Our department focuses on the in-depth, academic study of five religious traditions—Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam and Hinduism. We teach a range of courses on these religions and their complex histories, using a variety of theoretical approaches.
Our majors gain a close knowledge of a particular religion, including both its ancient and modern forms. Students often complete a double major, such as in history, psychology, math or biology.
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Seniors have the option to complete an intensive, self-directed research project related to their specific concentration within the major.
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Because the study of religion is cosmopolitan and cross-cultural, we strongly encourage our majors to spend part of their Amherst career studying in another country.
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Amherst offers research funds for current religion majors, as well as fellowships for alumni who enter graduate school.
Learn MoreCompare a theme across multiple religious traditions. Trace a trajectory from ancient to modern sources, drawing from relevant media, historical moments and cultural movements.
A systematic exploration of the place of ethics and moral reasoning in Buddhist thought and practice, with examples drawn from the whole Buddhist world.