Graduate Program

PLEASE NOTE: Our application deadline is December 1, 2008.

M.A./Ph.D. students are required to to enroll in six quarters of the Religious Studies Research Colloquium, RG ST 593: three quarters before the completion of their M.A., and three quarters before the defense of the Ph.D. Each quarter of participation will earn one unit of credit.

Ph.D. students are required to enroll in three quarters of the Religious Studies Research Colloquium, RG ST 593, before the defense of the Ph.D. Each quarter of participation will earn one unit of credit.

The new requirement does not apply to M.A. Plan II students.

Three degree-granting graduate programs are offered:

M.A./Ph.D.: This program is for students preparing for university teaching and research careers. Concentrations are offered in the following areas: Philosophy of Religion, Sociology and Anthropology of Religion, Religion and Culture, Buddhist Studies, Mediterranean & West Asian Religions, South Asian Religions, East Asian Religions, Religion in America, and Native American Religions. For more information on the Major Areas of Study, click here or on the link at top left.

Ph.D.: This program is for students transfering to UCSB with a Master's degree in Religious Studies or its equivalent and preparing for a career in university teaching and research. Concentrations are offered in the following areas: Philosophy of Religion, Sociology and Anthropology of Religion, Religion and Culture, Buddhist Studies, Mediterranean & West Asian Religions, South Asian Religions, East Asian Religions, Religion in America, and Native American Religions. For more information on the Major Areas of Study, click here or on the link at top left.

M.A. Plan II: This program is for students wanting to learn more about religion for professional or career development (for example, public school teachers, journalists) not exclusively related to university teaching and research. This Master's degree does not lead to Ph.D. work at UCSB.

All programs emphasize a cross-cultural comparative study of religions and use interdisciplinary approaches as appropriate to religious studies, incorporating such disciplines as history, political science, anthropology, sociology, comparative literature, and philosophy. Undergraduate and master's programs provide a general orientation toward religious studies, while the doctoral program offers specialized training leading to professions in teaching and research.

Please use the menu to the left to access many more details about our program, degree requirements, and major areas of study.

Contact the Graduate Program Assistant:
Sally Lombrozo, lombrozo@religion.ucsb.edu

Go to the Graduate Division Website:
http://www.graddiv.ucsb.edu/

This is where you can find detailed information on fees, potential fellowships and other financial matters, and the Graduate Student Handbook.