Florida International University

What you'll study

The MA in Religion at Florida International University combines theoretical and historical approaches with ethnographic and interpretive methods. Students follow a curriculum that typically includes core courses in the critical study of religion, research methods, and theory alongside specialised electives focused on particular regions, traditions and themes. Sample subjects you might take include:

• Theories and Methods in the Study of Religion — approaches from anthropology, sociology, history and literary studies.
• Religion in the Americas and the Caribbean — reflecting FIU's regional strengths in Latin American and Caribbean religious life.
• Ritual, Materiality and Performance — study of embodied practice, objects and space.
• Sacred Texts and Interpretation — hermeneutical approaches to scriptures across traditions.
• Religion, Gender and Sexuality — critical perspectives on gendered religious experience and authority.
• Religion and Politics — analysis of religion's role in public life, law and policy.
• Ethnographic Fieldwork — methods for qualitative research, interview techniques and community-based projects.

The programme typically offers two pathways: a thesis-based option for students intending to pursue doctoral study or research, and a non-thesis/capstone option that emphasises coursework and a professional practicum or comprehensive examination. Electives allow students to draw on related departments and centres at FIU, and language training is encouraged where relevant to a student’s research.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor's degree with a satisfactory academic record. Admissions materials commonly required include official transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining academic and research interests, a current curriculum vitae, and one or more letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees. A writing sample that demonstrates analytical ability in the humanities or social sciences is often requested.

Applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate English proficiency through an accepted test or other approved evidence. Specific programmes may require or recommend prior coursework in religious studies, history, anthropology or related fields; however, applicants from diverse disciplinary backgrounds are welcome if they can show clear preparation and purpose for graduate study in religion. Standardised tests such as the GRE may or may not be required depending on the department’s current admissions policy, so consult the programme for the latest guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MA in Religion pursue a wide range of careers. Common paths include continuing to doctoral study and academic research, teaching at secondary or community-college levels (often combined with teaching certification where required), and positions in museums, archives and cultural heritage organisations where expertise in religion, ritual and material culture is relevant.

Other career trajectories include roles in non-profit organisations, community outreach, public policy and advocacy, interfaith and pastoral organisations (often combined with additional professional training for chaplaincy), journalism and media specialising in religion and culture, and research or consultancy for governmental and international bodies working on religion-related social issues.

Why study at Florida International University

FIU's location in Miami gives the programme particular strengths in the study of Latin American, Caribbean and transnational religious formations, benefitting from close connections with local communities and cultural institutions. The university hosts interdisciplinary centres and research initiatives that students can access for coursework, internships and collaborative projects.

Students benefit from a diverse, multilingual environment and faculty whose research spans ethnography, history, theory and textual studies. FIU also provides practical opportunities for applied research and public engagement through partnerships with museums, NGOs and faith-based organisations in the Miami region, enabling students to combine rigorous scholarship with hands-on experience.

Overall, the programme is well suited to students who seek flexible training in the academic study of religion with regional specialisms, methodological breadth and routes into both research and professional careers.