The Master's degree requires a minimum of 45 hours, including The Study of Religion (RLGS 4000) or its equivalent, one course devoted to the theoretical study of religion (e.g., Psychology of Religion), and one course devoted to the study of religious texts (e.g., The Dead Sea Scrolls). The remaining courses should be selected in consultation with a faculty advisor in such a way as to demonstrate familiarity with Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism. (This requirement may be satisfied by presentation of a transcript demonstrating previous course work.) Students are also encouraged to examine other cultural forms of religion.
In order to complete the degree, students must pass a comprehensive examination. The comprehensive examination will be given during the fourth or fifth week of either the Autumn or Winter quarters and will consist of two exams on successive days. Exam questions will deal respectively with (1) three of the five major religious traditions and (2) the theory of religion. General bibliographies for the exams, on which the student will be tested, are available from either the MA director or the assistant to the chair.
Under certain circumstances and at the discretion of the department, students may substitute a special project for the comprehensive examination. Instead of the exam the student may opt for one of the following:
- Write a thesis of between 10,000 and 15,000 words in length
- Carry out a language study project involving the preparation of a scholarly, annotated translation into English of a religious text written in a foreign language, in which the primary or secondary sources of a religious tradition are written, such as Hebrew, Greek, and Sanskrit. (Students electing this option must demonstrate competence in the language they will be using).
The thesis, or translation, option is recommended for students who intend to pursue doctoral work, but it is up to the department to decide whether the student is able to fulfill, or capable of fulfilling, that goal. If the department does not believe the student is capable of admission to a competitive doctoral program, the student will not be granted the thesis option and will be required to take the comprehensive exams instead. Up to 5 hours of independent research may be used to satisfy the thesis or translation option.
Quarter Hours 45 hours
Required Courses
RLGS 4000 (Study of Religion)
One Theoretical Course
One Religious Texts Course
5 Traditions Requirements
Coursework in Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism
(*can be either undergraduate or graduate*)