Master of Arts in Religious Studies

The Master of Arts in Religious Studies program is designed for any individual interested in the academic study of religion. The program is non-denominational and provides individuals an opportunity to learn about Religious Studies in a neutral setting. The program is designed to promote learning, critical thinking, and research in an open and honest environment.

Student in the program will gain a broad perspective on the study of religion that will encompass major religious traditions across the world. In addition, students will strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the subject matter through analysis of:

Religious texts in terms of their historical and social development, as well as their literary value;
The diversity of religious traditions and their significance for culture and society;
Religious institutions and their operations;
The individual’s religious orientation in relation to the larger society.

The Master of Arts Religious Studies program is offered with two options (tracks):

The Thesis Track is designed for students interested in pursuing doctoral degrees in religious studies or employment in research-related careers.
The Non-Thesis Track is designed for students who are interested in developing a leadership career in faith communities and/or non-profit organizations, or who want to improve their opportunities of employment in related fields.

Admission Requirements for Master of Arts: Major in Religious Studies

(See also the General University requirements for Admission to Graduate Programs in the catalog.)

Requirements for Degree-Seeking Students

For unconditional admission, a prospective student must:

Have earned a bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale), AND;
Submit for review as a part of the application process:
- Response to essay question.
- Participate in a Zoom interview with religion faculty.
- Two professional recommendations preferably from faculty members.
- A writing sample (for example, a research paper written for an undergraduate course) that demonstrates the applicant’s writing and research skills.

For conditional admission, a prospective student must:

Have earned a bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, with a minimum overall GPA of 2.75 (4.0 scale), AND;
Submit for review as a part of the application process:
- Response to essay question.
- Participate in a Zoom interview with religion faculty.
- Two professional recommendations preferably from faculty members.
- A writing sample (for example, a research paper written for an undergraduate course) that demonstrates the applicant’s writing and research skills.

A student admitted on conditional status will be admitted on academic probation and the maximum number of hours to be taken during the first semester is six. Conditional status will be removed only upon successful completion of a minimum of 9 semester hours of graduate coursework at Athens State with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Please Note: A student who has met the above requirements may be required to complete specific undergraduate prerequisite courses or their equivalents as determined by departmental review.

Requirements for Non-Degree Seeking Students

A student who does not meet the requirements for one of the above admission categories as a degree-seeking graduate student may be admitted as a non-degree seeking graduate student. Records are kept of the work completed and credits are transferable. Non-degree seeking graduate students are ineligible for federal aid funding under Title IV.

Students seeking admission as non-degree seeking students must:

Submit a completed graduate non-degree seeking admissions application and pay any required application fees.
Submit official transcripts from the last institution attended, and from at least one institution accredited by an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education documenting conferral of a bachelor’s or higher degree. Official transcripts must indicate that the student is in good standing at the last institution attended.

Students admitted as non-degree seeking students will only be allowed to register for graduate courses in a given term subject to space availability and/or cohort restrictions. Non-degree seeking students may complete no more than one-half of the total program hours; in order to register for additional courses, students must submit a degree-seeking application and all required materials, and be approved for degree-seeking status. Non-degree seeking students will not be awarded a graduate degree from Athens State University.