MA/MS in Religion/Religious Studies

This graduate degree gives students freedom to follow their own research questions while supplying a firm base in both the scholarly study of religion generally and their own specialty. The curriculum combines core seminars and track courses with either electives plus a thesis or a larger set of electives. Applicants apply through the Graduate Admissions Office and should check current deadlines on the graduate school site. Typical admission requires a bachelor's degree plus one of several qualifications, such as earlier graduate work in humanities or social science fields, a qualifying verbal GRE score, or a strong undergraduate GPA, with alternatives for other applicants. International students whose first language is not English submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. The department supports students through faculty advising and clear admission guidelines. Graduates may pursue doctoral study, teaching, nonprofit work or other careers that benefit from skills in analysis, writing and cultural understanding of religion.