The Master of Arts (MA) program provides a robust foundation in the academic study of religion, and thus can appeal to a variety of candidates. These include individuals with a BA in Religion who are exploring career paths or contemplating a PhD; those holding undergraduate degrees in other fields who are aiming to pursue advanced studies in religion; professionals who are interested in a better academic understanding of religion for their work; and anyone seeking to better understand the inescapable role of religion in our world today.
The MA program may be taken on a full-time or part-time basis. The department's Graduate Studies Handbook, available on the web and from the department, provides details on admissions and programs as well as the research and teaching interests of the faculty. Prospective students who lack a background in religion, seeking to improve their grades, or have lost touch with their academic references can take advantage of the University of Toronto's non-degree route to take undergraduate courses in the department to get a better sense of the study of religion and get to know faculty members.
MA Program
Minimum Admission Requirements
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Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department for the Study of Religion's additional admission requirements stated below.
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Normally, students admitted to the program have a B+ average or higher in their final year of their bachelor's degree.
Completion Requirements
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Courses. Students must complete 4.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) including:
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RLG2000Y Major Research Paper.
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RLG1200H MA Method and Theory Workshop.
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One Gateway Seminar (0.5 FCE).
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One additional Religion course (0.5 FCE).
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In some cases, students may be required to take additional courses, some of which may be at the undergraduate level. Students may be required to take more than 4.0 FCEs if their preparation is considered deficient in a subject required for their program.
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Satisfactory performance requires the completion of all coursework taken for graduate credit with an average grade of at least A–.
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Language(s). Reading knowledge of at least one language, in addition to English, selected from languages of modern scholarship and/or necessary source languages, as approved by the Director of Graduate Studies.
Program Length: 3 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: FWS); 8 sessions part-time
Time Limit: 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time