Thesis Option

1. Normally, the Master of Arts program with thesis option should take two years to complete, the first of which is to be spent primarily on course work and preparation of a thesis proposal. A student accepted on a part-time basis would normally be expected to take three to five years to complete the program.

2. Students in the M.A. program with thesis option shall normally complete a thesis and a minimum of 12 credit hours in course work.

3. Students are encouraged to visit the Department of Religious Studies website for a list of possible research areas.

4. Before a student begins writing a thesis, the student should submit a research proposal to the Graduate Studies Committee of the Department for approval.

5. Students in the M.A. with thesis option must complete four required courses: RS 6100 Methods and Theories in Religious Studies; RS 6110 Thesis Writing; RS 6120 Studies in Religious Texts; and RS 6130 Religious Contexts.

Course-based M.A. with a Project Option

1. Normally, the Master of Arts program with a project option should take one year (three semesters) to complete, the first two semesters spent on course work and the third semester on completing the project.

2. Before a student begins writing a project, the student should submit a research proposal to the Graduate Studies Committee of the Department for approval.

3. Students in the M.A. with a project option must complete five required courses and at least one other course. This may be from a cognate discipline (upon approval of the supervisor). The five required courses are: RS 6100 Methods and Theories in Religious Studies; RS 6110 Thesis Writing; RS 6120 Studies in Religious Texts; RS 6130 Religious Contexts; and RS 699A/B Advanced Research in Religious Studies.