“I often say that if I headed back to college today, I would major in comparative religions rather than political science.”
John Kerry, Former Secretary of State, Current United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate
Program History
Harvard’s concentration in the Comparative Study of Religion is a vibrant community comprised of dynamic, devoted students and the nation’s most distinguished teaching faculty in the study of religion. Students interact regularly with faculty and graduate students who share their interests. The program provides students with an understanding of the religious traditions of the world through study of sacred texts and rituals; philosophy, literature and theology; and the lived experiences and history of participants in the tradition. Courses engage life’s biggest questions including the meaning of life and death, humanity and divinity, good and evil, sacrifice and community. Course work exposes students to central concepts in the field such as god(s), ritual, gender, authority, orthodoxy, scripture and prophecy. Anthropological, historical, philosophical, phenomenological, sociological and literary approaches open religion to closer analysis and deeper understanding.
Students consistently rate our concentration and courses very highly. Tutorials are small, tailored to student interests and designed to develop and refine students’ ability to analyze texts closely and to write coherently. Close attention to excellent writing–through drafting, comments and revising–is a priority in our tutorial program.
Concentrators pursue a wide range of careers after graduation, including business, law, medicine, politics, public service, scholarship, creative art and teaching. Recent graduates are studying at Harvard Law School, teaching with Teach for America, pursuing graduate work at Cambridge University, practicing medicine and starring in television roles. Our students consistently report back to us that the understanding of religion, the critical thinking skills, and the refined writing ability they gained in this concentration have been significantly important in making sense of current events and global politics, and in succeeding in their workplaces and local communities. Most of our graduates have a strong interest in service to their communities and are committed to working in their chosen profession to make the world a better place.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I concentrate in Religion?
In the religion program, students study a range of human experiences that have produced much of the greatest literature of the world, inspired its art and philosophy and shaped its moral consciousness. As a small concentration at Harvard, the Study of Religion is an intimate community within the larger university. Religion students regularly interact with faculty members and graduate students who share their interests. Tutorials are small (frequently one-on-one) and tailored to student interests. Student satisfaction with our program is consistently very high.
Can Courses “double count” for both Gen Ed and Religion Requirements?
Yes!
Can I concentrate in religion and still go to law or medical school?
Yes! In fact, many of our concentrators do. Prepare to take the classes necessary for graduate school in your chosen field in addition to fulfilling our concentration requirements.
Can I transfer from another concentration as a sophomore or junior and get credit for tutorials taken in other departments?
Yes, this is possible. Make an appointment to see the Director of Undergraduate Studies and be sure to bring with you the syllabi from your other tutorials and a completed Plan of Study from the Study of Religion (form).
Do people who concentrate in religion also practice religion?
Some of our students are religious and some are not. Those who are religious practice different faiths—Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism and others. There is no presumption that students in religion will believe in God or practice a certain faith.
What happens if I’ve been away from Harvard and the requirements for my field changed while I was gone?
Normally you will be allowed to complete your work in the Study of Religion under the guidelines that existed when you entered the program.