Overview

The Religious Studies programme at Southern Methodist University offers a comprehensive academic exploration of global faiths within the context of the liberal arts and sciences. This curriculum is specifically designed for students who wish to pursue rigorous intellectual inquiry into the history, philosophy, and methodology of various religious traditions.

This degree serves as an ideal platform for those interested in the academic study of religion rather than professional theological training. Students are encouraged to develop a specific area of concentration through their elective coursework, benefiting from the extensive research expertise available within the Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences.

Why Religious Studies at Southern Methodist University?

The university provides a robust academic environment through the Graduate Program in Religious Studies, fostering a community of scholars dedicated to high-level research. Students benefit from the resources of the Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, which maintains a strong global alumni network of over 36,000 individuals.

The programme is distinguished by its focus on methodological rigour and the requirement of a master's thesis, ensuring that graduates possess advanced analytical and writing skills. Additionally, the department supports student research and conference presentations, helping scholars integrate into the wider academic community during their studies.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 1755 per credit
National fee: USD 1755 per credit
Local fee: USD 1755 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of 30 credit hours, including core seminars and undesignated coursework. Modules may include:

Philosophical Study of Religion
Asian Religion
History, Theory and Method in Religious Studies
Contemporary Approaches to the Study of Religion
Religious Studies

In addition to these modules, students must demonstrate reading competence in an approved language other than English that is relevant to their specific field of study. The programme culminates in the satisfactory completion of a master's thesis, representing original research in the student's chosen area of concentration.

Careers with Religious Studies

Graduates of this programme are prepared for a variety of paths within the humanities and social sciences. The analytical skills gained through the study of complex belief systems and cultural histories are highly valued in sectors such as education, research, and international relations.

Many students use this M.A. as a foundation for further doctoral studies or careers in cultural heritage, non-profit organisations, and consultancy. The active alumni network at Southern Methodist University provides graduates with connections across Dallas and the wider international community, supporting diverse professional outcomes.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Hebrew Bible/Old Testament

New Testament

History of the Christian Tradition

Religion and Culture

Religious Ethics

Systematic Theology

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Dallas, United States

Disciplines

Theology and Religious Studies Christian Studies Islamic Studies View 479 other Masters in Christian Studies in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A satisfactory score on the GRE general graduate school admission test, ordinarily including a combined score of 310 or greater on the verbal and quantitative sections.

Sufficient previous study in religion or related areas to be able to satisfy the requirements of the degree program.

B.A. or equivalent degree from an accredited institution

Cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above (4.00 scale)

When English is not an applicant's native language, a satisfactory TOEFL score is also required

$75 application fee

Statement of purpose, usually one single spaced page

An official transcript from each school of higher education attended

Three statements of reference

Writing sample, 10-20 pages

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

26325 USD / year

≈ 26325 USD / year
Out-of-State

26325 USD / year

≈ 26325 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

26325 USD / year

≈ 26325 USD / year

Living costs

Dallas

United States

1140 - 1925 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

Interested in financing your studies? Find a student loan that works for you.

MPOWER Financing No cosigner. No collateral. No hidden fees.

Check your Eligibility

Get the funding you need to study in the U.S. or Canada - with a process that's fast, simple, and built for international students.

Flexible loans from US$2,001 to US$100,000
Fixed interest rates -- no inflation surprises
No upfront fees or prepayment penalties
Accepted at 500+ universities across the U.S. & Canada
100% online application -- instant conditional offer
Free visa & career support through our Path2Success program

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Religious Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Dallas

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners