Undergraduate

Courses/Syllabi

» What courses do you offer in Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, etc?

For a current list of courses being offered this semester, and in the coming semester, visit the schedule of classes page: For general information on what courses the department offers, please refer to the University Bulletin.

» What courses are being offered this semester? Next semester?

By reviewing the University Bulletin and Schedule of Classes, you can get a fair idea about what kinds of courses we offer.

» Do you offer "theology" courses?

While our department does offer a few courses in religious theory, most of our courses are designed to teach the cultural and historical of world religions.

Course Approvals/Transfer Credit

» I need to be signed into a Religion course. Who should I speak with?

You will need to speak with the professor of the course for her/his signature and permission to enter the class (if necessary).

» A Religion course I want to take is listed as "Closed" or full, but I'm very interested in taking the course. Can I be signed in to the class?

It depends. If there are available seats and the is willing to accept more students than you may be able to. However, if the professor is willing to let additional students into the class or if the room capacity has been reached then your best option is to try to web register if someone else drops. (In the case of room capacity, it is University Policy that you may not admit more students than there are chairs in the class, and therefore our department tries to avoid signing in many students under the "assumption" that others will drop.)

I'm going home this summer and want to take a Religion course for GW credit. How do I get transfer credit approved?

If you are taking a Religion course at another university that you want to count for GW credit, you have to have the course approved for transfer credit. In order to be approved, the course will have to resemble the corresponding course description from our own department. You will need to bring the transfer form, course description, and if necessary a description of the college or university to the chair of our department for approval (or if you are not on campus the information can be faxed). It is possible to go through the process retroactively, after you have already taken the course, though this is not the preferred method.

» I'm studying abroad next semester and will be taking religion courses. Can this be approved for GW credit?

Credit for Religion courses taken while studying abroad may be transferable. The process is the same as for transfer credit. (See above).

Contact

» When are the professors free to meet with students? I want to make an appointment with my professor, how do I contact him/her?

All faculty and instructors in our department arrange their own appointments. Please note that while many of the full-time faculty have office hours, instructors (part-time faculty) frequently do not have designated office hours, but are free to meet with students by appointment.

» I need a professor's e-mail address/phone number so I can contact him/her.

All the professors' available contact information can be found on the faculty page.

» Where is the department located?

2106 G Street NW. More specifically, it's a terracotta-colored townhouse near the corner of 21st and G, behind Strong Hall, across from Monroe Hall.

» Where is the main office located in the department?

Room 102 is the main office. As you enter the building it is the wide open door on your left.

» Where are the professors' mailboxes located?

Immediately to your right as you enter the department.

Majoring and Minoring in Religion

» I'm interested in being a Religion Major, how do I apply?

Follow the application process for the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences. After you begin you may declare your major by following the process explained below.

» How do I declare a Religion Major? Who do I need to meet with?

After speaking with your advisor, you will need a form for declaring your major, (available in Oxborough Student Services, Phillips 107). Bring the form to the department chair, Professor Hiltebeitel. Together you will discuss and plan your academic study in religion.

» What are the available concentrations for a religion major?

The concentrations are based on the courses offered. Currently, Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism are possible. Or you may choose to create a combined concentration, such as "East Asian Religions."

» What can you do with a Religion Major?

Some of our students continue their studies in either by attending divinity school or pursing a masters in religion. Others have chosen to attend law school, medical school or non-profit work.

Graduate

Program Questions

» Do you offer graduate/doctoral degrees in religion?

The Religion Department offers a consortium MA in Hinduism and Islam. There are several other post-graduate options at GW to study. Please refer to the graduate student site to explore these options and read more the MA in Hinduism and Islam.

» What is the "consortium"?

The consortium is made up of several universities including, The George Washington University, Georgetown University, Catholic University of America, and American University. The consortium gives you the opportunity to take courses at all participating universities, although the core concentration of work will be performed at GW with Professors Seyyed Hossein Nasr and Alf Hiltebeitel.

» Who do I contact with questions about the program?

Preferably, contact one of the participating faculty members, Professor Seyyed Hossein Nasr and Professor Alf Hiltebeitel. They can offer the most information about the MA program.

How to Apply

» What are the requirements for studying at the graduate level at GW?

Please refer to GW Graduate Information.

» How can I get a packet of information on GW and the program?

This request is handled directly by the graduate admissions department. There is a quick and easy online form that you can fill-out to request an application packet. They in turn, send us your name and address so we can send you department information. There is no need to send us a separate request.

» How can I apply? What are the deadlines for application?

Please refer to GW Graduate Information

» What scholarships can I compete for? What financial support does GW offer to graduate students?

The Religion Department does not have any unique scholarships, but there are scholarships and grants you can compete for from GW. Please visit the Office of Student Financial Assistance and Graduate Funding Opportunities.

Alumni

Auditing

» I'm a GW alumus/a. How do I audit a course in your department?

Contact the alumni house.What religion courses are open to auditors. If you find a course that interests you, you contact the professor to speak with her/him about the course and to find out if there are available seats.

The Department and You

» I would love to stay in touch with the department/I'd like to learn more about what the department is doing: How can I do this?

The department creates an annual newsletter that contains not only critical articles on hot topics in religion, but that highlight the achievements of our faculty and students. We want to hear from you! We welcome updates and submissions for the department newsletter! If you'd like to let us know what you're doing please let us know either by letter or e-mail.

» I'm a former religion major but I haven't received a newsletter in several years. How can I get back on the mailing list?

The newsletter is sent out to friends and alumni of the Religion Department. The Alumni Development Department supplies us with the labels, but if you do not update your information with the development department, our information might be incorrect, and the newsletter will get returned to us from the post office. You may update your info with the Alumni House or with us directly.

» I'm not a former religion major, but I would like to receive the newsletter. How do I get on the mailing list?

Many friends of the religion department or former religion minors (who are not included in the mailing labels the Alumni Development house supplies us with) are on our mailing list. Simply e-mail the department and we'll put you on the mailing list for the next newsletter (issued each spring).

Supporting the Study of Religions

» How can I support the study of religions at GW? I'd like to contribute to the Religion Department's Research Fund. What information do I need to know?

We always appreciate donations. Please fill-out mail in the donation form.