Our MA program allows students latitude in pursuing their interests within the Department’s areas of concentration: Jewish Studies (Hebrew Bible & Jewish Literature, History, Thought, Culture) Christian Studies (Bible & Christian Literature, History, Thought, Culture) Islamic Studies (Quran & Islamic Literature, History, Thought, Culture) Asian Religions (Literature, History, Thought, Culture in Hinduism or Buddhism) Religion in America (Anthropology and American Religion, Southern Religion) Our MA degree typically takes two years, though students construct an individualized timeline. All MA students take graduate-level coursework that helps them dive more deeply into their chosen research area. They write and defend a Master's thesis on a topic of their choice. Program of Study GradFIRST Seminar GRSC 7001 GradFIRST Seminar, an introduction to graduate study at UGA Teaching Seminar RELI 7771 Teaching Seminar (or GRSC 7770 or an equivalent UGA pedagogy seminar), required for all UGA students on a Teaching Assistantship Theories Seminar RELI 8770 Theories and Methods in the Study of Religion Graduate Electives MA students take at least 24 hours of graduate-level coursework electives at 6000-level or higher, allowing them to build in-depth knowledge of their selected research topic. At least 12 of the 24 hours must be taken in 8000-level or graduate-only courses. The 24 hours of coursework include at least 18 hours in a major area and at least 6 hours in a minor area. A major area is selected from one of the following areas of concentration: Jewish Studies (Hebrew Bible & Jewish Literature, History, Thought, Culture) Christian Studies (Bible & Christian Literature, History, Thought, Culture) Islamic Studies (Quran & Islamic Literature, History, Thought, Culture) Asian Religions (Literature, History, Thought, Culture in Hinduism or Buddhism) Religion in America (Anthropology and American Religion, Southern Religion) A minor area is selected in consultation with the major professor from the areas of concentration listed above or from other pertinent areas such as: Anthropology Art Classics History Linguistics Philosophy Political Science Psychology Sociology This list is a suggestion; other minors are available with the approval of your major professor. Individualized Requirements Major professors and students may consider the option of adding coursework to gain more advanced proficiency in particular research topics, methods, languages, or similar. This depends on the student's individualized research area and approach. Research Skills Requirement Reading knowledge of one non-English language or an approved research skills substitute; please see the MA Handbook for details. Research and Writing Hours for the Master's Thesis In consultation with their major professor and other relevant faculty, MA students will research, write, and defend an in-depth scholarly Master's thesis on a research topic that is of particular interest to them. RELI 7000 Master's Research, min. 3 hrs. RELI 7300 Master's Thesis, min. 3 hrs.
