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The Department of Religious Studies

The only degree-granting program in religious studies at a public university in Kansas.

Welcome

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Undergraduate Funding

The Department of Religious Studies offers several scholarships for undergraduates who major or minor in Religious Studies.
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Course List

Explore our courses for the current and upcoming terms. Exciting classes available online and in-person!
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Religious Question of the Week

Read our weekly religious questions inspired by academic publishing's and articles.
Portrait of former secretary of state John Kerry

I often say that if I headed back to college today, I would major in comparative religions rather than political science. That is because religious actors and institutions are playing an influential role in every region of the world and on nearly every issue central to U.S. foreign policy.


John Kerry
Former Secretary of State

Why religious studies

Why study religion today?

Whether you are interested in American religion or religion as a global phenomenon understanding religion is an essential aspect of understanding our world today. According to a recent Pew poll, five out of every six people in the world claims a religious affiliation. Religious traditions that thrive in the modern world exert an important influence on global and local politics.

Careers for Religious Studies majors

Students who major in religious studies receive a type of training that equips them for a variety of careers because it gives them empathy and tolerance and helps them understanding diversity in a way that is grounded in critical, informed analysis, independent research skills, interdisciplinary thinking, and written and verbal communication.

Getting a degree in Religious Studies

Majoring and minoring in Religious Studies is easy! By the Fall of 2024 we will offer both in person and online degrees. This means you can get a Religious Studies degree completely online, completely in-person, or choose a mix of the two. Additionally, the Religious Studies Department at KU awards a variety of scholarships to our majors and minors as well as prizes for outstanding students who excel in religious studies courses.

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