Department of Religious Studies, The University of Alabama

The Department of Religious Studies at the University of Alabama promotes descriptive, comparative, and explanatory studies of religion by examining cross-cultural claims, practices, and institutions, both past and present. The department is one of the principal arenas in the University where students learn of the history, diversity, and ingenuity of human systems of thought and practice. Undergraduate students pursue courses in the General Education curriculum and work towards a major in Religious Studies. The department also offers minors in Religious Studies, Judaic Studies, and Asian Studies. The MA in Religion in Culture uses social theory to understand society and human interations, moving beyond the descriptive and comparative approaches commonly found within religious Studies. Social theory analyzes the effects that narratives, practices, classification systems, and institutional structures have on social groups and their members. We combine this emphasis on social theory with digital skills and innovative technologies that facilitate analysis of texts and other data and empowers students to communicate their findings to wide audiences. Our BA and MA alumni pursue careers and advanced degrees in a wide range of fields, including medicine, law, teaching, business, museums, and non-profit organizations, to name a few.