Religion/Religious Studies
Total graduates
2,694
2025 · 350 schools
International share
4.8%
130 international students
Bachelor's degrees
2,130
2.5% international
Master's degrees
335
15.2% international
Overview
Religion/Religious Studies is an interdisciplinary academic field that explores the diverse beliefs, practices, and institutions associated with religion across cultures and throughout history. This discipline examines not only the major world religions—such as Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism—but also indigenous and lesser-known faith traditions.
Students in this field analyze religious texts, rituals, and ethical systems, and they often engage with philosophical questions about existence, morality, and the nature of the divine. The curriculum typically includes coursework in theology, anthropology, sociology, psychology, and history, providing a comprehensive understanding of how religion shapes individual and societal identities.
The study of religion also addresses contemporary issues such as secularism, interfaith dialogue, and the role of religion in politics and conflict. Scholars in this field often employ various methodologies, including textual analysis, ethnography, and comparative studies, to understand the complexities of religious phenomena.
Graduates with a degree in Religion/Religious Studies can pursue careers in education, social work, counseling, public policy, and international relations, among others. They often find opportunities in non-profit organizations, religious institutions, and academia. Moreover, the critical thinking and analytical skills developed through this program are valuable in a wide range of professions, making it a versatile choice for students seeking to understand the profound impact of religion on human experience and society.
Graduates by year
AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral
From 2002 to 2025, graduates fell 48% and the international share went from 2.9% to 4.8%.
Colleges that award this degree
In 2025, 350 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.
Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.
Related jobs and pay
| Occupation | US employment | Mean hourly wage | Mean annual wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | 20,460 | — | $92,040 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2002–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.