Master of Religious Studies at University of Virginia

University of Virginia

United States of America, Charlottesville

University Rank:#275

Study Religious Studies at University of Virginia, a Master degree offered at its main campus in Charlottesville , United States of America. This Full Time program is delivered on campus in English and takes approximately 4 years to complete. Students benefit from a structured learning experience designed to build both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The next intake is scheduled for August 22, 2027.

About Master of Religious Studies

Degree Requirements

Master of Arts

Of the 30 credits required for the degree, students are expected to complete a minimum of 24 credits of graded coursework, including a minimum of nine credits in a single religious tradition or cultural area and a minimum of six credits in courses with a strong emphasis on method.

Students who elect not to complete a thesis are expected to complete six additional graded credits, including three credits in a single religious tradition or cultural area, and pass a comprehensive examination.

Students are expected to demonstrate a reading knowledge of one research language by examination.

Concentration in World Religions, World Literatures

In tandem with the standard requirements for the master's degree, students are expected to complete the three-credit course Introduction to World Religions, World Literatures; three semesters of a one-credit Proseminar in World Religions, World Literatures; a minimum of six credits in a single religious tradition; a minimum of six credits in the literature of a single language community (either in one historical period or two consecutive historical periods) or in the literature of single pair of language communities within one historical period; and a minimum of three credits that involve the reading of scriptural texts. A roster of eligible courses is approved by the faculty advisory committee for the concentration in World Religions, World Literatures, and additional courses may be approved by the student's advisor.

Concentration in Religion, Politics, and Conflict

In tandem with the standard requirements for the master's degree, students are expected to complete two three-credit methods courses from RELG 5760 Religion, Violence & Strategy, RELG Religion and Foreign Affairs, or RELG 5740 Religion & War; a minimum of six graded course credits in a single religious tradition; a one-credit Proseminar in Religion, Politics and Conflict; and a two-credit research practicum. A roster of eligible courses is approved by the faculty advisory committee for the concentration in Religion, Politics and Conflict, and additional courses may be approved by the student's advisor. Students are expected to complete a capstone project that makes an original contribution to the study of religion-related violence.

Disciplines

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Religious Studies at University of Virginia

Entry Requirements

Statement of Purpose

The statement of purpose should indicate your reasons for applying to the proposed program at the University of Virginia and describe your preparation for this field of study, research interests, future career plans, and intellectual or life experiences in order to aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study. Your commitment to a selected field of study is presumed in the receipt of your application; instead, please discuss specific issues in the field that engage you. Please limit your submission to between 500 and 1,000 words.

Transcripts

Applicants must upload unofficial transcripts of their entire post-secondary academic record to the online application, including all undergraduate- and graduate-level coursework. Applicants are expected to have achieved a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their undergraduate programs.

Transcripts that are not stated in English must be accompanied by a translation into English.

Please do not request and mail official transcripts as part of the application process. Unofficial transcripts are sufficient for the faculty’s review of your application. If you are offered admission to the Graduate School, you will be asked at that time to send official transcripts from the undergraduate institution you attended to the Central Graduate Admission Office.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation should be submitted electronically through the online application system. Once you have saved the contact information for a particular reference within the online application, that individual will receive instructions via e-mail for submitting a letter of recommendation on your behalf. The Graduate School requires two letters of recommendation. As many programs require additional letters, please consult the program's website for additional requirements. You may submit your application independently of the letters submitted by your references.

Letters of recommendation should be sought from faculty in your proposed field of study who are sufficiently familiar with your work to make a comprehensive evaluation of your abilities. If you have already undertaken a graduate program, at least one of the letters should be from a faculty member who is familiar with your academic performance on the graduate level.

English Requirements

IELTSMin 7
TOEFLMin 90

Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Religious Studies at University of Virginia

Application Fee 85

How to Apply for Master of Religious Studies at University of Virginia

All application updates should be uploaded via the student portal. Applicants received an email with login credentials for the portal a few days after their Common App was received. Please do not email updates to individual admission officers.

Master of Religious Studies at University of Virginia

University of Virginia

United States of America, Charlottesville