University of California Davis

Overview

The Master of Arts in the Study of Religion at the University of California, Davis offers an in-depth exploration of religious texts, histories, and contemporary discussions. This program allows you to concentrate on specific regional specializations, including American, Mediterranean, or Asian religions, while developing expertise through a combination of thematic coursework and research.

Typically completed in 24 months, this on-campus program is conducted in English and requires students to engage with various academic perspectives within the field of religious studies.

What you'll study

Programme Structure: The curriculum includes core graduate courses designed to establish a foundational understanding of the academic study of religion, followed by advanced coursework tailored to your chosen areas of regional and thematic focus.

Typical course components

• Foundational courses that cover the historical roots of religious studies and major theoretical frameworks.
• Contemporary approaches to examining religion within modern academic and public contexts.
• Regional specialization with a focus on one primary area: American religious cultures, Mediterranean religions, or Asian religions.
• Thematic specialization that allows you to concentrate on aspects such as values, ethics, human rights, modernity, science, secularism, visual culture, and performance studies.
• Secondary regional competence achieved through additional coursework in a second region.

Example courses

• Historical Roots of the Study of Religion
• Theories of Religion
• Contemporary Approaches to the Study of Religion
• American Religious Cultures
• Modernity, Science and Secularism

Capstone / research component: The program culminates in a significant graduate-level research requirement, which may take the form of a thesis or an equivalent project, based on your approved degree plan.

Entry requirements

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master of Arts in the Study of Religion program can pursue a variety of career paths, including roles in academia, research, public policy, non-profit organizations, and religious institutions. They may also find opportunities in fields such as education, community outreach, and cultural analysis, leveraging their understanding of diverse religious perspectives and their impact on society.