Course Overview

The Religion program at Columbia University offers a comprehensive study of religious traditions, beliefs, and practices across global cultures and historical contexts. Housed in the Department of Religion, the program emphasizes critical analysis, interdisciplinary approaches, and engagement with primary texts and contemporary issues. Students explore topics such as theology, ethics, ritual studies, and the intersection of religion with politics, society, and culture. Unique features include access to a diverse faculty with expertise in various religious traditions and opportunities for fieldwork and archival research.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the program are equipped for careers in academia, education, non-profit organizations, cultural institutions, and public policy. The analytical and interpretive skills developed through the program also prepare students for roles in journalism, counseling, and community leadership.

Key Faculty and Staff

The Department of Religion at Columbia includes distinguished scholars such as professors with expertise in Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and indigenous traditions. Faculty members are often involved in cutting-edge research and interfaith initiatives, though specific names are subject to change and can be verified on the university's official department page.

Unique Facilities and Partnerships

Students benefit from Columbia's location in New York City, providing access to diverse religious communities, cultural institutions, and archives. The university maintains affiliations with research centers and libraries specializing in religious studies, offering unique resources for primary source analysis and fieldwork.