Welcome

Alumni Story

Why I Chose Religious Studies

Understanding the patient and where they come from really improves how you treat that person.

Vijay Patel | B.A. Religious Studies, B.S. Molecular & Cellular Biology 2008
Director of Dental Services, MHC Healthcare

NEW!  Double Major Pathway in Medicine and Religious Studies for Health Professionals (B.S.)   Learn more

Why Study Religion?

Religion is central to the human experience.

Religion has been a central force in world history, and it continues to play a powerful role in the human experience. The dynamic traditions of world religions, the role of religion in global politics, the relationship of religion and science, and the religious dimensions of art and culture, are among the many issues that draw students to the study of religion at the University of Arizona. The faculty and associated faculty of the Religious Studies Program are committed to introducing students to a broad spectrum of religious traditions and their social and historical impact.

A Religious Studies degree can lead to almost any career.

Religious Studies majors have pursued careers in a wide variety of fields, including business, government, medicine, law, education, and social services. The Religious Studies major provides students with a broad understanding of human diversity, the complexities of social and cultural systems of thought, and the human pursuit of meaning. Combined with core academic skills in written and oral communication, the Religious Studies major prepares students to become independent thinkers and problem solvers in the twenty-first century.

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Mission

Religious Studies at the University of Arizona has the following mission: 

  • To provide opportunities for students to learn about a broad range of religions from an academic, interdisciplinary perspective. 
  • To teach twenty-first century skills in religious literacy, intercultural competence, and critical thinking for thriving in a globalized world.
  • To conduct original research in the wide range of subfields within Religious Studies and disseminate faculty expertise through peer-reviewed publications, public scholarship, presentations, and teaching. 
  • To strengthen the academic discipline of Religious Studies through national and international contributions to the field.

 

Medical student holding patient's hand

Meet Blayne

With an education in religious studies as well as physiology and biochemistry, Blayne will be a compassionate clinician, with the ability to empathize and care for the whole person.


Want to meet other Arizona students who have chosen the Humanities?

Recent News

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Aug. 25, 2025
  Religious Studies offers need-based funding for upper-level majors in Religious Studies and Religious Studies for Health Professionals who are facing financial challenges in completing their degree. These scholarships can help cover tuition and…
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Intern reaching out to young patient
March 18, 2025
Fred and Barbara Borga Award for Religious Studies for Health Professionals The Fred and Barbara Borga Award supports undergraduate students at the University of Arizona majoring in Religious Studies for Health Professionals (BS) or Religious…
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Bhutan
Feb. 3, 2025
In Summer 2025, Dr. Rae Dachille will be offering the Arizona in Bhutan study abroad program.  The tentative 2025 dates are June 2-11 for the Live Online virtual course component and June 16-29 in Bhutan. Study Abroad applications are due February…

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Alumni News & Directory

Our majors have gone on to exciting careers around the world in a wide variety of industries.

See what you can do with your degree.

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B.A.
Religious Studies
2008
B.S.
Molecular & Cellular Biology
2008
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Chelsea Forer Masters
B.A.
Religious Studies
2019
B.S.
Anthropology
2019
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TJ Mitchell
B.A.
Religious Studies
2015
B.A.
Philosophy, Politics, Economics and Law
2015