Overview

The B.A. in Comparative Study of Religion at Harvard University offers a comprehensive exploration of the diverse religious traditions that have shaped human history and moral consciousness. This undergraduate programme provides students with the analytical tools to examine sacred texts, rituals, and the lived experiences of various faith communities. By engaging with life’s most profound questions, participants develop a deep understanding of the cultural and social impact of religion across the globe.

The curriculum is designed to be interdisciplinary, incorporating anthropological, historical, and sociological perspectives. Students benefit from a vibrant academic environment where they interact closely with distinguished faculty and researchers.

Why Comparative Study of Religion at Harvard University?

Choosing this concentration allows students to join an intimate and supportive community within a world-renowned institution. The programme is celebrated for its small class sizes and personalised tutorials, which are often conducted on a one-on-one basis to suit individual research interests. This tailored approach ensures that every student receives dedicated mentorship and rigorous training in academic writing and textual analysis.

The faculty members are among the nation’s most distinguished scholars in the field, providing students with access to cutting-edge research and diverse expertise. Furthermore, the programme’s flexibility allows for joint concentrations and secondary fields, enabling students to combine their interest in religion with other academic disciplines such as history, literature, or social sciences.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 59320 per year
National fee: USD 59320 per year
Local fee: USD 59320 per year

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Sacred Texts and Rituals
Philosophy of Religion
Theology and Literature
Lived Experiences and History
Modern Muslim State
Mystical Spanish Literature
Global Politics and Religion
Gender and Authority

Careers with Comparative Study of Religion

Graduates of this programme pursue a diverse range of professional paths, benefiting from the strong analytical and writing skills developed during their studies. Many alumni continue their education at prestigious law or medical schools, while others enter the corporate sector or public service. The ability to understand religious contexts is highly valued in international relations, journalism, and community leadership.

Programme Structure

Concentrations:

Humanities (including creative writing, English, philosophy, religion, visual arts)
Science (including biology, computer science, environmental studies, mathematics)
Social sciences (including anthropology, business administration, economics, government, history, international relations, psychology).

Fields of Study

Your second choice is to declare a specific field of study (similar to a major). You complete courses in one subject area. Top fields of study are business administration and management, computer science, economics, government, international relations, and psychology.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

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

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Cambridge, United States

Disciplines

Theology and Religious Studies Modern History View 870 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

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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Other requirements

General requirements

All applicants must possess proof of high school graduation, including those who were homeschooled. Acceptable credentials include a high school diploma or a high school diploma equivalent as determined by your home state or by the Center for Educational Documentation, through a general evaluation, if you are an international student.
If you earned credits or degrees outside the United States, you must have transcripts sent directly from these schools to the Center for Educational Documentation (CED) for evaluation. Request a course-by-course evaluation if you wish to receive transfer credit or a general evaluation if you do not. Direct the CED to send a copy of your evaluation directly to the Admissions Office.
English is the language of instruction at Harvard Extension School. If your native language is not English, you must have provided designated proof of English proficiency to register in the courses.

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

59320 USD / year

≈ 59320 USD / year
Out-of-State

59320 USD / year

≈ 59320 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

59320 USD / year

≈ 59320 USD / year

Living costs

Cambridge

United States

1814 - 3756 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 Comparative Study of Religion.

Available Scholarships

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

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