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Religious Studies

The field of religious studies explores meaningful beliefs, behaviors and institutions across cultures. It is a journey through the liberal arts that combines the study of theology, sociology, politics, literature, history, and fine arts.

Why Choose Religious Studies?

Religion Matters

Religion is a vital force in the human experience. It is exciting, energetic, and a transformative element in people’s lives, in the world, and New York City. Through the Religious Studies and Theology, we examine human beings and societies in their most hopeful and challenging moments.

At Manhattan University, Religious Studies is built into the core curriculum. Every student, regardless of school or major, takes three religious studies courses, starting with The Nature and Experience of Religion. This makes Religious Studies an ideal minor (with only two additional courses) or double major with some courses counting towards other majors. 

The study of religion is crucial because it help us:

  • Ask big questions and develop a critical depth of understanding of the world, humanity and ourselves
  • Understand the past and the present for the sake of the future
  • Foster empathetic engagement with the religious diversity of our world
  • Become engaged and globally literate citizens

The Coursework

Religious Studies at Manhattan University is an interdisciplinary academic major that takes advantage of our New York City location to explore important topics using different approaches, including sociology and theology. Some courses look at specific religions, while others address topics across multiple traditions including bioethics, environmental justice, spirituality, gender, science, social justice, and New York City. Generally, the 200-level courses relate in some way to the Catholic tradition, while the 300-level courses focus on religious traditions.

As a Religious Studies student, you will have the opportunity to take courses on:

  • ancient religions including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism or Buddhism
  • Catholic intellectual tradition and Catholic social teaching
  • new religious movements, religion in pop culture and cutting-edge philosophy of religion
  • theories on the afterlife
  • mysticism and meditation

The Hands-on Experiences

Religious Studies involves much more than just sitting in a classroom and studying from a textbook. As one of the most religiously diverse cities in the world, New York City offers a number of opportunities for students to engage people, cultures, and groups in creative ways, from site visits to churches, temples and museums to internships and community engaged learning with nonprofits, schools, media networks.

Go Beyond

Majors and minors in Religious Studies have the opportunity to get involved in our two globally recognized centers:

Both centers offer opportunities for students to get directly engaged in local and global discussions and professional networking on some of the most pressing issues of the time.

What Will You Learn?

As a Religious Studies major, you will learn to:

  • Operate in social, professional and political worlds shaped by religion and religious discourse,
  • Understand and appreciate the role of religion in the world world's diverse religious traditions
  • Go deeper in your own self understanding,
  • Apply religious ideas and ethics in personal, professional, and civic life.

    See the Degree Requirements

Religious studies is also offered as a minor.

What Will You Do?

Because Religious Studies combines many different fields of knowledge, career opportunities are vast. A minor or double major in Religious Studies helps students “stand out” in a number of ways, including for those in pre-med and pre-law programs. Those interested in business, communications, politics or public service find knowledge of religion invaluable in between understanding what is motivating people in the world. Those looking into careers in counseling, psychology or social work benefit from a better understanding of this important motivating force.

Many of our graduates choose career paths in nonprofits, education, social services, and faith-based organizations. Several alumni have become leaders in these fields. Others pursue graduate school and careers in business, law or medicine.

Studying religion introduced me to the impact that religion, or the reaction to religion, has had on many societies. This was particularly useful as I traveled and worked throughout many different countries and cultures. My background in religious studies helped me gain jobs throughout Europe, the Middle East and America due to my ability to navigate through different cultural norms.

Kate Cross ’10, Pursuing a PhD in Francophone studies at the University of Connecticut