Religion and Culture Major
Religion and culture courses give you a global perspective. We examine the human sides of religious and cultural practices throughout history and into modern times.
5
NUMBER OF CONTINENTS STUDIED
1
ONLY RELIGION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT IN THE U.S.
22
AVERAGE UPPER-LEVEL CLASS SIZE
26
NUMBER OF BOOKS AUTHORED BY FACULTY
Total Credit Hours: 120
Religion and Culture Requirements (21 hours)
General Education (up to 45 hours)
Religion and Culture Electives (12 hours)
What You'll Study
Here, you will study the ways religion and culture relate to the human experience. Develop a deep understanding of human traditions and values. We offer courses on a wide variety of religious traditions and cultural settings including:
- Asian American Experience
- Religion and Culture in Asia
- Appalachian Studies
- Theories of Pop Culture
- Judaism, Christianity, Islam
- Religion in American Life
- Greek and Roman Mythology
- Multicultural Communication
- Religion and Science
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What Is a Major in Religion and Culture?
As an interdisciplinary department, our students gain experience using multiple methodologies by working with our faculty who specialize in fields as diverse as linguistic and cultural anthropology, literature, religious studies, history, ethnomusicology, communication, musicology, and cultural studies.
Why Study Religion and Culture Here?
As the only Department of Religion and Culture in the nation, we are able to offer a unique perspective on the role religion plays all across the world. We offer opportunities to participate in undergraduate research, get real-world experience through internships, and engage with global culture while studying abroad.
Beyond the Classroom
Majoring in religion and culture at Virginia Tech means joining an active and welcoming community. Our faculty work side-by-side with you to advise you on pursuing research interests, presenting and publishing their work, and preparing your for a career after graduation.
Studying abroad gives you the opportunity to connect with a different culture, experience new ways of thinking, and explore new places, all while gaining unique understanding and perspectives. Check out programs by visiting the study abroad page below or by searching the Global Education Office's programs.
In a competitive job market, experience is an important commodity. Internships provide you with valuable skills and real-world perspective regarding your chosen career field while giving you the opportunity to explore the possibilities for the future.
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What Our Students Are Saying
"My double majors, religion and culture and biology, are each, in their own unique way, preparing me for a career in medicine. As an aspiring physician, the courses in Religion and Culture show me not only the many facets of both religion and culture, but are teaching me how to best communicate to the public."
Caitlin Van Wicklin, '17
"This department is incredible to me because its one where professors really intentionally try to develop productive mentorship relationships with undergraduates, and I think this is what makes its students so successful."
Timothy Miles, '19
"Religion and culture will not only give you a deep, abiding connection to the world’s great intellectual and moral traditions but will give you the intellectual skills you need to deal with an evermore interconnected, complex world by linking these traditions to their historical, philosophical, cultural and political contexts."
David Grant, '09
Careers and Further Study
David Grant '09
After earning his bachelors in religion and culture in 2009, David reported for the Associated Press in Detroit, worked as a mutual fund analyst in Baltimore, and covered Congress and the 2012 presidential campaign for The Christian Science Monitor. In his current role as Director of Content Strategy at The Christian Science Monitor, he develops business strategy and builds new ventures like Passcode, the Monitor's focus on digital security and privacy.
Rachel Sutphin, '18
While pursuing majors in religion and culture and human development, Rachel completed internships at Northside Presbyterian Church and Blacksburg New School that allowed her to apply the classroom knowledge she had gained and explore future career options. She is now attending Columbia Theological Seminary in Georgia pursuing a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts of Practical Theology with a specialization in pastoral care. She plans to pursue a career in the Presbyterian Church USA.
Timothy Miles, '19
Mentorship with faculty in religion and culture and Arabic shaped Timothy’s Virginia Tech experience. His participation in undergraduate research and a study abroad trip to Oman provided transformative opportunities leading him to serve with the Peace Corps as a youth-in-development specialist in Morocco, where he will work with women-empowerment initiatives through education and community outreach. (Photo by Christina Franusich/Virginia Tech)
Samantha Shamim, '20
Samantha appreciated the intellectually provoking class discussions as a religion and culture major. She used the knowledge gained from her classes to engage with the campus community through organizations such as the Muslim Students Association and Latin Link while also serving as a Global Ambassador with the Cranwell International Center. Samantha is pursuing her Master's Degree in Education with Urban Teachers, through a residency in Dallas, Texas.
Bailey Blair, '21
Bailey combined majors in religion and culture and public relations, allowing her to gain hands-on experience incorporating multicultural communication into PR campaigns. Her experiences provided a wide viewpoint to consider the importance of relationship building as a PR professional. Bailey studied abroad in Riva San Vitale, Switzerland, where she vlogged, explored, and wrote about her travels and cultural observations. She’s taking the skills she’s developed to work at a strategic marketing and public relations agency.
Michael Boeh, ‘21
Michael double majored in Political Science and Religion & Culture. He volunteered at his local food bank and served as a peer mentor for RLCL 1004, where he helped first-year students become acclimated to the college lifestyle. Following graduation, he is planning on attending graduate school to focus on environmental justice.
What do I do with a major in religion and culture?
Studying religion and culture helps you develop the tools you need to think critically and solve problems in a multicultural, global community.
We prepare you for careers including:
- Foreign Affairs Officer
- Lawyer
- Professor
- College Advisor
- Analyst
- Author
- Administrative Coordinator
- Consumer Insights Researcher
- Nonprofit Service
- Field Organizer
- Marketing Associate
- Administrative Coordinator
- Industrial Security Specialist
- Teacher
- Entry Level Recruiter
To learn more about career opportunities, contact your advisor.
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