The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Religious Studies, M.A.
Charlotte, USA
MA
DURATION
30 hours
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
01 Oct 2026*
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2027
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* priority deadline | December 1st, 2026: final deadline
Key Summary
About: The M.A. in Religious Studies programme at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte studies religion from interdisciplinary, critical, global perspectives. Faculty cover religion in the US, ancient Mediterranean traditions, Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, African American religions, and media. Students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours, choosing a thesis option (24 coursework + 6 thesis) or a comprehensive exam option (30 coursework + exams). Keywords: religious studies, comparative religion, theology, methodology.
Career Outcomes: Graduates work in research, teaching, museums, nonprofits, media, public history, interfaith organizations, cultural heritage, and policy as researchers, educators, curators, coordinators, analysts, and writers.
Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Religious Studies program approaches the academic study of religion and religions from a variety of critical and interdisciplinary perspectives, with an emphasis placed on the global and multicultural aspects of religion. The department offers courses in theories and methods as well as a variety of religious traditions, studied in their historical and contemporary manifestations.
Our graduate faculty possesses expertise in the subjects of religion in the United States, ancient Mediterranean religions, Judaism and Christianity from their origins to their roles in contemporary cultures, Buddhism, Islam, African American religions, “new religions,” media and religion, and the critical roles played by a wide variety of social factors. Faculty members are also well versed in a range of theoretical approaches and methods.
Religious Studies, M.A. at a Glance
To fulfill the requirements for the M.A. in Religious Studies, students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of approved graduate coursework. Students have two options for completing their degree: (1) Students may complete an M.A. Thesis option that consists of 24 credit hours of coursework and 6 credit hours of thesis work; or (2) Students may complete a comprehensive examination option consisting of 30 credit hours of coursework and comprehensive examinations in three areas.
- Early Entry: Options Available
- Credit Hours: 32 Credit Hours
- Admits: Fall, Spring