Graduate Admission
We appreciate your interest in the MA program in Religious Studies at the University of Kansas. Unfortunately, the department is supsending admissions to the MA program for Fall 2023.
No applications will be accepted.
Application Process (for Prospective Graduate Students)
To be considered for admission to KU's Religious Studies program, applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with undergraduate degree requirements similar to those of the University of Kansas (3.0 minimum on a 4.0 scale for regular admission). You may use the Graduate Check Sheet (PDF) to track your progress during the application process.
If you'd like to learn more about the Master of Arts in Religious Studies or have questions about the application process, please contact the Department of Religious Studies at rstudies@ku.edu or Graduate Advisor Corinne Butler at cebutler@ku.edu.
Application Materials
All application materials must be received before your application for admission can be evaluated. A complete application consists of the following:
1. KU Graduate School online application
- A well-written essay (approximately 500-800 words) that describes your interest in the academic study of religion, purpose in pursuing the M.A., and expected areas of emphasis in the program.
- An up-to-date resume or curriculum vitae including work, volunteer, and leadership experiences, as well as evidence of scholastic attainment (undergraduate degree program, plus any academic awards or scholarships, languages spoken/studied, publications or research presentations, study abroad or other special academic experiences, and any other notable accomplishments).
- An academic writing sample representative of your academic accomplishments thus far (2500-5000 words).
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals who are well acquainted with your academic work and who can evaluate your potential as a scholar and graduate student. Contacting referees and making sure their letters are uploaded into the online application is your responsibility. At least one academic reference is preferred, especially for students entering directly from their undergraduate program, and all references should speak to your potential to be successful as a graduate student. Specific information about your past performance in academics or related activities offers the best support for your application.
- Scanned copies of official transcripts from your degree-granting undergraduate institution. If you have earned any graduate degrees, you will also need to submit a transcript for your prior graduate coursework.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test results are not required. Applicants who wish to have their GRE scores considered should request that ETS submit their score report to KU using the institution code 6871.
2. Submit the application fee ($65 for domestic applicants and $85 for international applicants)
3. English Proficiency: If an applicant is not a native speaker of English, they must verify their English proficiency. Please see Graduate Admissions' English Proficiency Requirements for further information on verifying langauge proficiency.
Applicants may submit their application, application fee, statement of interest, and resume through the application link above. TOEFL scores (if applicable) should be sent directly to KU using institution code 6871. Digital copies of transcripts may be emailed directly from the degree-granting institution to graduateadm@ku.edu. Official transcripts can also be mailed to the address below:
Graduate Admissions
The University of Kansas
Visitor Center
1502 Iowa St.
Lawrence, KS 66045
