Undergraduate
Admissions
The study of religion is open to all students and no longer requires an application for admission. However, students considering concentrating in religion are encouraged to contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Anne Monius (617-496-1018, anne_monius@harvard.edu). She is available anytime to talk to students about the concentration.
Joint Concentrations
Joint concentrations are possible in two configurations: 1) religion as the primary field and 2) religion as the secondary field. The choice between these options naturally affects one’s degree requirements. In both cases, students must complete a senior honors thesis. If religion is a secondary field, procedures for undertaking and completing the thesis and oral exam are dictated by the primary department. If religion is the primary field, the thesis and oral exam are administered by the religion program.
Students can combine religion with a number of different fields. In the past, Religion concentrators have joined with Social Studies, English, History, History of Art and Architecture, Music, Government, Philosophy and other undergraduate concentrations. Students interested in a joint concentration should talk to the director of undergraduate studies.
Religion as a Secondary Field
Students are also welcome to study religion as a secondary field. Unlike the two joint concentration options outlined above, declaring religion as a secondary field does not require the writing of an honors thesis. Like the concentration, the secondary field requires a combination of a) focused work in one area (a religious tradition, geographic region, or approved theme); and b) comparative or methodological courses that provide a broader framework for considering the tradition on which a student will focus. Possible focus areas include religious traditions of the world (such as Buddhism or Islam), geographic regions (such as South Asia ), or approved thematic approaches. Approved thematic areas depend on available faculty and course offerings, and currently include Religion & Politics and Religion & Gender.
Students interested in pursuing a secondary field should contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Anne Monius (617-496-1018, anne_monius@harvard.edu).
Download the Undergraduate Handbook! 