Religious Studies

Religion is arguably the most powerful and pervasive force in the world. Studying religions can help one understand the complex and sometimes volatile relationships between religion and politics, economics, and social structures. In our increasingly interdependent global community, awareness of various past and present features of religious life—events, texts, personages, ceremonies, rituals, convictions, theologies, visual representations, artifacts—can lay the foundation for informed and thoughtful analysis of contemporary life.

Such analysis is important in considering international issues and also domestic ones (such as abortion, evolution, faith-based initiatives, homosexuality, capital punishment, stem-cell research, marriage, civil rights, and school prayer). The study of religion thus helps us to understand the faiths, world views, and ways of life of millions of people. And of course, the study of religion can be a path to self-understanding.

Our Department offers introductory courses in all the major religious traditions, notably Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Other courses offer additional study of these or other traditions and their texts, often focusing on specific features -- such as gender, ethics, visual modes, mysticism -- or historical periods. Many other courses examine theoretical or comparative aspects of religious phenomena, especially as they are manifest in the modern 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.