Why Study Religion?
International and Interdisciplinary Scholarship
Religion shapes, and is shaped by, every other dimension of human society. It is impossible to fully understand politics, law, history, or science without understanding religion. We invite you to learn more about the most interdisciplinary field in the university: Religious Studies.
QUICK LINKS:
Our Curriculum
See Details
Graduate Program
Featured Story
Religious Studies Major Stella Zhu's Study Abroad in Vienna!
We're excited to share the reflections and photos from Religious Studies Major Stella's Zhu Fall quarter abroad in Vienna, Austria!
"I studied abroad in Vienna in Fall 2025 and took five courses. Two courses that stood out most to me were “Jewish Life in Vienna: Past and Present” and “Religion and Multiculturalism.” Both were far more transformative and immersive than I initially expected.
I visited synagogues in Hungary and Slovenia, as well as Jewish museums, concentration camps, and former ghettos across Germany, Austria, Poland, and beyond."
Click the link below to read more of her story!
Find Your Direction
Alumna Adina Goldman had a path that led her from pre-med to English literature and biological anthropology and then to religious studies and music.
News and Events
Faculty in the News
Professor Kevin Buckelew's new book Discerning Buddhas was recently published! Congratulations!
Click below to read more about Professor Buckelew's book Discerning Buddhas, which explores themes of authority, agency and masculinity in Chan Buddhism.
Upcoming Events
Feb
4
2026
Workshop in Trans Studies - 2026 Faculty Roundtable
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM, Evanston
Come hear Northwestern faculty share some of their ongoing trans studies-informed research! Featured speakers: Zavier Nunn (History), S...
Feb
5
2026
Winter Coffee and Tea with Dr. T!
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM, Evanston
Have questions about Religious Studies, majoring, minoring, honor projects, or just want to learn more about our Department? Stop by fo...
Feb
6
2026
(NARW) North American Religions February Workshop
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM, Evanston
NARW is an interdisciplinary workshop for Chicago-area students and faculty working in and alongside the field of North American Religi...