Florida State University

What you'll study

The Master of Arts in Religion combines core training in theories and methods with specialised coursework across historical, textual and contemporary approaches to religion. Students engage with comparative and regionally focused study—such as ancient Mediterranean religions, Christianity, Islam, South Asian and East Asian traditions—as well as thematic topics like ritual, ethics, gender, religion and politics, and religion in modern societies.

• Core modules: research methods in religious studies, theory of religion, historiography and critical reading of primary texts.
• Electives: biblical and Qurʾanic studies, religion and law, religion and media, religion and migration, ritual studies, religious ethics, and specialised seminars in areas of faculty expertise.
• Capstone options: thesis-based research project supervised by departmental faculty or a comprehensive non-thesis option with a major research paper and coursework.
• Skills developed: critical reading, archival and textual research, qualitative methods, comparative analysis, academic writing and public communication of scholarship.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record, preferably in religious studies, theology, philosophy, history, anthropology or a related humanities or social science discipline. Typical application materials include academic transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining research interests, a writing sample that demonstrates analytical ability, a curriculum vitae and at least two letters of academic reference. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency according to university regulations.

Admission is competitive and selections are based on the match between an applicant’s interests and faculty expertise. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the department to discuss fit and potential supervisors before applying.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MA in Religion pursue a range of paths. Many continue to doctoral study in religious studies, theology or related fields. Others move into careers where advanced skills in interpretation, cultural analysis and communication are valued, including:

• Higher education and academic research (including teaching assistantships and adjunct teaching)
• Museums, archives and cultural heritage organisations
• Non-profit and advocacy work, particularly in areas involving interfaith relations, human rights and community outreach
• Public policy, government and international organisations where religion and cultural literacy are important
• Publishing, journalism, editing and public-facing scholarship
• Religious institutions and chaplaincy roles (often in combination with professional theological training)

Why study at Florida State University

Florida State University offers an MA in Religion within a department that emphasises interdisciplinary approaches and close faculty mentorship. Students benefit from a varied curriculum that draws on strengths across history, literary studies, anthropology and contemporary social theory, and they can pair departmental coursework with relevant offerings across the university.

The university’s research libraries and collections provide strong support for textual and historical work, while the location of the campus offers access to state-level archives and cultural institutions for internships and applied projects. Graduate teaching and research assistantship opportunities are available for qualified students, providing professional development in teaching and research design.