The Graduate Certificate in Religious Studies is designed to provide students with a solid grounding in the academic study of religion, including exposure to key theoretical and methodological issues within the interdisciplinary field of Religious Studies. The certificate program enables students to integrate Religious Studies methodologies, as well as deeper knowledge of particular religious traditions, into their own academic interests or professional training.
Completion of the certificate in Religious Studies represents an additional credential for graduate students from a variety of academic disciplines and fields of study. The certificate will enhance the qualifications of students seeking careers in research and teaching, journalism, the nonprofit sector, government, the arts, or any other field in which understanding the breadth of human cultural diversity is useful.
Enrollment in the program is open to students admitted to a regular KU graduate program as well as students who are not currently enrolled at KU.
Admission Requirements
Current KU Graduate Students
Current graduate students wishing to enroll in the Graduate Certificate program will apply through Graduate Studies. Students must be in good standing with their graduate degree program in order to participate in the certificate program. A graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is required for admission. The application process entails completing the online application, paying the application fee, and submitting materials required for the Religious Studies Certificate:
1. A letter stating your interest in Religious Studies and its relationship to your graduate course of study;
2. A copy of your official KU transcript, along with copies of transcripts from any other institutions where coursework was completed after starting a degree-seeking program at KU;
3. A letter of support from your graduate degree program.
Others
Prospective students not currently enrolled in a KU graduate program must complete an application to Graduate Studies for admission into the certificate program and submit an application fee along with the following materials:
1. A letter stating your interest in the Religious Studies Certificate Program;
2. Copies of all official transcripts;
3. 2 letters of recommendation from persons familiar with your academic work or potential for graduate study.
Degree Requirements
The Graduate Certificate in Religious Studies requires 12 hours of coursework:
- REL 601 Approaches to the Study of Religion (3 hrs);
- 9 additional hours of graduate-level coursework in Religious Studies. Up to 3 hours of appropriate coursework in other departments may be substituted in consultation with the Graduate Director.
