Master of Arts in Religious Studies

Our Master of Arts in Religious Studies program offers a unique interdisciplinary approach, focusing on how religious traditions influence contemporary global issues. You'll study a variety of religions, gaining diverse perspectives and critical theory insights. This program helps you understand the connections between religion and issues within fields such as politics, media, or journalism through cross-disciplinary conversations. Our faculty are active scholars who provide practical knowledge as well as cross-cultural analytical tools. You can tailor your education by choosing from five areas of specialization and four degree-completion options: a master's thesis, a publishable journal article, a creative project, or comprehensive examinations. Designed to support both career advancement and academic research, this program prepares you for doctoral studies or professional roles. Choose from our fully online program or our on-campus program. Critical Theory Critical Theory integrates various disciplines within the social sciences and humanities. It draws from the original post-WWII discourse of the Frankfurt School and the interdisciplinary scope of "new critical theory." This approach examines religion through lenses such as class, race, gender, ethnicity, politics, globalization, and decolonialization. Religion and International Studies The specialization in Religion and International Studies examines the role of religion in the interaction between different religions and cultures globally. Focus may be given to specific regions such as the Americas, Asia, or the Middle East, based on faculty expertise and student interest.Lived Religions The Lived Religions specialization focuses on the practice of religions and activities that originated in religious traditions but may now be detached from them, such as meditation and dietary practices. Courses cover the historical, social, and cultural forms and practices of various religions, including new, Indigenous, Latinoa, and African diasporic religions. Sacred Texts The Sacred Texts specialization delves into biblical texts and religious traditions, including the Hebrew Bible, Christian Testament, and the Qur'an. Students can choose to focus on one religious text, requiring proficiency in the relevant language(s), or adopt a comparative approach. The following coursework for this specialization fulfills the required 16 credit hours. Philosophy of Religion Students specializing in Philosophy of Religion can take courses in both the Religious Studies and Philosophy departments. The curriculum covers philosophical periods from Ancient to Modern (Plato to Kant) and Late Modern to Postmodern (Hegel to present).

Bachelors degree: All graduate applicants must hold an earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited college or university or the recognized equivalent from an international institution. University GPA requirement: The minimum grade point average for admission consideration for graduate study at the University of Denver must meet one of the following criteria: A cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the baccalaureate degree. A cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (approximately two years of work) for the baccalaureate degree. An earned master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution or the recognized equivalent from an international institution supersedes the minimum GPA requirement for the baccalaureate. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all graduate coursework completed for applicants who have not earned a master’s degree or higher.