Philosophy and Religious Studies
Religion/Religious Studies
Focuses on the nature of religious belief and specific religious and quasi-religious systems. Covers phenomenology; the sociology, psychology, philosophy, anthropology, literature and art of religion; mythology; scriptural and textual studies; religious history and politics; and specific studies of particular faith communities and their behavior.
Inside the major
Programs within this field
Colleges may offer this field under 9 more specific program names. The program you choose affects the courses you take.
- Buddhist Studies
- Focuses on the philosophy preached by Siddartha Gautama, the Buddha, in ancient India and subsequently interpreted by his disciples and apostles; together with the intellectual, cultural, social, and ritual developments of the faith and its branches. Covers Buddhist sacred literature (Tripitaka, etc.) and study of one or more of the main branches including Early Buddhism, Hinayana, Theravada, Madhyamaka, Yogacara, Pure Land, Shingon, Tendai, Nichiren Shu, Zen, Tibetan, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and others.
- Christian Studies
- Focuses on the philosophy and teachings of Jesus Christ and his apostles, and the subsequent intellectual and cultural movements and institutions based on Christianity. Covers Christian sacred scripture, Christian literature and philosophy, and studies of one or more of the main branches of the faith and their cultural context including Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, Evangelicalism, and others.
- Hindu Studies
- Focuses on the group of South Asian theologies and philosophies collectively known as Hinduism; together with the religious history and cultural and social manifestations of the faith. Covers Hindu theology and philosophy (dharma); literature (Vedas, Upanishads, Epics, and commentaries); the Hindu Pantheon, sects, and movements; schools and disciplines; and related arts and sciences.
- Islamic Studies
- Focuses on Islam as preached by the Prophet Muhammad in 6th century Arabia and subsequently interpreted and elaborated by Islamic scholars and others; together with the cultural and social milieu related to the faith in various periods, localities, and branches. Covers Islamic scripture and related written authorities and commentaries
- Jewish/Judaic Studies
- Focuses on the history, culture, and religion of the Jewish people. Covers Jewish religious heritage, sacred texts, and law; Jewish philosophy and intellectual history; Jewish life and culture, both in Israel and the Jewish Diaspora; historical Jewish minority cultures such as the Yiddish, Sephardic, and other; anti-Semitism, gentile relations and Shoa; Zionism; and modern developments within Judaism.
- Talmudic Studies
- Focused on intense study of the Talmud that fosters values, critical thinking, and scholarship skills; prepares students for entry into a broad spectrum of graduate and professional schools; and prepares students for entry into a variety of careers including the Rabbinate. Covers Jewish law, Jewish jurisprudence, ethics, philosophy, and related disciplines.
- Catholic Studies
- Focuses on Catholic thought, culture, and how Catholic tradition informs theology, culture, institutions, and identity. Covers Biblical Greek, Biblical Hebrew, Catholic bioethics, Catholic social thought, church history, Latin, philosophy, and theology.
- Mormon Studies
- Focuses on beliefs, practices, culture, and history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon). Covers Mormon culture, history, literature, philosophy, sociology, and theology.
- Religion/Religious Studies, Other
- Religion/religious studies not listed above.
Where it can lead
Careers this field can lead to
Explore related careers, starting with the closest connections and the occupations hiring the most people.
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary
- Median pay
- $80,260
- Hiring change through 2035
- 2.0%
- Job openings a year
- 1,800
To get hiredDoctoral or professional degree
Explore this career Growing with the economyArea, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
- Median pay
- $85,020
- Hiring change through 2035
- 2.7%
- Job openings a year
- 1,000
To get hiredDoctoral or professional degree
Explore this careerAll work is projected to grow 3.5% between 2025 and 2035; read every hiring-change figure against it. The figures beside each career are the pay of that work, across everyone doing it. Graduates of this field earn $26,438 one year after completing the program, which is the start of a career rather than the shape of one.
Working style
How and where the work happens
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College options
Where to study it
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