Application Questions
Is the GRE required?
GRE scores are not required and will not be accepted.
The instructions say three letters of recommendation are required; can I send more?
Yes, the online application permits up to four letters.
Do all of my letters have to be from former faculty or academic sources?
It is important that all three required letters be from former faculty or academic sources who can attest to your abilities in the classroom and to your writing and research abilities. Additional letters can be from an employer, a colleague, a religious affiliate, or whomever you choose. Remember that these letters are read alongside the other parts of your application, so choose letter writers who can best reveal what you want emphasized in your application.
I’ve been out of school for quite a while; do I still need letters from former instructors?
You would be surprised at how many faculty remember their former students, even after ten or more years. It is always a good idea to approach them even if you’re not sure they’ll remember you. If you had a good working relationship with any of your instructors, you should definitely ask them. If you truly can’t find any faculty recommendations, then submit the best letters you can from reliable sources.
Can supplemental materials arrive after the deadline?
All letters of recommendation and transcripts should be submitted online by the stated deadline of December 15th. If a letter of recommendation or transcript arrives late due to circumstances beyond your control, we will accept it, but be aware that incomplete applications cannot be considered for review and late materials can jeopardize the whole application. We strongly advise you to get your materials in by the deadline.
Graduate Program Statistics
What jobs do alumni take?
The vast majority of alumni as recent as 1-5 years after graduation enter into academic employment, while a smaller number find private employment.
How many applications are filed each year? How many applicants are admitted?
Over the past 5 years the department has averaged 81 applications annually. The actual number of admits varies with each application pool and we sometimes have both a direct admit list and a wait list. The numbers are determined each year through consultation between the Chair of the department and the faculty. The Graduate Admissions Committee, headed by the Faculty Graduate Advisor and staffed with rotating members from the faculty, make the final selections in consultation with the entire religious studies faculty.
How many applicants are admitted with funding?
Beginning with the 2015-16 cohort, we are admitting small doctoral (MA/PhD & PhD) cohorts with full funding for years 1-5. We are unable to offer financial support to students in the terminal master’s program (MA II).
How many graduate students are in your program?
We currently have 56 graduate students enrolled in our program.
How many applicants are admitted to the MA II program?
This number varies quite a bit, averaging 2-10 admits in the past 5 years. The applications are reviewed separately from the MA/PhD and PhD applications.
How competitive is entrance to the MA II program?
We review the applications to the MA II as strictly as all the other applications. Although the program is shorter and has fewer requirements, the applicants will still be attending regular graduate seminars and must demonstrate in their applications that they have the academic strength to participate fully in a graduate program. As seen in the statistics given above, however, typically a slightly higher percentage of applicants are admitted to the MA II. It is important that their academic goals match the goals outlined for the MA II program.
Visiting the Department
May I visit the department and campus?
Yes, absolutely! Visits are very much encouraged. Feel free to visit at any time; there is no particularly advantageous time for our department and visits can be arranged either before, during, or after the application is filed.
How do I arrange my visit?
Our faculty keep their own schedules and you should contact them directly via email (you can use the links from the Faculty page on our website at (here) to propose dates that would be convenient for you. You may also contact current graduate students to try to arrange a meeting; a list of current grads with their research interests is in the Graduate section of our site at (here) and includes email links. In addition you may send a brief email message to the Graduate Program Coordinator describing your research goals and plans for visiting, and that can be forwarded to our graduate student email list. Once you have a specific date narrowed down you should notify the Graduate Program Coordinator, to be sure they will be available at the time of your visit. They can answer many general questions and give a brief tour of the department. You should also plan on sitting in on classes and tour the campus.
When are the campus tours offered?
The UCSB Visitor’s Center offers options for touring campus. In general, their tours are heavily oriented toward undergraduate students with much emphasis on dorms, recreational facilities, etc. Many prospective graduate students have opted to skip the official tour and tour on their own.
I want to sit in on a class; can I find a schedule online?
The quarterly Schedule of Classes is available online. If possible, it is courteous to get permission in advance to sit in on a class. However, it is also fine to introduce yourself to the instructor either just before or after the class.
I suddenly have a chance to visit but can’t give much notice; should I come anyway?
Yes, even on short notice it is fine to come in for a visit. Your chances of meeting with faculty and grad students are reduced, but hopefully you will be able to explore the department and campus and find a class to sit in on. Ideally you should at least check with the Graduate Program Coordinator, even at the last minute, to see if they are available to help you.
What days of the week are best for visiting?
We recommend early-to mid-week, mainly because more classes and seminars are available on those days. Fridays probably offer the least opportunities for sitting in on graduate seminars. If you can arrange your visit so that you can sit in on the required 200A-Z proseminar that would be ideal; all new grad students are required to take the series so you will have a chance to meet the newest cohort of students. The schedule varies – be sure to check with the Graduate Program Coordinator or here for the current quarter’s schedule. However, any day is fine according to your convenience, and we realize not everybody can visit at the beginning of the week.
Where is the Religious Studies Department located and where can I park my car?
The Religious Studies Department is located on the third floor of the Humanities and Social Sciences Building. Follow this link to find directions to the campus and printable maps. Full parking information is provided there as well. Lot 27 is directly in front of our building, and Parking Structure 22 is just a short walk away, so plenty of parking is available.
Last updated: 09/17/25