Religion, culture, and spirituality are central to human societies around the world. They provide the foundations for social, political, economic, philosophical, and ethical activity. Understanding the complex relationship between religion, culture, and spirituality prepares us to engage an increasingly diverse world.
Our Religion, Culture, and Spirituality (RCS) program at the University of Waterloo offers a flexible and interdisciplinary approach to exploring how belief systems shape individuals, communities, and cultures across time and place. Rooted in a commitment to high-quality undergraduate teaching, RCS courses encourage students to explore ideas and think critically.
Flexible academic options and courses.
Whether you’re looking to major, pursue a minor, or combine your interests through a joint honours degree, this program offers a wide range of academic options and course offerings. It also pairs well with other areas of study—like Sociology, Political Science, or Peace and Conflict Studies—making it a valuable complement to many programs.
Engaged and interdisciplinary faculty.
Our faculty have varied research interests and also contribute to other university departments and programs, including: Sociology, Anthropology, Political Science, Peace and Conflict Studies, History, Philosophy, Gender and Social Justice, Classical Studies, Health Humanities, Jewish Studies, Studies in Islamic and Arabic Cultures.
Collaboration across campus.
You’ll study in a collaborative environment supported by St. Jerome’s University, Conrad Grebel University College, United College, Renison University College, and the Faculty of Arts.
Undergraduate studies
Learn more about program options and courses in Religion, Culture, and Spirituality.
Graduate studies
Discover the joint Laurier-Waterloo PhD in Religious Studies and areas of research.
Why study religion?
See the benefits studying religion can have on your education and career.
News
Religious Studies will become Religion, Culture, and Spirituality
As of Fall 2025, all Religious Studies programs will be renamed Religion, Culture, and Spirituality. Courses will no longer have the “RS” subject code but will have an “RCS” subject code.
Changes in how Religion, Culture, and Spirituality courses meet breadth requirements
The Faculty of Arts is undergoing a change to the Arts Breadth Requirements. Starting in Fall 2025, Religious Studies (RS) courses will be changing to Religion, Culture, and Spirituality (RCS) courses, and will be changing categories within the Arts Breadth Requirements.
Second annual Culture Fest celebrates student research
Taking us from colonial New Spain to Ancient Greece to contemporary opera, undergraduate students from culture-related programs presented their research at the second annual Culture Fest, an initiative designed to celebrate outstanding student work and make connections across programs and disciplines.