What is religion? How can we study it? How is it shaped by collective and personal histories? How is it influenced by social and political dynamics? How is it expressed in art, cinema, media and popular culture? How does the study of religion help to understand current events and conflicts? These are questions you will explore in Religious Studies. Along with thorough training in methods used to study religion, we offer several areas of specialization: Spiritualities and Cultures; Religion, Politics and Public Policy; Religion in Antiquity.
Religious Studies
Program overview
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Why choose this program
Thorough Training and Specialization: The religious studies programs at the University of Ottawa provide comprehensive training in the methods used to study religion, offering students the opportunity to specialize in one of three concentrations: Spiritualities and Cultures; Religion, Politics, and Public Policy; or Religion in Antiquity. This specialized focus equips students with critical thinking skills applicable to various areas of work and qualifies them for graduate programs in religious studies.
Interdisciplinary Approach: Students explore religion from a multidisciplinary perspective by examining its intersections with history, anthropology, sociology, psychology and other fields. This interdisciplinary approach enhances their understanding of religious experience, behaviour, and cultural significance, preparing students for a variety of career paths.
Flexible Program Options: The Honours BA, major and minor programs in religious studies offer flexibility, allowing students to pursue their interests while completing their degree. Whether they choose a standalone Honours BA or combine the program with another major or minor, students can tailor their academic profile to align with their career aspirations and academic interests.
Diverse Career Opportunities: Graduates of religious studies programs are well-equipped for a variety of career paths, including roles as historians, multiculturalism consultants, immigration officers, spiritual and ethical counselors and international development officers. The program’s emphasis on critical thinking, cultural knowledge and interdisciplinary skills prepares students for success in a range of professional fields.
Program structure
Browse program options
This program is currently not accepting applications.
The Honours BA in Religious Studies will give you a thorough training in methods used to study religion and will allow you to specialize in one of three concentrations within the program: Spiritualities and Cultures; Religion, Politics, and Public Policy; or Religion in Antiquity. (For courses included in these concentrations, see the program requirements under Program Structure in the link below.) You will learn how human religiosity intersects with other areas of human activity and will be able to think critically and comparatively about those interactions—a skill that is valuable in many areas of work. The program will qualify you to apply to graduate programs in the study of religion.
Admission requirements and deadlines for Religious Studies
After your studies
After completing your undergraduate studies in Religious Studies, you have two main paths to consider: continuing your education or entering the workforce.
You may choose to pursue graduate studies, such as a Master’s degree (MA), to deepen your knowledge and develop advanced research, analytical, and critical thinking skills. A research-based MA is ideal if you’re interested in specializing in a topic or eventually pursuing a PhD.
Alternatively, you can move directly into the job market. Your degree can lead to a variety of careers in fields such as Historian, Multiculturalism Consultant, Immigration Officer, Spiritual and Ethical Counsellor, International Development Officer. These opportunities allow you to apply your skills in cultural competency, empathy, textual analysis, and cross-cultural communication in real-world settings.
Whether you choose further studies or enter the workforce, your degree provides a strong foundation to build a career in Religious Studies.
Career development and experiential learning
For several years now the Classics sector has offered a study trip in the spring to various regions of importance in the Graeco-Roman world. These trips, which take in many remarkable classical sites, usually take place in May and have proved very popular. The Religious Studies sector has also organized trips to India, which likewise have proved popular.
Tuition and fees
Student experience
Student Association of the Faculty of Arts (SAFA)
SAFA represents the interests of undergraduate students of the Faculty of Arts within the UOSU, the Faculty, the University, the community, and the provincial and federal governments. The students’ association also works to foster a sense of community through social, academic, and cultural events, while at the same time offering a variety of services to its members.
Classics and Religions Students’ Association
AÉCRSA represents and serves the undergraduate students of uOttawa's Classics and Religious Studies programs, creating space for their voices, helping to foster equity amongst for marginalized students, and building community to support them. We put on events for students, including our yearly partnership with the Museum of Classical Antiquities, Archeology Day, and try to make student life just that little bit easier and connected.
Religious and Classics Graduate Studies Association
The RSGSA is your Graduate Student Organization! We represent the academic and social needs of the Religious Studies and Classics Graduate students in the wider context of uOttawa.
The RSGSA also organizes social events, such as movie and trivia nights, coffee hours, and friendly competitions, to foster a community spirit within the Department, and it also keeps our fellow students informed of important issues. We send out emails to inform our members of upcoming events and changes within the department.
The RSGSA also organizes social events, such as movie and trivia nights, coffee hours, and friendly competitions, to foster a community spirit within the Department, and it also keeps our fellow students informed of important issues. We send out emails to inform our members of upcoming events and changes within the department.
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