Overview

A distinctive feature of the program is the opportunity for students not only to gain advanced training in specific fields of religious studies, but also to acquire a basic knowledge of the world’s major religious traditions and of the principal methods and theories employed in the study of religion. Such knowledge is useful as preparation for teaching courses of broad scope and as a background for more focused study.

Key Facts

The Religion department at Columbia University offers a free-standing MA in Religion that may be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. Students enrolled full-time complete the degree in two or three semesters. The part-time MA provides a period of graduate study in religion, including research experience, at the same level as the full-time MA.

Part-time students are allowed eight semesters for completion of the degree. It is primarily intended for mature students with established careers who do not intend to go on to the PhD. Prospective students should note, however, that most of the required courses are offered during the day rather than the evening, and participation thus presupposes some flexibility in work hours for students who are otherwise employed.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

History of Christianity: Topics in Pre-Modern Papal History

Time, Modernity, Death

Modern Buddhism

Colonialism and religion in South Asia

Political Theology

South Asia and the Secular

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-05-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-30 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Credits

30 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

Theology and Religious Studies View 751 other Masters in Theology and Religious Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

transcripts of all previous post-secondary education

a statement of academic purpose

a curriculum vitae or résumé

three letters of recommendation from academic sources

GRE scores and, if applicable, results of the TOEFL or IELTS examination to fulfill the English Proficiency Requirement

a sample of scholarly writing, if required by the department or program

payment of the application fee

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

73456 USD / year

≈ 73456 USD / year
Out-of-State

73456 USD / year

≈ 73456 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

73456 USD / year

≈ 73456 USD / year

Living costs

Manhattan

United States

2638 - 5751 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.

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