The Department for the Study of Religion, often working in partnership with the Faculty of Arts and Science, offers a range of opportunities for undergraduates to engage with research. The University has launched an Undergraduate Research Hub where you can search for research opportunities on campus.
Research Opportunities Program (ROP)
Our faculty members often contribute to the Research Opportunities Program (ROP), which gives second- and third-year Faculty of Arts & Science undergraduate students the chance to join an instructor’s research project. Applications typically open from mid-February to mid-March every year.
Research Excursions Program (REP)
The Research Excursion Program (REP) provides opportunities for Arts & Science undergraduate students to travel off-campus as part of an instructor’s research project.
Independent Study
These courses allow Religion specialists and majors to pursue individualized research projects under the supervision of a DSR faculty member. These courses give students the chance to explore specialized topics not covered in the regular curriculum. Students are responsible for securing their own faculty supervisor before applying. For more details, please visit our Independent Study Course page.
Scholars-In-Residence and Fellowships
The Scholars-in-Residence Program, based in the Jackman Humanities Institute (JHI) offers undergraduates the opportunity to work on research projects with humanities faculty for four weeks during the summer. JHI also offers residential fellowships, providing undergraduates with the opportunity to research and write an Independent Study on a topic of their own choice under supervision by one of the year’s 12-month Faculty Research Fellows.
Undergraduate Research Awards
The University of Toronto Excellence Award (UTEA) provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to gain hands‑on summer research experience by working on a project with a faculty member. Faculty members and students apply for a UTEA in partnership. Please see our Scholarships & Awards page for more information.
Capstone and Special Topics Courses
Our department offers a number of special courses each year, and these vary annually. Special Topics courses are designed to address emerging issues or specialized areas not covered in the regular curriculum; descriptions for any offered this year can be found on the Current Course Offerings page. We also may offer capstone courses: RLG404H1 (Research Capstone), RLG405H1 (Practical Capstone), and RLG426H1 (Religion in the Public Sphere: Community‑Engaged Learning Capstone), which explore a range of advanced topics and provide opportunities to integrate and apply your studies.