About
UCSB boasts the premier Religious Studies department in the University of California system. It is one of the top programs in the U.S., and is internationally recognized for its excellence in teaching and research. Religious Studies is interdisciplinary in its methods and our majors and minors gain excellent critical skills reading texts, interpreting human cultures and connecting the role of religion to politics, socio-cultural movements, science, literature and history. Students in our courses not only learn the substance of religion in local and global cultures, but they also study the theories that help solve the puzzles about religion in human experience.
We offer the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree through two majors:
Many students complete double majors and combine religious studies with history, anthropology, political science, philosophy, or art.
The department also houses the following Minor programs:
- Religious Studies Minor
- American Indian and Indigenous Studies (AIIS) Minor
- Iranian Studies Minor
- Jewish Studies Minor
Students who want to double major or minor in our programs but cannot find room in their schedules to fulfill course requirements during the regular school year can take courses we offer in summer session.
Foreign Language
Students preparing for graduate work in religion can take advantage of the language courses in the department and acquire proficiency in a language related to the area or tradition of their interest.
Student Advising
The department’s undergraduate adviser helps students plan their course of study. The department chair and other faculty members also assist students with academic planning.
For more information, contact:
