Exploring religious traditions in all of their complexity
Religious Studies Program
We explore religious traditions through comparative, contextual and thematic studies. Our courses are built on the established scholarly tradition of the study of religion as an academic, as opposed to a confessional, pursuit.
Religious Studies News
In "Domestic Nationalism," Chiara Formichi argues that during the 1920s to 1950s, Indonesian women’s domestic activities contributed to nation-building as a political project.
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Apocalyptic predictions are "far from new, but social media has whipped up a frenzy," says Cornell religion expert Kim Haines-Eitzen.
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Maimonides, one of the most significant intellectual figures of the medieval period,worked as a physician, thought like a scientist, and served as a leader of the Jewish community in Cairo.
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Thomas (Tal) A. Lewis, Religious Studies and German Studies.
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Ten students who participated in this summer's Nexus Scholars Program share their stories..
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A professor of religious studies at Brown, Lewis will also hold a faculty appointment as a professor of religious studies and German studies in the College of Arts and Sciences.
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Projects spanned topics from Confederate cemeteries to Korean textiles.
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Grace Elmore is majoring in English & religious studies.
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Engage & Support
Major in religious studies
Interested in a specific religious tradition? Want to learn more about religious rituals throughout history and in the contemporary world? Consider an undergraduate major or minor in religious studies!
Take a class
Start with "Religion and Ecological Sustainability" (RELST 2273) or "Sensational Religion" (RELST 2276) or take one of the many other classes we offer.
Add a graduate minor in religious studies
Cornell graduate students working in fields related to the study of religion are welcome to apply for the Religious Studies Graduate Minor in the Cornell Graduate School.
Support religious studies at Cornell
Your support enables the program to enhance the experience for undergraduate students. Gifts can help fund lectures and conferences, student research, distinguished speakers, and other program priorities. We will greatly appreciate and immediately put into use any gift, no matter the amount.
Give to Religious Studies
Student Spotlight
Grace Elmore is majoring in English & religious studies.
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Kathryn Cuneo is a religious studies major.
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Undergraduate Funding
This fellowship is given in honor of Gelek Rimpoche. It supports funding for summer experiential learning and research for a Cornell undergraduate student studying Buddhist practice in Asia. Funding is limited to travel, research materials, and living expenses. Preference will be given to a student with strong coursework in religious studies and Asian religions.
For more information contact the Director of Religious Studies.
Application deadline for Summer 2026 is March 16, 2026.