Religion and Culture Major
Why Study Religion and Culture at Virginia Tech?
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.
5
Continents Studies
22
Average Class Size
1
Only Religion and Culture Department in the U.S.
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.
Careers and Further Study
What Can You Do with a Religion and Culture Major?
Jobs Held by Our Graduates
- Foreign Affairs Officer
- Lawyer
- Professor
- College Advisor
- Analyst
- Author
- Administrative Coordinator
- Consumer Insights Researcher
- Nonprofit Service
- Field Organizer
- Marketing Associate
Beyond the Classroom
Experiential Learning
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 you 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 understandings 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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Curriculum
What You'll Study
Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Culture Degree
- Including Virginia Tech's Pathways
Religion and Culture Major Requirements
- Intro to Religion and Culture
- Religion and the Modern World
- Case Studies in Religion and Culture
- Intro to American Studies
- Religion and Literature
- Multicultural Communication
- Topics in Religion and Culture
Minor and Elective Hours
Our program gives you the opportunity to build knowledge in another area by pursuing a minor, double major, or cognate.
120 hrs
B.A. Religion and Culture
45 hrs
General Education
21 hrs
Major Requirements
12 hrs
Elective
Campus Life
Campus Life
Discover all that Virginia Tech has to offer inside and outside of the classroom. Our campus life aims to build communities, promote holistic education, and cultivate environments that offer opportunities for leadership, innovation, and service.