Missouri State University has offered a Master of Arts in Religious Studies since 1994.  This graduate program offers advanced training in the study of religion for individuals seeking to pursue a variety of goals: 1) a Ph.D. degree in Religious Studies, 2)  training in religion to enhance one's professional career, and 3) personal and spiritual development.

At Missouri State you will study with accomplished scholars in the field of Religious Studies. Our faculty members have research expertise in Biblical Studies, Rabbinic Judaism, Reformation Studies, Religion in America, and South Asian religions.  At Missouri State, the program is designed to enable students to develop a strong background in the fields we offer, while providing a broader understanding of the discipline of Religious Studies. The program offers an objective, non-confessional study of religion as a part of the fiber of human experience. Moreover, the department offers students considerable flexibility to shape their degree plans to fit their interests and needs.

Click here to download an informative brochure about the program.
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Click here to download the M.A. Handbook.
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New Program Options

ACCELERATED MASTER'S DEGREE OPTION

Eligible undergraduate majors in Religious Studies or an equivalent department from an accredited institution may apply for early admission to the Master of Arts in Religious Studies. Once accepted for early admission, students will be able to take up to twelve credit hours at the 500- and 600-level that apply to both their undergraduate and graduate programs. Before enrolling in courses to be counted for both undergraduate and graduate credit, an undergraduate student must be accepted into the accelerated master's program AND receive prior approval from the General Graduate Advisor, Department Head, and the Graduate College Dean (on a Mixed Credit Form).

Admission Requirements

1. Junior standing, with an overall GPA of 3.4.
2. Major in Religious Studies or equivalent, having completed fifteen hours in the department, including at least six hours at the 300-level or above, with a GPA in the major of 3.5.
3. Recommendation by a faculty member in Religious Studies or an equivalent department from another institution.
4. Admission by the Graduate Committee of the Department of Religious
   Studies.

CERTIFICATE IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES FOR THE PROFESSIONS

In order to serve effectively in various human professions one must understand the religious and cultural beliefs and values of those with whom one works.  The certificate is designed to meet the needs of individuals who wish to increase both their knowledge and appreciation of the religious diversity they encounter. Prerequisites will be waived for the certificate.

Entrance Criteria

A student must be admitted to the Graduate College and have all course work approved by the program director.  A student must have a bachelor¹s degree from an accredited institution in the U.S., or equivalent training in a foreign university and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Required Courses

Students must complete four three-hour courses at the 500-level in the department of Religious Studies.* The four courses must represent three different areas of specialization within the department.  The areas of specialization are:

1. History of Religions (REL 540)
2. History of Christianity and Judaism (REL 550)
3. Biblical Studies (REL 510, 520, 570, 571)
4. Religion, Self, and Society (REL 530)

*REL 580 counts toward the certificate, but it does not count toward meeting an area of specialization requirement.

Exit Criteria

Students must participate in an exit interview.

For more information about the graduate program, click on the buttons to the left.  Also, feel free to contact the graduate advisor:

Dr. Mark Given
Department of Religious Studies
Missouri State University
901 S. National Ave.
Springfield, MO 65804
(417) 836-6261
e-mail: MarkGiven@MissouriState.edu