COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts (MA) in Religion in Culture is structured as a 36-credit-hour graduate program completed over approximately two academic years, integrating social theory, public humanities, and interdisciplinary approaches to the study of religion. The program is designed to provide students with both strong analytical foundations and practical digital communication skills, enabling them to critically examine religion as a cultural and social system while also effectively presenting their research through modern scholarly and public-facing formats. In the first semester of study, all students typically enroll in two foundational courses—REL 501 (Social Theory Foundations) and REL 502 (Public Humanities Foundations)—along with an additional graduate seminar. These courses establish the theoretical and methodological base of the program while also allowing students to begin developing their individual research focus, whether historical, regional, or ethnographic in nature. In subsequent semesters, students generally take three courses per term (9 credit hours), progressing steadily toward degree completion within two years. With advisor and program director approval, students may take select courses outside the department, such as language training or complementary disciplinary coursework, to support their research specialization. In the final spring semester, students choose between a thesis and non-thesis track. Thesis students complete REL 599 (6 credit hours of thesis research) alongside REL 590 (Capstone Seminar), which provides structured peer and faculty feedback on their research project. Non-thesis students instead complete REL 590 and additional electives aligned with their academic interests. The elective component of the program allows flexibility through a wide range of courses focused on theory, identity, culture, method, and applied religion studies, as well as independent study options. Across both pathways, students also participate in a non-credit graduate colloquium that addresses professional development topics such as academic writing, teaching, career planning, and research communication. Overall, the program prepares students for doctoral study as well as careers in academia, public humanities, education, media, and culturally engaged professional fields.