Master of Arts in Religious Studies and Philosophy
September 17, 2026 2026-09-17 4:25Master of Arts in Religious Studies and Philosophy
An interdisciplinary graduate program designed to explore the foundations of human thought, belief systems, ethics, spirituality, culture, and philosophical inquiry. The program integrates the study of world religions, philosophical traditions, moral reasoning, metaphysics, epistemology, social thought, and contemporary issues related to human existence and society.
Master of Arts in Religious Studies and Philosophy
US$ 5,940
36 Credit Hours
18 Months
9–12 Months
3 Credit Hours
US$ 5,940
Explore Human Thought, Belief, and Ethical Inquiry
Integrate the study of world religions, philosophical traditions, moral reasoning, metaphysics, epistemology, social thought, and contemporary issues related to human existence and society.
The Master of Arts in Religious Studies and Philosophy is an interdisciplinary graduate program designed to explore the foundations of human thought, belief systems, ethics, spirituality, culture, and philosophical inquiry. The program integrates the study of world religions, philosophical traditions, moral reasoning, metaphysics, epistemology, social thought, and contemporary issues related to human existence and society.
Students examine major religious traditions, philosophical movements, ethical theories, theological perspectives, cultural interpretations of belief, and the relationship between philosophy, religion, science, and society. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, comparative analysis, ethical reflection, research skills, intellectual inquiry, and the exploration of diverse perspectives on meaning, knowledge, values, and human experience.
Graduates develop advanced competencies in philosophical analysis, religious studies, ethical reasoning, cultural understanding, research, education, and community engagement, preparing them for careers in education, research, nonprofit organizations, religious institutions, public service, social advocacy, and interdisciplinary fields requiring advanced analytical and ethical skills.
Master of Arts in Religious Studies and Philosophy
18 Months — Traditional Learning Track
9–12 Months — Fast-Track Learning Program
3 Credit Hours per Course
US$ 5,940
Exclusive of applicable University administrative fees
Required Courses
The Master of Arts in Religious Studies and Philosophy requires 36 total credits.
| Course No. | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| RSP 6000 | Foundations of Religious Studies and Philosophy | 3 |
| RSP 6010 | History of Philosophical Thought | 3 |
| RSP 6020 | Comparative Religion and World Traditions | 3 |
| RSP 6030 | Ethics, Morality, and Social Responsibility | 3 |
| RSP 6040 | Metaphysics, Epistemology, and Human Knowledge | 3 |
| RSP 6050 | Philosophy of Religion and Spiritual Inquiry | 3 |
| RSP 6060 | Religion, Culture, and Society | 3 |
| RSP 6070 | Contemporary Philosophical and Religious Issues | 3 |
| RSP 6080 | Research Methods in Religious Studies and Philosophy | 3 |
| RSP 6090 | Religion, Philosophy, and Global Perspectives | 3 |
| RSP 6100 | Master's Thesis | 6 |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
Course Descriptions
Select a course to view its description.
RSP 6000 – Foundations of Religious Studies and Philosophy
Introduces the fundamental concepts, methods, and approaches used in religious studies and philosophy. Students examine questions concerning belief, knowledge, existence, ethics, and human meaning across historical and cultural contexts.
RSP 6010 – History of Philosophical Thought
Explores major philosophical traditions and thinkers from ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary periods. Students examine philosophical ideas related to reality, knowledge, morality, politics, and human nature.
RSP 6020 – Comparative Religion and World Traditions
Examines major world religions, belief systems, religious practices, sacred texts, and cultural expressions of faith through comparative and analytical perspectives.
RSP 6030 – Ethics, Morality, and Social Responsibility
Explores ethical theories, moral reasoning, justice, human responsibility, and the role of philosophical and religious perspectives in addressing social and global challenges.
RSP 6040 – Metaphysics, Epistemology, and Human Knowledge
Examines philosophical questions concerning reality, existence, consciousness, truth, knowledge, perception, and the limits of human understanding.
RSP 6050 – Philosophy of Religion and Spiritual Inquiry
Explores philosophical approaches to religious belief, spirituality, concepts of God, religious experience, faith and reason, and debates concerning religion and human existence.
RSP 6060 – Religion, Culture, and Society
Examines the relationship between religion, culture, social institutions, identity, and community life. Students explore how religious beliefs influence societies and human relationships.
RSP 6070 – Contemporary Philosophical and Religious Issues
Explores current debates in philosophy and religion, including science and faith, secularism, human rights, technology, globalization, and changing social values.
RSP 6080 – Research Methods in Religious Studies and Philosophy
Develops advanced research skills, including scholarly analysis, qualitative research approaches, textual interpretation, critical evaluation, and academic writing in religious studies and philosophy.
RSP 6090 – Religion, Philosophy, and Global Perspectives
Examines global philosophical and religious perspectives on culture, peace, social justice, human development, and international issues affecting contemporary societies.
RSP 6100 – Master's Thesis
Students complete an original research thesis addressing a significant issue in religious studies, philosophy, ethics, spirituality, culture, or human thought. Under faculty supervision, students conduct research, analyze philosophical and religious perspectives, and contribute scholarly knowledge to the field.
Career Opportunities
Graduates are prepared for advanced analytical, educational, research, and community-oriented roles.
Employment Sectors
Graduates may pursue employment in colleges and universities, religious institutions, faith-based organizations, nonprofit organizations, research centers, educational institutions, community development organizations, cultural organizations, government and public service agencies, human rights organizations, social advocacy organizations, publishing and media organizations, museums and cultural institutions, international development organizations, ethics and compliance organizations, professional training organizations, public policy and research institutions, and interfaith and community organizations.
Ready to Explore Religious Studies and Philosophy?
Explore the Master of Arts in Religious Studies and Philosophy and take the next step toward understanding human thought, belief, and ethical inquiry in contemporary society.
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