The Department of Religious Studies is the largest such department in the University of California system, and one of the most diverse in the world.
We encourage an interdisciplinary approach and are known for the breadth and depth of our course offerings, which include languages that are central to the study of religion, such as Arabic, Hindi, Persian, Punjabi, Sanskrit, and Tibetan.
Undergraduates often double-major in religion and another field, including the sciences. Their studies prepare them for careers in law, medicine, journalism, and non-profit and NGO work. Students learn about the substance of religion in various cultures as well as the theories that help to solve the puzzles about spirituality and social organization throughout human experience.
We offer Bachelor of Arts degrees in two majors: Religious Studies and Middle East Studies. Many students complete double majors and combine religious studies with history, anthropology, political science, philosophy, or art. We also offer two minors: American Indian and Indigenous Studies and Jewish Studies.
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