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Majoring in Religious Studies
“On matters as diverse as how to drive economic growth, rein in corruption, combat terrorism, mitigate conflict, advance women’s rights and promote public health, religious beliefs shape the views of publics and change-makers near and far." -- Senator John Kerry (Religion and Diplomacy, 2015)
The Department of Religious Studies offers a B.A. in Religion with majors in Contemplative Studies, Judaic Studies, and Religious Studies. Each of these degree pathways expose students to diverse worldviews and interdisciplinary methods, concentrating on different aspects of the study of religions within a variety of historical, cultural, and social contexts.
Students ready to declare a major with our department should fill out W&M’s Declaration of Academic Major form, and reach out to a major advisor in your path of study.
All majors plan their coursework with a faculty member who serves as their major advisor. Students may ask any full-time faculty member to serve as their advisor. Students have the option to replace any 200-level courses that are required for their major with other upper-level courses, in consultation with their advisor.
Majoring in Religious Studies
The Religious Studies (FELG) major provides in-depth study of religious traditions, spiritualities, ethics, and experiences within a variety of historical, cultural, and social contexts. Students gain a foundational understanding of religion and learn how religious traditions change and develop over time, including how they are integrated into our modern world.
This major includes multiple methodological and theoretical perspectives used in humanities and social sciences. Its courses help students develop a deeper awareness of their own cultural location, values, and practical commitments. Religious Studies trains students to engage critically and productively with a plurality of differing viewpoints, interpretations, and forms of life. This deepened self-understanding empowers students to live and act with greater purpose, clarity, and confidence in their personal and professional life.
Religious Studies majors go on to pursue a wide range of careers. Many do graduate work in Religious Studies, History, or related fields as preparation for teaching. A Religious Studies major provides a strong foundation for work in law, medicine, government, international service, business, or ministry.
Students considering the RELG major should review the requirements.
RELG Major Advisors: All permanent RELG Faculty can advise RELG majors.
Majoring in Contemplative Studies
The Contemplative Studies (CNST) major explores the nature, practices, and effects of contemplative experience across cultures and traditions, examining how practices like meditation, mindfulness, prayer, and ritual shape human consciousness, ethics, and well-being. Students in this major engage with disciplines like neuroscience, psychology, philosophy, religious studies, education, and the arts to explore fundamental questions of self and one’s being in the world—how we think, feel, relate, and flourish.
Contemplative Studies majors learn to understand and explain the psychological and neurological mechanisms underpinning awareness, emotion, mental health, and self-regulation. They examine and compare traditions and practices across cultures and time periods, analyze and evaluate scientific studies on the effects of meditation on the human brain and body, and compare these findings with key religious texts on meditation and conceptions of the self. Students engage in first-person learning using mind-body practices and meditative techniques that support wellness and enhance empathy, focus, regulation, & resilience—key predictors of academic and life success.
Students considering the CNST major should review the requirements and be in touch with an advisor.
CNST Major advisors: Patton Burchett, Kevin Vose, Mark McLaughlin
Majoring in Judaic Studies
The Judaic Studies (JDST) major introduces students to the history, texts, political, and philosophical thought of the Judaic tradition as it has developed through the ancient, medieval, and modern periods. Students engage a range of methodological approaches including biblical criticism, comparative analysis, theology, anthropology, and history. Majors gain insight into how different communities construct meaning, authority, and ritual life as well as a firm grounding in the textual and historical roots of early Judaism.
This major emphasizes undergraduate research, and students are encouraged to engage in independent research with the support of faculty in Judaic Studies.
Students considering the JDST major should review the requirements and reach out to a major advisor.
JDST Major advisors: Randi Rashkover, Andrew Tobolowsky, Michael Daise