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Department of Comparative Religion

The Department of Comparative Religion equips students for work and leadership in a culturally diverse world. We build students' religious literacy—their familiarity with religious traditions that may inform the identities of their future colleagues and clients. We train students to engage empathetically with beliefs, values, and cultural practices that differ from their own. We teach students how to think critically about social issues and conflicts involving religion that intersect with the fields in which they will work.

What is comparative religion?

"Comparative religion" is one name for the field of scholarship within the arts and sciences that specializes in understanding religion; this field is also known as "religious studies." In this field, we examine religion as a dimension of human culture, using theories and methods common to other academic fields, such as history, sociology, anthropology, or literary and cultural studies.

Comparative religion is different from theology. Theology refers to intellectual traditions that develop within religions as members reflect on their own doctrines. To be trained in theology, you would attend a religious institution such as a seminary. Because Miami University is a state school, it does not have a program in theology.

Why Study Religion

Most students don’t arrive at Miami with plans to study religion; the possibility may have never even crossed your mind. There are three reasons why you should consider taking courses on religion as part of preparing for your career. Every semester, a few hundred Miami undergraduates take a course from the Department of Comparative Religion, mostly to satisfy requirements in the Global Miami Plan or CAS's College Requirement. A few dozen Miami students each year major or minor in Comparative Religion. Our majors usually combine their study of religion with a second major in another field.

Can you get a paying job with a degree in Comparative Religion?

Our department's graduates have gone on to work in a variety of fields: government and law, medicine and psychology, business, education, and non-profit work. Comparative Religion probably shouldn't be your only major. But there are many fields in which understanding how religion affects individuals and societies is a valuable asset. Combining the study of religion with another field gives you a distinctive skills set when you go on the job market.

A comparison of the minor and the major in Religion:
Minor Major
18 credit hours 42 credit hours
Gives you freedom to pursue your specialized interests after completing 9 hours of introductory coursework. Gives you freedom to pursue your specialized interests after completing 12 hours of introductory coursework.
Offers possibilities for interdisciplinary work, in the form of cross-listed courses and an option to complete 3 hours in another department. Is interdisciplinary by nature: A minimum of 15 hours must be completed in other departments.
Develops your marketable skills in writing, critical reading, critical thinking, analysis,and intercultural competence. Develops your marketable skills in writing, critical reading, critical thinking, analysis,and intercultural competence.
Exposes you, in a systematic way, to a diversity of religious traditions. Exposes you, in a systematic way, to a diversity of religious traditions.
Gives you a deeper introduction to two religious traditions (or religions from two regions of the world). Gives you a deeper introduction to two religious traditions (or religions from two regions of the world).
Formally introduces you to theories and methods for the study of religion. Formally introduces you to theories and methods for the study of religion.
Gives you opportunities to apply theories and methods to specific questions about religion in society and culture. Gives you opportunities to apply theories and methods to specific questions about religion in society and culture.
Provides a mentored senior research experience.
Is designed to work well as a second major, to complement a related subject area (international relations, psychology, social justice studies, etc.).

Most Comparative Religion majors are double majors. Some of those have minors, or even double minors, as well. We're proud of our students' strengths and ambitions! Here are some of the majors and minors that our students have pursued alongside religion. Note the range of professional interests with which the study of religion can be combined. What combination would serve your career goals?

"I'm a double major in religion and . . ."

  • Anthropology
  • Biology
  • Diplomacy and global politics
  • Economics
  • History</s
  • International studies
  • Media and culture
  • Music education
  • Political science
  • Premedical studies
  • Strategic communication
  • Women, gender, and sexuality studies
  • Zoology

"My major is religion. My minor is . . ."

  • Arabic
  • Family relationships
  • Film studies
  • French
  • History
  • International business
  • Linguistics
  • Management and leadership
  • Middle East and Islamic studies
  • Spanish

"My major is . . . My minor is religion."

  • History
  • Journalism
  • Kinesiology
  • Media and culture
  • Philosophy
  • Political science
  • Social work
  • Strategic communication
  • Zoology

Give to the Comparative Religion Department

Help us prepare the next generation of leaders in comparative religion —and our society as a whole. We have numerous scholarships, grants, and programs accepting contributions from donors like you.

 

Department of Comparative Religion

200 Upham Hall
Oxford, OH 45056