Program Overview

Program Overview

The Religion MA program at Temple University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of religion and its relevance to global cultures and public life.

Program Requirements

General Program Requirements

The program requires 30 credits beyond the baccalaureate degree. The required courses are:

• Foundations Courses: 12 credits
• Advanced Seminars and/or Independent Study: 12 credits
• Additional Courses: 6 credits Total Credit Hours: 30

Students can take 3 to 6 credits of coursework outside the Department of Religion in a cognate field at Temple University.

Language Examination

A reading knowledge of a language relevant to the area of focus is required. However, this requirement can be waived for those who are planning to do graduate work that does not require foreign language proficiency.

Culminating Event

Students must choose either the thesis or portfolio option upon completion of their first 18 credits of coursework.

• The Thesis Option is recommended for students intending to apply to a doctoral program or planning to teach at the college level. Six credits must be taken in a 3-credit Independent Study that prepares the student to register for a 3-credit MA thesis project under the direction of a thesis advisor. Reading knowledge of a language relevant to the thesis topic and oral defense of the thesis are required.
• The Portfolio Option is recommended for students to augment their primary area of experience and professional training in fields other than Religion.

Upon choosing an option, the student then selects an advisor for the final project who has primary responsibility for supervising the student's work for the remainder of the program and is the primary reader of the thesis or portfolio. This choice must be approved by the Graduate Studies Committee.

For the Thesis Option, a thesis is required. The Portfolio Option requires successful completion of coursework.