MA Interdisciplinary Studies in Religious Studies

Religion has continually shaped human experience in the world, globally and locally, both in the past and in the present. It is an organizing principle within every society and a frequent source of conflict, conflict resolution, and of ideas that can both reinforce and challenge existing social norms and moral values. Many of the world’s most pressing issues and problems—from fostering sustainable and equitable development, to peacemaking and the protection of human rights to assessing the full ramifications of scientific and technological developments on all forms of life—require new moral philosophies and ethical responses that can reach across cultural and religious differences, while drawing upon the fundamental values, beliefs, and traditions that continue to guide human beings across the globe. A master's degree in interdisciplinary religious studies explores the role of religion in intellectual and cultural life, the connections between religion and social justice, and the social impact of religious traditions. As an interdisciplinary program, students analyze the effects of religious ideas, movements, and practices from multiple perspectives and through the methodologies of both the humanities and the social sciences, fostering strong academic skills in critical and comparative thinking.