Overview

The Religion programme at Harvard University offers a comprehensive exploration of the historical origins, central teachings, and devotional practices of major global religious traditions. Students examine how faith functions as a vital cultural phenomenon, influencing political, economic, and social structures across different eras. This academic journey provides the critical tools necessary to interpret primary materials and contribute original scholarly insights to the field.

Why Religion at Harvard University?

Studying at this institution provides access to world-class faculty who bring deep expertise in subjects ranging from Buddhist ministry to Latin American religious history. Students benefit from the vast resources of the Harvard library system and the Mignone Center for Career Success. Upon graduation, individuals join the global Harvard Alumni Association, connecting with a network of over 400,000 professionals worldwide. The programme also offers the unique opportunity to earn a stackable graduate certificate in Religions of the World while completing the master's degree.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 3440 per module
National fee: USD 3440 per module
Local fee: USD 3440 per module

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of 12 graduate courses designed to build expertise in religious studies and scholarly research. Students can choose between a thesis track, involving an independent nine-month research project, or a capstone track focused on social change and justice. Modules may include:

World Religions
Enlightenment: Horizons of Human Potential and Flourishing
Compassion, Science, and the Contemplative Arts
Spiritual Lives of the Non-Religious
Psychology and Religion in Historical Context
Engaging in Scholarly Conversation
Writing in the Humanities

Careers with Religion

Graduates of this programme transition into diverse professional sectors where analytical thinking and cultural literacy are highly valued. Alumni frequently secure roles in law, finance, research, and higher education, or find opportunities within theological organisations and information technology. The rigorous academic training also serves as a robust foundation for those pursuing doctoral studies. Former students have successfully progressed to PhD programmes at prestigious institutions, including Georgetown University, George Mason University, and the University of California at Los Angeles.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

World Religions

Religion, Conflict, and Peace in Contemporary Global Affairs

What Is the Enlightenment?

Religious Nationalisms

Religion, the Arts, and Social Change

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

125

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TOEFL^® IBT

100

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IELTS

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Credits

48 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Online

Campus Location

Cambridge, United States

Disciplines

Theology and Religious Studies View 748 other Masters in Theology and Religious Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

125

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

The undergraduate degree must be awarded by a college or university that was regionally accredited at the time of your attendance, with a degree conferral date that precedes enrollment in graduate-level courses taken at Harvard Extension School.

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

3440 USD / module

≈ 3440 USD / module
Out-of-State

3440 USD / module

≈ 3440 USD / module
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

3440 USD / module

≈ 3440 USD / module

Additional Details

tuition per course

Living costs

Cambridge

United States

1814 - 3756 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Religion.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Cambridge

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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