Florida International University

What you'll study

The Religion programme at Florida International University introduces students to the academic study of religion across historical and contemporary contexts. The curriculum combines core courses in theory and method with regionally and thematically focused modules, enabling students to examine sacred texts, ritual, ethics and the role of religion in public life.

• Core modules: introduction to the academic study of religion, methods in religious studies, comparative religion, and religion, ethics and society.
• Text and tradition courses: study of sacred texts and interpretive traditions such as Biblical literature, Qur'anic studies, Hindu scriptures, Buddhist texts and Jewish studies, typically including courses that examine translation, interpretation and historical development.
• Regional and cultural studies: religion in the Americas, Caribbean religions, Latin American religious movements, African diasporic traditions and religion in contemporary Asia.
• Thematic courses: religion and politics, gender and religion, religion and media, ritual studies, religion and law, and religion in urban contexts.
• Language and skills training: opportunities to study languages relevant to particular traditions (for example Biblical Greek, Hebrew, Arabic, Spanish or other regional languages) and training in research skills and qualitative methods.
• Practical components: supervised independent research or a senior capstone project, internships with cultural organisations, museums, faith‑based non‑profits or community groups, and study‑abroad options that take advantage of FIU's regional partnerships.

Entry requirements

Admission to the undergraduate Religion major requires meeting Florida International University's standard undergraduate entry criteria. Applicants should present a solid academic record from secondary education; specific departments may expect coursework in humanities, social sciences or languages. Prospective students should provide official transcripts and other materials required by the university application.

Additional considerations include:

• Evidence of readiness for university‑level reading and writing; prior coursework in history, literature, philosophy or languages is helpful.
• For international applicants, documented proficiency in English as required by the university.
• Transfer applicants must submit college transcripts; credits from previous institutions may be evaluated toward major requirements.
• Some students choose to supplement their application with a personal statement or an academic writing sample that demonstrates interest in the study of religion.

Career prospects

Graduates with a degree in Religion from FIU pursue diverse career paths in the public, private and nonprofit sectors or continue to postgraduate study. The degree cultivates critical thinking, research, writing and intercultural skills valued by many employers.

• Education and academia: secondary teaching (often with additional certification), graduate study in religious studies, theology, anthropology or related fields.
• Public service and policy: roles in government agencies, community development, cultural affairs, and agencies that engage with diverse religious communities.
• Non‑profit and advocacy: programme coordination, community outreach, interfaith organisations and human rights groups.
• Media, publishing and communications: journalism, editing, content development and cultural programming with a focus on religion, ethics or international affairs.
• Museum, cultural and archival work: positions in curation, public programmes and cultural heritage organisations, especially where religious objects and practices are part of collections.
• Professional and pastoral roles: with further professional training or certification, roles in chaplaincy, pastoral care or counselling within faith contexts.

Why study at Florida International University

FIU's location in Miami provides a distinctive urban and multicultural setting for studying religion, with close proximity to Latin America, the Caribbean and diverse diasporic communities. This setting gives students direct access to living religious traditions, community organisations and archives that enrich classroom learning.

• Interdisciplinary faculty: faculty research spans historical, textual and contemporary approaches, including strengths in Latin American and Caribbean religious studies, African diasporic religions and religion in public life.
• Experiential learning: students can pursue internships, community‑based research and study‑abroad opportunities that connect academic study with professional experience.
• Research centres and partnerships: FIU's regional research centres and partnerships provide resources and collaborative opportunities for students interested in area studies and public scholarship.
• Flexible pathways: the programme supports double majors and minors, enabling students to combine religious studies with fields such as international studies, political science, history or language study to tailor career pathways.