of religious literacy in a globalized world, encouraging students to understand and respect religious diversity. It also fosters intellectual curiosity and lifelong learning about the significance of spirituality and religion in contemporary society. Students are encouraged to pursue their individual research interests through senior theses and independent study projects, often in collaboration with faculty mentors. Overall, the program embodies Duke’s commitment to academic excellence, cultural engagement, and the development of ethically engaged citizens.