Undergraduate Program Information

Department for the Study of Religion (DSR) Programs

Our programs offer a broad and critical understanding of a range of religious traditions - such as Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, and Religions of North America and Turtle Island - through manifold approaches, such as the study of philosophical and religious texts, ethnography, and material and popular culture. 

All of our programs are open and do not have specific courses required for enrolment. As long as you are on track to completing 4.0 credits, you can apply to any of our programs. Program enrolment is usually open from March through September. Please see the Course Enrolment page on the A&S website for guidance on course enrolment.

Students are encouraged to consult the Religion section of the Arts & Science Calendar for official and up‑to‑date information about our courses, including descriptions, prerequisites, and program requirements. Our programs:

  • Religion Specialist (Arts Program) - ASSPE0151
  • Religion Major (Arts Program) - ASMAJ0151
  • Religion Minor (Arts Program) - ASMIN0151
  • Buddhist Studies Specialist (Arts Program) - ASSPE1525
  • Buddhist Studies Major (Arts Program) - ASMAJ1525
  • Islamic Studies Major (Arts Program) - ASMAJ1359

Please contact the Undergraduate Administrator at religion.undergrad@utoronto.ca with any questions.

Students in our programs may go on to graduate study, or into a wide range of careers such as teaching, law, public policy, cultural institutions, medicine, government, international development, media, and social work. It is highly recommended that students who are interested in pursuing graduate training also complete two full years of a relevant foreign language. The DSR offers courses in Hebrew, Sanskrit, Pali, and Tibetan.

The DSR is also proud to be a part of the Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP), which combines 12-20 months of paid work experience with specialized development training. Learn more about the ASIP Program.


Religion Undergraduate Student Association (RUSA)

Our active student association, known as the Religion Undergraduate Student Association (RUSA), plans events throughout the academic year for students and advocates on behalf of students to the department. From bubble tea socials and de-stressor events to academic and career seminars, meet and connect over great food with peers interested in the study of religion.

Meet our current RUSA executive team!

DSR & RUSA Annual Undergraduate Research Conference

Our annual research conference provides an opportunity for students to present on works related to the study of religion and see how students can combine the study of religion with various disciplines such as computer science, economics, history, media studies, philosophy, psychology, and more. Join us at the beginning of April to hear insightful presentations and connect with current students!

Check out past conferences!