Overview

The Religion programme at Columbia University provides students with a rigorous framework for investigating the complex roles that religious traditions play in a globally connected world. By engaging with various dimensions of culture—including race, gender, sexuality, and technology—the curriculum prepares undergraduates to contribute to vital discussions regarding religious difference. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that students develop a nuanced understanding of how faith shapes both historical contexts and contemporary social structures.

Why Religion at Columbia University?

Studying within the Religion Department grants access to a distinguished faculty whose expertise spans diverse traditions, from Indo-Tibetan Buddhism to African American religious history. The programme is uniquely positioned to utilise New York City as a living laboratory, allowing students to investigate ritual and community in an urban context. Furthermore, the department offers the prestigious Peter Awn Undergraduate Prize for outstanding research and provides opportunities for departmental honours to high-achieving students who complete a senior thesis.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 70170 per year
National fee: USD 70170 per year
Local fee: USD 70170 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured through a nodal system that allows for flexible entry points, moving from foundational gateway lectures to advanced research seminars. Modules may include:

Religion and the History of Hip Hop
Buddhism: Indo-Tibetan
Chinese Religious Traditions
Islam
Religion and Capitalism
Theory
Religion and the Movies
Native American Religious Traditions
Christianity

Careers with Religion

Graduates of this programme develop versatile analytical and communication skills that are highly valued across numerous professional sectors. While many students pursue advanced graduate education in religious studies or adjacent academic fields, others successfully transition into diverse career paths. Common industries for alumni include education, media, and law. Additionally, the programme provides a relevant background for professional roles in business, medicine, social work, and computer science, where understanding cultural and ethical diversity is essential.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Early Modern Indigenous Thought

The Doctrine of Discovery: Religion, Law, and Legacies of 1492

Secular and Spiritual America

Religion and Popular Culture

Philosophy of Religion

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

135

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TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

Area & Cultural Studies Theology and Religious Studies View 871 other Bachelors in Theology and Religious Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Autobiographical information

Lists and descriptions of a student’s achievements, activities, employment and summer activities

Personal essay

An official high school transcript from all high schools attended

One high school counselor’s recommendation and school profile

The completed Mid-Year Report

SAT or ACT

Applicants may self-report their scores

English proficiency examination score (if necessary)

These recommendations must come from teachers who taught you in academic disciplines

For engineering applicants, one must come from a math or science teacher

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Out-of-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year

Living costs

Manhattan

United States

2638 - 5751 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Religion.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Manhattan

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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