Supervisors
Learn about faculty available to supervise this degree.
Please note: additional supervisors may be available. Contact the program for more information.
Program overview
Religious studies seeks to develop understanding and empathy for diverse religious traditions and the people who practise them. It approaches the study of religion from a multidisciplinary perspective using methods drawn from various disciplines. The most common approaches are anthropological, sociological, historical, philological, and philosophical. In many cases, more than one method is used to illuminate a religion or a religious issue. Thus, the field is identified in terms of its subject matter (i.e., religion), and not the disciplinary approach taken by scholars. Within the field, understanding is seen to precede criticism, with critical discussions of religious beliefs and traditions developing in a normal academic manner once understanding has been achieved.
Completing this program
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Courses: Topics include Western religions, Eastern religions, the nature of religion and critical discourses in the study of religion.
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Thesis: Students will complete and defend an original research thesis.
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Master's Thesis Inquiry: Students participate in a Master's thesis course tailored to their field of study.
Specializations
- Western Religions
- Eastern Religions
- Nature of Religion
Outcomes
Former students have become academics, teachers, social workers, hospital chaplains, journalist and human relations professionals some have even entered the diplomatic service.
A master’s degree in religious studies will give you the pre-requisite for a PhD.
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Seeking StudentsReligious, social, and intellectual history of the pre-modern Arabic and Persian speaking Muslim Middle East -
UnavailableRoman religion, Early Christianity and its interactions with non-Christian religions, Ancient divination, Greek and Roman historiography -
Accepting InquiriesReligion and Society -
Accepting InquiriesCreative Writing (Poetry, Non-Fiction Prose, Fiction); the Global Early Modern Period, Postcolonial Studies; South Asian Studies; Literary and Cultural Theory; Church History; Christianity -
Seeking StudentsReligious practice, culture, and literature of the French Counter-Reformation; Religious performance in the Christian tradion -
Accepting InquiriesCross-cultural Hermeneutics; Religious Pluralism, Science and Religion, Cross-cultural Philosophy, Philosophy of Religion
Admission Requirements
GPA
A minimum of 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.
Minimum education
A minimum of 36 units (6.0 full-course equivalents) in Religious Studies (or their equivalents), usually including at least 6 units (1.0 full-course equivalent) from each of the three streams (Eastern, Western, Nature), as determined by the graduate committee.
Other languages
A reading knowledge of a modern language other than English or of a classical language appropriate to the thesis research. The language requirement normally should be met before admission to the master’s program. If this is not the case, the language requirement should be met during the students’ course of study in the master’s program.
Work samples
A sample of written work (e.g. a recent research essay).
Documents
None
Reference letters
Two
Test scores
None
English language proficiency (ELP)
An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT including TOEFL iBT Home Edition) minimum score of 86 (Internet-based, with no section less than 20).
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 (with no section less than 6.0).
- Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency minimum score of 180.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 59 or higher
- Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL) overall score of 70 (no section less than 60).
- Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) minimum of B+ in each course.
- Duolingo English Test obtaining a minimum score of 125 (with no sub-score below 105). (temporary until Fall 2024 intake)
Deadlines
For admission on September 1
Online Application Opens - October 1.
- January 15: Application Deadline
- January 25: Supporting Documents and Reference Deadline
If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements