Degree Offerings

  • MA/PhD – for applicants who hold a BA or BS degree.  (NOTE:  The MA in this program is earned on the way to the PhD objective.  If you are interested in only taking an MA degree please apply to the MA Plan 2.)

  • PhD – for applicants who hold an MA degree in Religion or a related discipline.
  • MA Plan 2 – for applicants seeking rigorous exposure and training in the academic study of religion in preparation for further study, or for professional career enhancement.

Applying to the Graduate Program

Applications are only accepted for Fall Quarter admission to the program.  For a successful application, the online graduate application, including the documents listed below, and the application fee must be submitted by December 15, 11:59 p.m. PST.

Applicants are admitted on a competitive basis; our admission policy is based on intellectual potential and promise, academic records, and programmatic fit.  Undergraduate GPA must be a minimum of 3.0.

All applicants must complete the Online Graduate Application. Please carefully read the instructions on How to Complete the Online Application and within the eApp portal to ensure that you correctly complete each section of the application.

Need more information? Review our university Graduate Division’s FAQs for Applicants.

Required Application Documents:

  • Statement of Purpose
    • Give a brief statement outlining your reasons for undertaking a graduate program, your particular area of specialization within the major field, your past academic work, and your plans for future occupation or profession. Also include any additional information that may assist the selection committee in evaluating your preparation and aptitude for graduate study at UC Santa Barbara.
  • Personal History Statement
    • *Your Personal History Statement must be written in narrative (essay) form without duplicating content from your Statement of Purpose. A minimum word count of 250 words is required. There is no maximum length requirement. Most statements are typically 1-2 pages.
  • Resumé or Curriculum Vitae
  • Three Letters of Recommendation (4th letter optional)
  • Writing Sample:
    • This is often a copy of a well-written term paper, and it should reflect favorably on your writing and research abilities. It is most helpful if the sample explores your area of academic interest. There is no specific length requirement, but it should be no longer than 15 pages. Applicants who have written a master’s thesis often submit an excerpt. Upload the writing sample in the Supplemental Documents section of the online graduate application.
  • Official Transcripts
    • Students who are admitted and choose to attend UCSB and who have earned a degree from outside the United States are required to submit a WES Course-by-Course ICAP Evaluation. This is not required at the time of application. It is only required if the student is admitted, submits a Yes SIR, and earned an international degree. More information can be found on the webpage for Admitted International Students as well as the FAQs for Incoming Students page. 
  • TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo Admissions Requirements
  • Departmental Supplemental Application via Google form (required)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: December 15th by 11:59 PM (PST)

Graduate Division Admissions Webinars

**Join one of the UCSB Graduate Division Admissions Webinars**

Learn more about graduate study and admissions at UC Santa Barbara

October 14, 2025 / November 12, 2025 / December 2, 2025

Webinar Times: 10:00am – 11:15pm PST

Visit this page to register and for the opportunity to submit questions.