Religion

The Religion program at Columbia University offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of religious beliefs, practices, texts, and traditions from around the world. Designed to foster critical thinking and intercultural understanding, this program examines the historical development, sociocultural contexts, and philosophical dimensions of various religious systems. Students will engage with primary sacred texts, participate in detailed case studies, and analyze the role of religion in shaping societies, arts, politics, and identities throughout history and into the modern era. The curriculum includes courses on Asian, Middle Eastern, African, and Western religious traditions, ensuring a broad and diverse perspective. Through rigorous academic inquiry, students gain insights into the theological concepts, rituals, ethical frameworks, and community dynamics that define different faiths and spiritual practices. The program encourages interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from history, anthropology, literature, philosophy, and political science to develop a multifaceted understanding of religion’s influence on human life. Students also have opportunities for experiential learning, such as fieldwork, interfaith dialogue, and community engagement, which enhance their practical understanding of contemporary religious issues. The faculty comprises renowned scholars and experts dedicated to fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment. Graduates of the Columbia University Religion program are well-prepared for careers in academia, education, public policy, intercultural dialogue, religious leadership, and community service. Overall, the program aims to cultivate thoughtful, informed, and compassionate individuals capable of contributing meaningfully to discussions on faith, spirituality, and human values in an increasingly interconnected world.

The MA in Religion offers students exposure to cutting edge theoretical approaches to the study of religion while deepening their knowledge of a specific religious tradition or pursuing in-depth the engagement of religion with another related discipline. Students also have the option of pursuing extensive study in languages taught at few other universities, including Sanskrit, Classical Chinese, Hebrew, Arabic, etc., as an important step toward developing scholarly expertise in their chosen field.  This is a flexible program designed to give students training in the basic theories and methods of religious studies and exposure to current research interests within the Department, with special attention paid to the place of religion in public life across various religious traditions. In addition to the core program of three required seminars, students may choose to specialize in several different ways.  They may focus on:

1. a specific religious tradition or field of study (including philosophy of religion, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, East Asian religions, South Asian religions, or North American religions); or
2. one of five zones of inquiry (time, transmission, space, the body, or media); or
3. an interdisciplinary focus (such as religion and the law, religion and art, religion and human rights, etc.), taking advantage of related course offerings available across the university.    

All students must take 30 points of coursework (which does not include elementary or intermediate language study).  The required 30 points includes three required seminars, 1) “Theory and Method,” 2) a research methods course (“Religion Lab” or a similar course in Religion, Anthropology or Sociology), and 3) “Religion and Public Life;” a minimum of 4 electives in the student’s chosen specialization (which may include one independent study); and the capstone paper/thesis course in which students may write either a thesis or an article-length scholarly paper.  Students opting to develop their language skills, including those intending eventually to pursue a PhD in Religion, take additional language coursework and usually choose to complete the MA in 3 to 4 semesters.  Students may begin language study at any level.  Completion of the M.A. does not automatically lead to admission to the Ph.D. program.

Program of Study

To be arranged individually with a faculty advisor who is designated by the departmental director of graduate studies.

Sample program without language study (2 semesters):

Fall semester:

• Theory and Method 
• Religion methods       
• Electives                     

Spring semester:

• Religion and Public Life   
• Electives                               

Capstone paper/thesis course:

Sample program with beginning language study (4 semesters):

Year 1 fall semester:

• Theory and Method           
• Elementary language I          
• Elective                              

Year 1 spring semester:

• Religion and Public Life 
• Elementary language II      
• Elective         

Year 2 fall semester:

• Religion methods 
• Intermediate language I  
• Elective    

Year 2 spring semester:

• Intermediate language II 
• Elective                           
• Capstone thesis course:      

Sample program with intermediate language study (3 semesters):

Year 1 fall semester:

• Theory and Method 
• Intermediate language I   
• Religion methods        
• Elective   

Year 1 spring semester:

• Religion and Public Life 
• Intermediate language II  
• Electives  

Year 2 fall semester:

• Advanced language I   
• Electives                            
• Thesis/paper course (ind. study)

Course and Residence Unit requirements

Students must complete two Residence Units and a minimum of 30 points at the 4000 level or higher. Students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 (B) to remain in good standing in the program.  At least 30 points must be taken for a letter grade of B or better.

Students must successfully complete the following required courses:

• Theory and Method in the Study of Religion (4 points)
• Religion methods (4 points)
• Religion and Public Life
• Capstone Writing course

Examination

Students must arrange an individual oral examination based on either a thesis or an article-length scholarly paper.  The exam is to be administered by a two-member faculty committee selected by the student and approved by the DGS.

Timetable

Full-time students are expected to complete the program in two to four semesters.  Part-time students must complete the program within eight semesters. The requirements for the part-time M.A. are the same as for the full-time M.A.

Requirements

• The Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam meeting the minimum score of 100 on the online portion or 600 on the written portion. Information about the TOEFL can be found at the ETS TOEFL website.
• Uploading an unofficial transcript to your application showing a degree obtained from an undergraduate or graduate institution where English is the primary language of instruction.
• Uploading an unofficial transcript to your application showing at least one year of full-time advanced study at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction in addition to your unofficial undergraduate transcript. *The School of the Arts reserves the right to verify your English proficiency through an interview*.

Scholarships

The department may provide partial tuition awards to select students based on academic achievement and potential. M.A. students are eligible to apply for both academic year and summer foreign language and area studies (FLAS) Fellowships, which provide tuition and stipend support.  Applicants must plan to study a relevant foreign language during both terms of their fellowship, and must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.  Students applying to the M.A. program may also be eligible for both federal work-study and loan programs. 

The Department of Religion at Columbia University offers a comprehensive program designed to explore the diverse dimensions of religious beliefs, practices, and institutions across different cultures and historical periods. The program provides students with an in-depth understanding of religious texts, philosophies, and traditions, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills essential for studying religion as a multifaceted phenomenon. Students have the opportunity to engage with a wide range of disciplines, including history, philosophy, anthropology, and literature, enabling a multidisciplinary approach to religious studies. The curriculum includes foundational courses in world religions such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and indigenous traditions, as well as specialized seminars on topics like religious ethics, mysticism, and religious conflicts. The program encourages research and independent scholarship through a variety of methods, including textual analysis, fieldwork, and comparative studies. Students can pursue coursework geared toward academic examinations, or explore religion’s influence on contemporary social, political, and cultural issues. The faculty comprises renowned scholars with expertise in various religious traditions and interfaith dialogues, providing mentorship and fostering a vibrant academic community. Opportunities for engagement extend beyond coursework to include seminars, conferences, and collaborative projects. The program aims to prepare students for careers in academia, public service, journalism, and religious institutions, or for further graduate studies. Admission to the program is competitive, requiring a strong academic background in relevant studies and a demonstrated interest in religious topics. Graduates of the program are equipped with critical, cultural, and historical perspectives necessary to analyze the role of religion in shaping human societies and global affairs, thus contributing to a more informed and empathetic understanding of diverse religious expressions worldwide.