Religion MA | Temple University

Master of Arts in Religion

Study the traditions and belief systems of the world’s major religions with the Master of Arts in Religion in the College of Liberal Arts at Temple University. Examine religions and cultures through several individual methods of study, including history, philosophy and the social sciences. Consider how religion intersects with race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality and disability.

For students who intend to teach religious studies in community colleges or high schools, the Religion MA provides advanced training in methods of research and in-depth study of the world's major religious traditions. This master's program offers postgraduate training and exposure to the newest research methods and developments that can aid in the understanding of religious and cultural traditions.

Courses draw from the following themes, each of which is rooted in the expertise of the Religion Department's faculty.

Critical investigation of religion and human differences
Historical texts and traditions
Religion and society

Become immersed in the basic thought, history and practices of a religious tradition by choosing an academic concentration, including one of the following.

African diaspora
African American religious traditions
Biblical studies
Buddhism
Gender and religion
Islamic studies
Jewish studies
Religion and social science

Graduates of the Master of Arts in Religion are prepared to pursue doctoral studies in religion or enter the workforce in many professional fields, such as business, government, journalism, medicine and social work.

Religion Department

Founded in 1961, Temple’s Department of Religion was one of the earliest religion departments established at a public or state-related university. The goal of the department and its programs is to provide students with a broad understanding of a wide variety of religious traditions and an awareness of how religion functions in communities around the world.

The department has strong relationships and affiliations with outside secular and religious institutions, including the

Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary,
Lutheran Theological Seminary,
Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Philadelphia and
University of Pennsylvania Department of Religious Studies.

Our Community

The College of Liberal Arts at Temple comprises many academic disciplines and research areas. Now more than ever, an interdisciplinary liberal arts education is invaluable for your future pursuits. It offers the opportunity to further push your drive to create real change in the world, here at Temple and beyond. In this graduate program, you’ll work closely with diverse faculty members who are highly esteemed in their field and with a curious, passionate community of peers. Learn more about the College of Liberal Arts.

Program Format & Curriculum

Students have three years to satisfy their requirements for the Religion MA program, which can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. Classes take place on Temple’s Main Campus.

The 30-credit Religion MA curriculum comprises core courses, advanced seminars, elective courses, a language examination and a culminating event.

Courses available to graduate students include the following.

Issues in Theology
Monks, Masters and Magicians: Religion in Pre-Modern Chinese Literature
Religion and the Arts
Violence in Ancient Religion: Pagan, Christian, and Jewish
Zombie Apocalypse

Learn more about Religion MA program requirements.

Related Graduate Degrees

Religion PhD

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Master of Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,105.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,518.00 per credit

You can view the full cost of attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

Program Contact

Contact the below staff member with questions regarding the Religion program, including admissions, requirements and financial aid.

Irina Segal is the coordinator.
Phone: 215-204-1742
Email: irina.kasharsky@temple.edu

The following staff members lead the Religion Department.

Khalid A.Y. Blankinship is the chair.
Phone: 215-204-5443
Email: kblankin@temple.edu

Douglas Duckworth is the graduate chair.
Email: duckworth@temple.edu

Belinda Wilson is the administrator.
Phone: 215-204-0472
Email: belinda.wilson@temple.edu

Student Clubs & Organizations

Supplement your Religion MA coursework and enhance your graduate education experience through student clubs and organizations. You’ll meet and network with other students, become involved with the community, and build invaluable skills to help you realize your personal and professional goals.

The following clubs and organizations are available to Religion MA students.

The Feinstein Center for American Jewish History invites students to participate in conversations about Jewish culture, politics, history and identity across space and time. The Center also offers fellowships to predoctoral and postdoctoral Jewish studies scholars and holds events relating to the Jewish experience in America.
The Journal of Ecumenical Studies is an interreligious, peer-reviewed journal housed and edited by the Department of Religion at Temple.
The Dialogue Institute leads and sustains a movement of interreligious and intercultural dialogue within an academic setting and on a global scale.
The Religion Graduate Student Association, of which all graduate students in the Religion Department are automatically members, gives support and voice to student concerns. A group listserv provides a venue where students can exchange information and discuss issues pertaining to the department and programs.

Learn more about Temple’s student clubs and organizations.

Accreditation

LA-REL-MA

Additional Program Information

Visit College Site

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