Overview

Culminating with a Master’s Thesis, the Religious Studies program of the Chicago Theological Seminary allows you to focus theological study in an area of personal interest. This is an appropriate degree if you are preparing for further study at the doctoral level; seeking advanced theological study as a foundation for service; or simply wish to study theology and religion without the aim of entering professional ministry.

Program Goals

MA graduates will have acquired foundational knowledge of and the capacity to interpret and communicate religious traditions.

MA graduates will be able to think critically about religious traditions.

MA graduates will be able to complete graduate level academic research in religious studies.

Programme Structure

Concentrations:

Islamic Studies: This concentration, offered in agreement with Bayan at CTS, is designed to offer a specialized course of study for persons who wish to explore Islamic thought and practices. Students who choose to concentrate in Islamic Studies may take courses toward the concentration either at CTS, Bayan at CTS, or via pre-approved courses at other Association of Theological Schools (ACTS) seminaries.

Interreligious Studies: This concentration is designed to offer a specialized course of study for persons who wish to explore issues in Interreligious Engagement and the study of diverse religious traditions.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-15 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

Credits

60 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Online

Campus Location

Chicago, United States

Disciplines

Philosophy Theology and Religious Studies View 746 other Masters in Theology and Religious Studies in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

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

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

Official transcripts from all academic institutions attended.

Four letters of reference – at least two must be academic, one may come from a pastor or other ministry professional, and one may come from a supervisor or friend.

Written materials, including an autobiographical statement, as directed for each degree program.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores are required of applicants for whom English is not a first language. The exam must be completed no more than two years prior to application. The TOEFL may only be waived if the applicant has completed another degree, in English, in the US.

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

26712 USD / year

≈ 26712 USD / year
Out-of-State

26712 USD / year

≈ 26712 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

26712 USD / year

≈ 26712 USD / year

Living costs

Chicago

United States

1297 - 2491 USD / month

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

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.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Religious Studies.

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