Religion, Culture, and Spirituality degree | Undergraduate Programs

Explore the fundamental beliefs that bind us — and divide us

What does it mean to be human? How do spiritual beliefs shape our world? Examine how religions have influenced politics, economics, culture, art, science, and society throughout history — and continue to do so today.

Tailor your degree to your passions. We offer more than 100 undergraduate courses covering the religions of the world, Jewish studies, Christian traditions, and religious culture and society. Thanks to strong links with the Department of Religion and Culture at neighbouring Wilfrid Laurier University, you’ll have access to even more learning opportunities.

If you choose the co-op system of study, add up to 20 months of paid work experience on your résumé. You’ll graduate equipped with the multicultural understanding, critical thinking skills, and historical knowledge to succeed in a variety of careers.

What courses will you take?

First-year courses

As an Arts student, you’ll choose your major at the end of first year. You’re encouraged to explore a second major in first year to discover potential new interests.

You can choose to study Religion, Culture, and Spirituality through Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.

Honours Arts

September to December

One 100-level or 200-level RCS course
ARTS 160 – Inquiry and Knowledge Creation
Prospective major #2
Two electives

January to April

One 100-level or 200-level RCS course
Prospective major #2
3 electives

This is a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.

Honours Arts and Business

September to December

ARBUS 101 – Introduction to Business in North America
ECON 101 – Introduction to Microeconomics
One 100-level RCS course
Prospective major #2
Elective

January to April

ARBUS 102 – Accounting Information for Managers
ARBUS 202 – Professional and Business Ethics
ARTS 160 – Inquiry and Knowledge Creation
One 100-level or 200-level RCS course
Prospective major #2

This is a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.

After first year

40% of the classes you’ll take will be Religion, Culture, and Spirituality. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo.

Sample upper-year courses

RCS 220 – Religion and Politics
RCS 226 – Introduction to Indigenous Spirituality
RCS 349 – The Mystical Imagination
RCS 420R – Critical Encounter with Human Nature

Customize your degree

You can add additional areas of expertise by including one or more of the minors available to all Waterloo students.

Faculty:
Faculty of Arts

Degree:
Bachelor of Arts in Religion, Culture, and Spirituality

Available as a co-op program?
Yes

Available as a regular program?
Yes

Available as a minor?
Yes

Get serious work experience. Explore careers and earn money to pay for school by completing four optional co-op work terms — and graduate with up to 20 months of career-building work experience.

Seek understanding. A degree in Religion, Culture, and Spirituality provides the knowledge and understanding of diverse traditions that will enable you to thrive as a leader in the workplace and in your community.

Co-op = relevant paid work experience

By alternating school terms and paid co-op work terms throughout your degree, you can explore new career areas and types of employers as your career interests evolve.

Sample co-op job titles

Internship programme
Technical analyst
Junior risk officer

English facilitation assistant
Business coordinator

Co-op work-study sequence

Starting in second year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.

Option one: If you choose to study Religion, Culture, and Spirituality through Honours Arts and Business, your first work term will be in the winter term of second year.

Year	September to December (Fall)	January to April (Winter)	May to August (Spring)
First	Study	Study	Off
Second	Study	Co-op	Study
Third	Co-op	Study	Co-op
Fourth	Study	Co-op	Co-op
Fifth	Study	Study	-

Option two: Your first work term will be in the spring term after second year, if you choose Honours Arts.

Year	September to December (Fall)	January to April (Winter)	May to August (Spring)
First	Study	Study	Off
Second	Study	Study	Co-op
Third	Study	Co-op	Study
Fourth	Co-op	Study	Co-op
Fifth	Co-op	Study	-

Learn more about co-op →

What can you do with a degree in Religion, Culture, and Spirituality?

Waterloo Religion, Culture, and Spirituality graduates commonly pursue careers as teachers, policy analysts, lawyers, executive leaders of non-profits, and counsellors.

The careers listed below are examples of what you might be able to pursue. Through the courses you take, specializations you choose, extracurriculars, and any work experience you gain, you'll graduate with a degree that's uniquely you and be ready to pursue a career that's right for you!

Community outreach coordinator

You would work with organizations to build relationships with diverse communities and support inclusive programs. Understanding cultural and spiritual perspectives helps you communicate respectfully and effectively.

Nonprofit program coordinator

In this role, you’d help plan and manage programs focused on social well‑being, education, or community support. Your background helps you consider ethical values and cultural contexts when designing services.

Human resources or workplace culture specialist

You would support inclusive workplace policies and employee relations. Knowledge of belief systems and values is especially useful in creating respectful, diverse environments.

Chaplaincy or spiritual care pathway (with further training)

You could provide emotional and spiritual support in hospitals, schools, or community settings. This path builds directly on your understanding of spirituality, ethics, and care.

Interfaith or dialogue facilitator

You’d help bring people from different belief backgrounds together for conversation and collaboration. Strong listening skills and cultural understanding are central to this work.

Counselling or helping professions (with further education)

Many graduates continue into counseling, psychotherapy, or social work. Your undergraduate degree provides a solid foundation in empathy, ethics, and human meaning‑making.

Education or student support advisor

You would support students in navigating academic and personal challenges. Understanding identity, values, and belief systems helps you respond thoughtfully to student needs.

Public service or government officer

You’d support programs related to multiculturalism, equity, or community development. Religious and cultural literacy is valuable in public‑facing roles.

Journalist or writer on culture and society

You would write about religion, ethics, or social issues for general audiences. This career suits students who enjoy research and explaining complex topics clearly.

Museum or cultural heritage facilitator

You’d help curate exhibits or educational programs related to belief, ritual, or history. This role blends research with public storytelling.

Nonprofit fundraising or development consultant

You would communicate with donors and communities to support organizational missions. Understanding values and meaning helps you connect messages with audiences.

Graduate studies in religion, theology, or cultural studies

If you enjoy deep academic study, you could continue into graduate school. This path can lead to teaching, research, or specialized professional roles.

Ethics or policy advisor

You’d help analyze ethical questions in healthcare, education, or public policy. Your training helps you weigh values, beliefs, and social impact.

International development or NGO professional

You would support projects in culturally diverse settings. Sensitivity to local beliefs and practices is essential for ethical global work.

Communications or content specialist

You’d create written or digital content for organizations focused on culture, values, or community engagement. Clear writing and audience awareness are key strengths in this role.

If you’re curious about belief, meaning, culture, and how values shape the world, a Bachelor of Arts in Religion, Culture, and Spirituality offers thoughtful, flexible pathways into community‑focused, ethical, and people‑centered careers.

Learn about the future of careers in arts, humanities, social sciences, languages, and creative arts.