Why pursue an advanced degree in religious studies at the University of Denver?
An advanced degree in religious studies offers a wide range of thought-provoking courses in an atmosphere of diverse and balanced inquiry. The University of Denver's department of religious studies, and certain faculty in other schools and departments, has strong academic expertise in many traditions, disciplines and methodologies. Studying at the University of Denver enables students to pursue both broad and specific academic as well as professional goals with a significant range of course and study options, including certificate programs, dual-degrees, independent study and study abroad.

Other advantages include:

• Small classes
• The option to take a limited number of courses in cognate fields such as philosophy and international studies as well as choosing an area of specialization
• Opportunities to study and conduct research in original texts
• Various financial aid options
• Pursuing graduate study and research in the university-wide context of an interdisciplinary curriculum focused on internationalization and globalization
• Metro Denver's diverse cultures and faiths

What qualities does a religious studies graduate student possess?

• Academically prepared for the intensive study of religion at the graduate level, and an appropriate background in the humanities that will equip them for intensive study
• Prepared to develop scholarship that emphasizes engagement with local and global communities
• Motivated to work collegially with faculty and other students in a community of learning

Further information
The department of religious studies offers an MA and participates in a joint PhD program with the Iliff School of Theology.

The MA degree in religious studies prepares students for PhD work or for teaching and careers in journalism, government and nonprofit organizations in which cross-cultural analytical skills are important. The program emphasizes breadth of knowledge in several religious traditions, theoretical perspectives on religion, and room for specialization in select areas of faculty expertise.

Religious studies faculty members are well published and have won several distinguished teaching awards. Several have served in leadership roles in national learned societies and have received grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the American Council of Learned Societies and the Guggenheim Foundation.

The joint PhD program, offered with the Iliff School of Theology, is taught by distinguished faculty from the University of Denver and Iliff. The program enrolls students from across the nation and around the world. The facilities and libraries of both institutions are open to all students, offering considerable research and academic resources. The joint PhD program offers specialization in four concentrations: Biblical interpretation; religion and psychological studies; religion and social change; theology, philosophy and cultural theory. For more details, please consult the joint PhD website at http://www.du.edu/duiliffjoint/.

Various forms of financial aid are available, including scholarships at the University of Denver and graduate teaching assistantships, which are available at the doctoral levels.

Prospective students, who do not have the required master's degree for admission to the doctoral program, may satisfy that requirement by taking the University of Denver's MA in religious studies.