Our department focuses on the in-depth, academic study of four religious traditions—Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism and Islam. 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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Our alumni go on to careers in business, medicine, teaching, law, social work, academia, the ministry and more.
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Amherst offers research funds for current religion majors, as well as fellowships for alumni who enter divinity 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.
Explores the diverse forms and purposes of Buddhist biography and autobiography in India, Tibet, Sri Lanka, China, and elsewhere. Read about saints, teachers, recluses, and political activists.
Apply cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural methodologies of folklore to the study of the Hebrew Scriptures and other Israelite literature, including narratives, proverbs, riddles and ritual and legal texts.
Our department awards the Moseley Prize for scholarly essays by seniors.