Master of Arts in Religion

The M.A. program in Religion provides a broad background in the study of religious currents, including the marginal and transnational, within a strong theoretical framework of the academic study of religion. The M.A. program will be designed to assist students in: acquiring the necessary background and credentials for admittance in competitive divinity and doctoral programs, or developing the skills necessary for other vocational or professional options that do not require a Ph.D., or exploring personal and professional interests. Upon completing the MA degree in the field of Religion, students will be able to: Develop and apply critical toolkit to the study of religion and religious traditions, including (inter)disciplinary methodologies and theories at a level of mastery. (Critical Skills for the Study of Religion: Theory, Method and (Inter)Disciplinarity) Understand and interpret religious traditions by examining religion(s) as historical, social, and cultural phenomena. When appropriate, attention is given to the impact of globalism, immigration, colonialism, and other forms of transnational and multi-cultural (non)religious exchange at a level of mastery. (Historical, Social, (Multi-)Cultural Dimensions of Religion) Understand and interpret the subjective dimensions of religion(s) through analyses that explore the psychological, philosophical, and cognitive dynamics of religion and religious experience at a level of mastery. (Psychological, Philosophical, and Cognitive Dimensions of Religion) Understand and interpret religious traditions by examining the plurality of religious voices and expressions, including currents that have been marginalized, neglected, repressed, and censored in a variety of sociological, psychological, philosophical, and political ways at a level of mastery. (Religious Plurality and Marginal Currents) Develop the ability to read and understand relevant scholarly research/literature that has been published in foreign languages. Develop the ability to read religious texts in their original languages and perform translations of texts when appropriate to the student's course of study at a level of mastery. (Foreign Language Skills).

Unofficial transcripts from previous colleges and universities. The department will review unofficial transcripts during the admissions process, official transcripts will be required after acceptance into the graduate program. A statement describing the applicant's educational objectives and intended area of study. Additionally, the statement should discuss any scholarly research, writing, or similar research currently being pursued. Statements should be no longer than two or three pages, double-spaced. The writing sample may be a paper you have submitted for class or an original essay written for the application. Writing samples should be seven to ten pages, double spaced. Three letters of recommendation by individuals best qualified to testify to the applicant's capacity for graduate work in religious studies. Candidates who hold a Bachelor's degree, or who will complete a Bachelor's degree by the start of the admission term, are eligible to apply. Applicants of all academic backgrounds are considered for the M.A. program. In general, applicants should have a 3.0 (B) grade point average, or the equivalent, in their undergraduate work. There are no minimum requirements for GRE scores. In general, applicants should have at least a 3.0 (B) grade point average, or the equivalent, in their undergraduate work. The TOEFL IBT Home. A minimum score of 90 is required.
IELTS Indicator. A minimum score of 7 is required. TOEFL, at least 600 on the paper-based TOEFL or score 250 on the computer-based TOEFL.