Religious Studies Graduate Program

M.A. Degree Requirements

The department offers thesis and non-thesis M.A. options. The requirements for these are:

1. 30 (thesis) or 33 (non-thesis) graduate credit hours, which must include the following:

            (a) REL 601 (3 hrs)

(b) Three graduate seminars (courses numbered 700 or above, excluding REL 800 and REL 899), of which two must be chosen from the following set of theory and method-oriented seminars (9 hrs).
 

(c) One course focusing on Western Religious Traditions and one course focusing on Non-Western Religious Traditions (see Table below). (6 hrs)

(d) At least 12 hours (4 courses) in an articulated concentration of the student’s own design. These courses may overlap with those in (b) and (c) above.

            (e) For thesis students, 1-3 credit hours of REL 899 Thesis.

(f) A total of at least 18 (thesis) or 21 (non-thesis) graduate credit hours in Religious Studies, including (a)–(e) above, plus electives if applicable. Remaining hours may be taken outside of the department.

2. A final examination:

(a) For the thesis option, the student must write and orally defend a thesis that meets minimum department and University requirements.

(b) For the non-thesis option, the student must produce and orally defend a research portfolio.

Graduate Handbook: Further information on fulfillment of degree requirements and other department and University policies and procedures can be found in the Department of Religious Studies Graduate Handbook, available on the graduate handbook webpage.

Approved Courses for Requirement 1(c):