Program Overview

wailing wallThe Master of Arts degree in Religious Studies is a 36-hour program, including a thesis. 

Curriculum Overview

  • 32 Credit Hours of class work
  • Comprehensive exams
  • 4 credit hour thesis

As designed, the typical student may complete the program in three semesters of residence work, followed by the comprehensive exams and thesis. 

 

 

 

 

 

Sample Program for the World Religions Concentration

Year 1, Fall Semester

Course #Course TitleCredits
BIB 541 The Gospels 3
BIB 662 Biblical Theology 3
REL 510 Introduction to Graduate Research Methods 2
REL 600
REL 605		 Readings in Judaic Literature OR
Readings in Hindu Literature		 3
Total 11

Year 1, Spring Semester

Course #Course TitleCredits
BIB 520 The Pentateuch 3
REL 640 Phenomenology of Religion 3
REL 630 Trinitarian Theology 3
REL 610
REL 615		 Readings in Islamic Literature OR
Readings in Buddhist Literature		 3
Total 12

Year 2, Fall Semester

Course #Course TitleCredits
REL 665 Theology of Religions 3
REL 680 Theological Methods and Philosophical Foundations 3
REL 620
REL 625		 Readings in Western Traditions OR
Readings in Eastern Traditions		 3
Total 9

Year 2, Spring Semester

Course #Course TitleCredits
REL 790 Thesis                                                                           4

Sample Program for the Biblical Studies concentration

Year 1, Fall Semester

  Course #

Course Title

Credits
BIB 541 The Gospels 3
BIB 662 Biblical Theology 3
REL 510 Introduction to Graduate Research Methods 2
BIB XXX Bible or Religion Elective 3
Total   11

Year 1, Spring Semester

Course #

Course Title

Credits
BIB 520 Pentateuch 3
BIB 635 Hermeneutics 3
REL 630 Trinitarian Theology 3
BIB XXX Bible or Religion Elective 3
Total   12

Year 2, Fall Semester

Course #

Course Title

Credits
BIB XXX Bible or Religion Elective 3
BIB XXX Bible Elective 3
BIB XXX Bible Elective 3
Total   9

Year 2, Spring Semester

Course #

Course Ttitle

Credits
REL 790 Thesis 4