Program Overview

Introduction to the Master's in Religious Studies Program

The Master's in Religious Studies program is designed to explore the historical and cultural applications of religion, examining its influence on human experience. This field of study uses tools from various disciplines, including history, anthropology, sociology, psychology, philosophy, and religion, to analyze religious phenomena across cultures and areas.

What is Religious Studies?

Religious studies is an academic, non-theological field that examines religious traditions, texts, behaviors, and institutions. It is distinct from theology, which takes a faith-based approach. By studying religion, scholars can gain a deeper understanding of humanity's cultural roots and aid in cross-cultural understanding.

Career Opportunities with a Master's in Religious Studies

A Master's in Religious Studies can lead to fulfilling careers in various fields, including:

• Education: Teaching or professorship, inspiring students to grapple with profound questions and develop cross-cultural understanding.
• Social Services: Social work, counseling, or community organization, interacting with diverse populations and supporting people from all religious and cultural backgrounds.
• Chaplaincy and Ministries: Providing spiritual care and counseling in settings like hospitals, hospices, prisons, universities, and the military.
• Other potential career paths:
  • Nonprofits
  • Museums
  • International aid
  • Government services
  • Global development, where religious literacy proves invaluable.

The History of Religion and its Modern Applications

Studying religion allows individuals to trace humanity's spiritual sensibilities to ancient origins, understanding how major religions have spread and evolved over time. This knowledge can provide insight into modern economics, social norms, policy, and behaviors, ultimately helping to strengthen and support spiritual communities across the globe.

Personal Fulfillment through Religious Studies

For many scholars, the joy of religious studies stems from the personal development it cultivates. By exploring how religious communities worship, shape moral norms, and help individuals grapple with life's deepest questions, scholars can expand their horizons and create a more profound understanding of the world.

Master's in Religious Studies Program Details

A typical Master's program in Religious Studies examines a variety of theories and their applications, including:

• Connections between religious traditions and surrounding societies/cultures over time.
• How religions aim to bring order, meaning, and moral guidance through scriptures, stories, rituals, and values.
• Interplays between religion, politics, economics, and other power/human activity spheres.
• Intersections between religious doctrine and gender norms, sexuality, and family structures.

Mount St. Mary's University's Master's in Religious Studies

The program at Mount St. Mary's University offers distinct advantages, including:

• A unique intellectual lens, embracing the Catholic tradition while offering an interreligious concentration in The Study of Religions.
• A vibrant campus, based in the heart of Los Angeles, with two concentrations Theology and The Study of Religions that can be completed in 2-3 years.
• A real-world perspective, recognizing that religious studies transcends academics, effecting positive change and providing a deeper appreciation for religion's practical dimensions.