Society, Culture & Religion
What Is Society, Culture & Religion?
Society, Culture & Religion explores how beliefs, rituals, and sacred texts shape human experience across cultures and time. At McMaster, students examine religion through historical, philosophical, literary, and social lenses – asking big questions about meaning, ethics, and identity.
The program emphasizes critical thinking, cultural literacy, and interdisciplinary inquiry, preparing students to engage thoughtfully with a diverse and interconnected world.
What Might You Study?
Courses in Society, Culture & Religion span global traditions and contemporary issues:
World Religions
Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and East Asian traditions
Religion & Society
Politics, health, gender, race, and social justice
Sacred Texts & Languages
Hebrew, Sanskrit, Arabic, and Biblical literature
Philosophy & Ethics
Morality, mysticism, and religious thought
Religion & Culture
Magic, apocalypse, Bollywood, and science fiction
Program Options
Program Type |
Description |
| Honours BA in Society, Culture and Religion | Core Program exploring religion’s role in society and culture |
| Combined Honours BA | Pair Society, Culture & Religion with another discipline |
| Minor in Society, Culture and Religion | Add religious and cultural insight to any major |
| Minors in Specialized Areas | Asian Studies Jewish Studies, Muslim Studies, Religion and Diversity, Health, Well-Being and Religion |
| MA in Religious Studies | One- or two-year program with thesis or research paper options |
| PhD in Religious Studies | Advanced research in Asian, biblical, and Western traditions |
* Courses range from topics like Religion and Politics, Cults, Conspiracies & Close Encounters, The Big Questions, Religion and Sports, and Approaches to the Study of Religion
Unique Opportunities
Society, Culture & Religion students explore diverse traditions and global issues through interdisciplinary research, experiential learning, and community engagement.
Centres & Resources
While not lab-based, the department offers collaborative spaces and research resources:
- Centre for Buddhist Studies: Supports global research, teaching, and outreach on Buddhist traditions and texts
- Summer Language Institute: Offers immersive summer courses in Sanskrit and Biblical Hebrew to explore ancient texts and cultures
- Faculty-led research: Focused on religion, culture, politics, and health
Students engage with religion through textual analysis, ethnography, and cross-cultural inquiry.
Experiential Learning & Internships
Students gain hands-on experience through research, mentorship, and community engagement:
Key highlights:
- Faculty mentorship for all Society, Culture & Religion majors
- Language training in Arabic, Hebrew, Sanskrit, and more
- Courses on religion and contemporary issues (e.g., health, politics, diversity)
- Career planning course (SOC SCI 2EL3)
- Graduate students complete a thesis, major research paper, or project-based work
These experiences help students apply theory to practice and prepare for careers in education, advocacy, cultural institutions, and more.
Study Abroad & Global Opportunities
Society, Culture & Religion students can broaden their perspectives through international exchanges and global research:
Key highlights:
- McMaster Exchange Program with 100+ global partner universities
- Study abroad while earning McMaster credits
- Courses on global religions, ethics, and intercultural dialogue
- Funding support through fellowships and travel bursaries
- Opportunities to attend international conferences and collaborate with global scholars
These experiences foster cross-cultural understanding and prepare students for global careers in education, policy, and research.
Student Life & Community
Society, Culture & Religion offers a welcoming and intellectually vibrant student experience:
Key highlights:
- Society, Culture and Religion Scholars (S.C.a.R.S.): Creates community for SCaR students through events, mentorship, and interdisciplinary engagement
- Graduate Students Association Religious Studies (G.S.A.R.S): Connects Society, Culture & Religion graduate students through social events, academic workshops, and peer support
- McMaster Social Sciences Society: Enhances student life through academic events, mentorship, and community-building across Social Sciences
- Society for Contemporary Jewish Philosophy (CJP): Explores Jewish thought in dialogue with Continental philosophy through research, events, and scholarly exchange
Students build lasting relationships while exploring the role of religion in shaping human experience.