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Introduction to the University of Denver's Religious Studies Program

The Department of Religious Studies at the University of Denver offers a comprehensive range of programs designed to foster a deep understanding of the world's major religious traditions and their impact on contemporary society. These programs include a Master of Arts (MA) in Religious Studies, a Graduate Certificate in Religious Studies, a Graduate Certificate in Religion and International Affairs, and a Specialized Graduate Certificate in World Religions. Additionally, the department contributes to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in the Study of Religion, offered in partnership with the Iliff School of Theology and other schools and departments at the University of Denver (DU). The MA program in Religious Studies is tailored to provide students with a broad and in-depth education in religious studies, emphasizing both the academic study of religion and the development of specialized expertise in one of several areas of concentration. The program is distinguished by its small class sizes, which facilitate close interaction between students and faculty, and its emphasis on interdisciplinary training and community engagement. The department's faculty are renowned for their scholarly achievements and teaching excellence, having received numerous awards and grants from prestigious institutions such as the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Guggenheim Foundation. The program's curriculum is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the major religious traditions of the world, as well as the theoretical and methodological tools necessary for advanced research and analysis in the field of religious studies. Through its various areas of specialization, the program offers students the opportunity to develop a specific and scholarly expertise in fields such as Sacred Texts, Critical Theory and Religion, Religion and International Studies, Philosophy of Religion, and Lived Religions. The department also offers a remote synchronous online option for students pursuing the MA in Religious Studies, with a focus on the Critical Theory track. This option allows students to engage with the program's core requirements and specialization courses through live lectures on Zoom, providing flexibility for those with full-time day jobs or other daytime responsibilities. Students in the online option may switch to on-campus attendance at any point during their program and are eligible for the same funding opportunities as their on-campus colleagues. The department encourages students to enrich their graduate studies by taking courses in other departments and working with faculty outside of Religious Studies. This interdisciplinary approach is reflected in the program's curriculum, which includes courses in Anthropology, International Studies, Philosophy, and Art History, among other fields. The department also supports students in pursuing advanced language training and studying or conducting research abroad, recognizing the importance of these experiences for enhancing their scholarly and professional development. The program's advantages include the opportunity to develop broad competencies in major religious traditions and the discipline of Religious Studies, while cultivating scholarly expertise in a particular area of specialization. The program's small class sizes facilitate professor-student interaction, encouraging faculty mentoring and fostering a sense of community and collegiality among graduate students. The opportunity to pursue interdisciplinary training and related interests by taking courses or working one-on-one with faculty in other University of Denver departments is also a key benefit. Additionally, the program provides preparation for either doctoral work or a professional career, with strong support from faculty and the University of Denver's career counselors. The program's location in metropolitan Denver, a culturally and religiously diverse city with a high quality of life, offers students numerous opportunities to engage with and conduct research within a vibrant and dynamic community. Substantial scholarship packages, including tuition credits and opportunities to serve as a research assistant, are also available to support students in their academic and professional pursuits.

Admission Requirements for the MA in Religious Studies

To qualify for the Religious Studies MA program, applicants must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited college, with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0. Applicants must also meet the minimum performance standard set by the Office of Graduate Education for the Test of English as