Department of Religious Studies

17th floor, 25 Park Place Bldg.
Georgia State University
P.O. Box 4089
Atlanta, Georgia 30302-4089
404-413-6110
religiousstudies.gsu.edu

Molly Bassett, Chair and Director of Graduate Studies

Founded in the past century, the modern field of Religious Studies endeavors to better understand religion by means of modern academic approaches. The Department of Religious Studies offers a Masters of Arts in Religious Studies that trains students in a range of world religious traditions and theoretical perspectives. All students gain a general understanding of comparative approaches to the study of religion while having the opportunity to specialize in one or more specific religion(s). The department offers four programs of study: a thesis track, a course work intensive track, the M.A. with a Concentration in Nonprofit Management, and the M.A. with a Concentration in Religion and Aging. These programs serve different student populations, including students preparing to enter doctoral programs and those wishing to enter careers.

Students who plan to seek a Ph.D. in the field are strongly encouraged to discuss their intentions with the Religious Studies faculty as soon as possible so that a course of study can be determined to prepare them for doctoral work. Students wishing to enter particular professions are encouraged to discuss their goals with the Graduate Director early in their program of study.

Applicants may obtain additional information about the Department of Religious Studies by contacting the Director of Graduate Studies.

Additional Admissions Requirements and Process-M.A. Programs

In addition to the general requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Religious Studies has the following requirements:

Three letters of recommendation addressing the ability of the student to undertake graduate study.
A sample of their written work that demonstrates their academic abilities, including research.

Admissions Requirements-M.A. with Concentration Programs

Applicants must meet the admission requirements of Master’s degree-seeking students in terms of test scores, transcripts, the application fee, forms, and goals statement. Admission may occur in one of two ways: (1) A candidate may apply to both the Graduate Certificate and the M.A. Program in Religious Studies simultaneously. Admission to the concentration is dependent on admission to both programs; or (2) a candidate may initially apply and be admitted to the M.A. in Religious Studies program. During the first year in that program, that student may apply to the Graduate Certificate program. Once admitted, students will complete the Certificate requirements as outlined below. The requirements for the Graduate Certificate are accepted as electives toward the M.A. in Religious Studies. At the end of two years, a student will graduate with:

an M.A. in Religious Studies with a Concentration in Nonprofit Management from the College of Arts and Sciences and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies; or
an M.A. in Religious Studies with a Concentration in Religion and Aging and a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology from the College of Arts and Sciences.