Your degree in the Study of Religion

Skills you’ll develop

The Program in the Study of Religion is an interdisciplinary undergraduate program that includes a major and minor, as well as an Honours option. In this program, you’ll study various religions from a number of disciplinary perspectives, incorporating different regions and historical periods. You will also specialize in a religious tradition of your choice. By pursuing a degree in the Study of Religion, you’ll gain a number of skills to support your future career.

These skills may include:

  • Identifying the variety of religious traditions in the contemporary world
  • Analyzing how religious ideals and beliefs are expressed in a variety of textual and expressive traditions, both formal and informal.
  • Critically assessing and applying a variety of methodologies and approaches to the study of religion.
  • Applying problem solving to the examination of religious behaviour across a variety of different cultures and historical periods
  • Explaining the persistence of public religious identity and forms of expression as vibrant spiritual, cultural, political and ideological forces.
  • Expressing and analysing ideas through strategic oral and written communication
  • Researching and collecting data applied to the exploration of ancient and modern-day religious texts
  • Interpreting primary and secondary sources based on available evidence
  • Analyzing the effects of religion and religious identity across a number of forms of expressive culture such as art, literature, music, popular culture, and more

Career possibilities

Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including education, law, international relations, heritage management, consulting, media, communications, non-profit organizations, and others.

There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas.

Visit the Job Bank Canada website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field. Some career options may require further education or training.

  • Archivist
  • Art dealer
  • Biographer
  • Charitable organization director
  • Collections manager
  • Communications specialist
  • Cultural anthropologist
  • Curator
  • Customs broker
  • Diplomat
  • Documentarian or Filmmaker
  • Economic development officer
  • Editor
  • Event planner
  • Foreign service officer
  • Fundraiser
  • Funeral director
  • Game designer
  • Genealogist
  • Heritage interpreter or manager
  • Historian
  • Human resources specialist
  • Immigration officer
  • Interpreter
  • Journalist
  • Lawyer
  • Librarian or Information specialist
  • Literary agent
  • Lobbyist
  • Marketing specialist
  • Media or Information consultant
  • Museum administrator
  • Museum educator
  • Records technician
  • Religious expert
  • Religious school instructor
  • Research assistant
  • Student services advisor
  • Public affairs officer
  • Public policy analyst
  • Publishing manager
  • Social worker
  • Teacher or professor
  • Tourism industry consultant
  • Trade officer
  • Writer

Make the most of your program

Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities, develop your skillset, and help you clarify your values and interests.

  • Program Events
    Network with students and faculty members in your program at a variety of events
  • Chaplains on Campus
    Connect with a chaplain or meet peers through group events.
  • AMS Clubs
    Meet peers with shared interests.

Build your network

Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.

The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.

Connect with alumni

Learn about possible career paths by browsing alumni stories or viewing the profiles of UBC Religious Studies graduates on LinkedIn.

As you read, take note of interesting job titles, organizations, and experiences you may want to explore. If a particular story or profile aligns with your goals, consider reaching out for an informational interview.

More information

Throughout your Arts degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Arts degree.