Degree Requirements for the M.A. Only Program

Program of Study: To be arranged individually with a faculty advisor who is designated by the departmental director of graduate studies. Courses must be selected so as to provide for intellectual growth in the program's three core areas: theories and methods needed for the study of religion, broad familiarity with the world’s major religious traditions, and increasing depth in one’s area of specialization.

Language requirements: A reading knowledge of one foreign language appropriate for research, other than English and one's mother tongue, if other than English. Proficiency is measured by examination or one year's course work beyond the elementary level in a language relevant to the student's field of research to be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies.

Course credit requirements: Two Residence Units for a total of 30 credits of which at least 24 must be taken for a letter grade of B or better. Note that language courses on the intermediate level and above may be taken for credit toward the degree, as long as they are relevant to the area of study, subject to approval by the DGS. Elementary language courses do not count for credit toward the degree.

Examinations:

1. Written: Students must achieve a grade of B or better in Religion G6901 or G6902, which may require written papers and examinations. They must also complete survey courses in at least two different religious traditions (not counting their area of specialization), either by showing evidence of having previously completed at a B or better level a college survey course in a tradition or by taking a Columbia undergraduate survey course and writing a graduate level research paper. With approval from the DGS, you may take courses in related departments to satisfy the survey requirement.
   
   


2. Oral: An oral examination by a two member faculty committee based on two research papers written for courses with different instructors.
   
   

Timetable: The Department of Religion expects full-time students to complete the M.A. program within two or three semesters. GSAS requires that all work for the MA degree be completed within two years. Students who do not achieve this will be viewed as not making satisfactory academic progress.

Part-Time M.A. Study: The purpose of the part-time M.A. is to provide a period of graduate study in religion, including research experience, at the same level as the full-time M.A.. It is primarily intended for mature students with established careers who do not intend to go on to the Ph.D. Prospective candidates 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 outside work hours. The requirements for the part-time M.A. are the same as for the full-time M.A., with the exception of the time limit, which is extended to eight semesters.

The Journalim/Religion M.S./M.A Program: The degree requirements for the Religion portion of the M.S./M.A. program are identical to those of the M.A. Only program. Click here for details about admissions.

Financial Aid: Students admitted for the M.A. Only degree are not funded by the department. Completion of the M.A. does not automatically lead to admission to the PhD program. Back to Top 


Degree Requirements for Students Admitted to the Ph.D Program

Program of Study: To be arranged individually with a faculty advisor who is designated by the departmental director of graduate studies. Courses must be selected so as to provide for intellectual growth in the program's three core areas: theories and methods needed for the study of religion, broad familiarity with the world’s major religious traditions, and increasing depth in one’s area of specialization.

Language requirements: A reading knowledge of one foreign language appropriate for research, other than English and one's mother tongue, if other than English. Proficiency is measured by examination or one year's course work beyond the elementary level in a language relevant to the student's field of research to be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies.

Course credit requirements: Two Residence Units for a total of 30 credits of which at least 24 must be taken for E credit with a grade of B or better.

Examinations:

1. Written: Students must achieve a grade of B or better in Religion G6901 and Religion G6902, which may require written papers and examinations. They must also complete survey courses in at least three different religious traditions (not counting their area of specialization), either by showing evidence of having previously completed at a B or better level a college survey course in a tradition or by taking a Columbia undergraduate survey course and writing a graduate level research paper. With approval from the DGS, you may take courses in related departments to satisfy the survey requirement.
   
   


2. Oral: An oral examination by a two member faculty committee based on two research papers written for courses with different instructors.
   
   

Timetable: The Department of Religion expects full-time students to complete the M.A. program within two or three semesters. GSAS requires that all work for the MA degree be completed within two years. Students who do not achieve this will be viewed as not making satisfactory academic progress.