Rice University

What you'll study

The undergraduate programme in Religion combines historical, textual and social-scientific approaches to the study of religion. Students encounter foundational courses that introduce major world religious traditions and critical methods for studying religion, alongside more specialised seminars focused on topics such as sacred texts and interpretation, ritual and material culture, religion and politics, religion and gender, religion in the Americas, and Asian and African religious traditions.

Typical components of the curriculum include:

• Introductory surveys of religions and methodologies in religious studies.
• Courses in textual and historical study of religious traditions (for example Biblical and Qurʾānic studies, Hindu and Buddhist textual traditions).
• Theory and methods in the study of religion, including anthropological, sociological and philosophical approaches.
• Topical seminars on religion and ethics, religion and science, religion and law, religion and the arts, and religion in contemporary global contexts.
• Language study relevant to primary-source work (classical or modern languages, depending on research interests).
• Capstone experiences such as a senior seminar or an independent honours thesis supervised by faculty.

Entry requirements

Admission to Rice University is competitive and based on a holistic review of secondary school record, recommendations, extracurricular engagement and academic preparation. Students interested in the Religion major should demonstrate strong analytical reading and writing skills; coursework in humanities, history or social studies is helpful preparation. Rice encourages applicants to take challenging courses in high school, including language study, and to highlight any independent research, community engagement or relevant internships in their applications.

Once admitted to Rice, students typically declare a major after exploring the curriculum in their first year and consulting with faculty advisers. Prospective majors should consult the Department of Religion for information about any departmental advising, placement in language courses or recommended first‑year classes.

Career prospects

Graduates with a degree in Religion develop strong research, critical thinking and communication skills that are applicable across many sectors. Common career paths include:

• Graduate study in religious studies, theology, history, anthropology, sociology or related fields leading to academic or research careers.
• Law, public policy and government roles that value analytical reasoning and cultural literacy.
• Non‑profit, advocacy and international organisations, particularly those engaged with human rights, community development or interfaith initiatives.
• Education, museum work, cultural institutions and archives, where interpretation of texts and contexts is central.
• Media, journalism and communications, where the ability to explain complex belief systems and cultural dynamics is an asset.

Why study at Rice University

Rice offers a close-knit undergraduate experience with small seminar classes and strong opportunities for one‑on‑one mentorship from faculty. The university’s interdisciplinary ethos encourages students to combine religious studies with courses in history, anthropology, philosophy, literature, political science and area studies.

Located in Houston, a highly diverse global city, Rice students can pursue local internships, collaborate with community and faith organisations, and access extensive cultural resources and museums. Rice also supports undergraduate research and study abroad, allowing Religion majors to undertake language training and fieldwork abroad or participate in faculty-led projects. Students benefit from the residential college system and an engaged campus community that fosters intellectual discussion across disciplines.