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Program Details
As a Religion student at Carleton, you will gain an understanding of and respect for the complex ways that human identities are formed by living in religious communities, holding religious ideas and participating in religious rituals. Study the history, literature and lived experience of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and Hinduism. Learn about Indigenous traditions in Canada and worldwide. Follow the rise and fall of religious leaders and movements. Explore common themes such as magic, the environment, gender, and death / mourning.
Since religious beliefs and attitudes have historically played a significant role in human affairs and continue to influence local and global events, understanding different religious traditions will help you make sense of our increasingly multicultural world. It will also make you a more culturally competent Canadian citizen. Benefit from small class sizes, which allow for more direct interaction with and feedback from your professors, and a more personalized, responsive learning environment.
A specialization in Global Religions: Identity and Community is also available within the Bachelor of Global and International Studies.
Experiential Learning
Religion students can participate in a third-year travel course that explores religion in its historical and/or contemporary contexts in a geographic locale that changes from year to year. In addition, many of our other courses include projects and assignments that provide students with opportunities to explore their own interests, interact with members of the community, and develop real-world skills.
Exceptional Faculty
Carleton professors specialize in a range of religious traditions. Their research focuses on historical aspects of particular traditions, contemporary religious thought and practice, appropriate methods and approaches for studying religion, as well as past interactions and modern dialogues between religious individuals and groups.
Capital Advantage
You will benefit from a rich array of resources in the National Capital Region.
- Library and Archives Canada houses important collections on the history of religion in Canada
- the National Gallery of Canada has an impressive collection of religiously inspired art
- the Canadian Museum of History is home to a vast collection of religious and cultural artifacts
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Career Outcomes
Explore your passions, refine new skills and discover the career that’s right for you.
A Carleton degree in Religion will equip you for many career opportunities in an increasingly multicultural world, where religious beliefs play a significant role in human affairs and continue to affect local and global events.

Sample Courses
RELI 1710 - Judaism, Christianity, Islam
A survey of the history, beliefs and practices of these major religious traditions.
RELI 3333 - Topics in Magic, Witchcraft, and the Occult
Studies in issues related to magic, witchcraft and/or the occult in various historical, religious, and cultural contexts.
Visit the Undergraduate Calendar to view a comprehensive list of course offerings for this program and discover the exciting things Carleton students are learning in the classroom!
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