Academic Programs
MA / MAAIS
MA applications for 2023 are now open. Learn more and apply here.
MA Options
Master of Arts in Comparative Religion
The Jackson School offers nine programs that lead to an MAIS degree: seven world area-studies programs, a comparative religion program, and a comparative and thematic program in international studies that concentrates on the interaction of international, economic, political, and cultural processes with states and societies around the world.
Find more information here.
M.A. in Comparative Religion Handbook 2022-23
Master of Arts in Applied International Studies
(10-month full-time program or a two-year, part-time option.)
Applied International Studies is the perfect blend of theory and practice we are consistently striving to achieve. It is a curriculum that blends the teaching of expert Jackson School faculty with training and insights from skilled practitioners of international security, diplomacy, law, development, and business. See “10 Things to Know About MAAIS”.
Find more information here.
Applying to the Program
Requirements for all graduate applications:
- GRE – The GRE requirement is currently waived for MA admissions to the Comparative Religion Program.
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Minimum 3.0 grade average
- Demonstrated English language proficiency for applicants whose native language is not English
- Click here to create your profile with UW’s Graduate School to start the application process.
More details about the Jackson School’s graduate programs, including application deadlines, are available here.
Apply to the MA program here.
Apply to the MAAIS program here.
More about the MA – Comparative Religion Program
The M.A. program in Comparative Religion at the University of Washington is one of several interdisciplinary programs in the Jackson School of International Studies which leads to a Master of Arts in International Studies. Developed out of the study of a wide spectrum of cultural traditions in the area studies programs of the Jackson School, the program’s focus is highly international and trans-cultural in nature.
The faculty of the Comparative Religion Program, which includes appointments in the Jackson School as well as several other units of the University, covers a wide variety of religious traditions and theoretical approaches in the study of religion. The University’s Language and Literature/Civilization programs, particularly in areas represented by the regional programs within the Jackson School, offer unusually deep resources for students and faculty interested in the comparative study of religion.
This Master’s program provides a particularly strong foundation for those students headed toward Ph.D. programs in religion. For those interested in Ph.D. work in religion only at the University of Washington, doctoral-level study is available through the Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Program in Near and Middles Eastern Studies, Asian Languages and Literature, and in other related departments such as Anthropology, Ethnomusicology, Political Science, History and Sociology. For details, interested students should contact those units directly.
– James Wellman, Chair
COURSE OF STUDY
A summary of the curriculum is provided below. A detailed description of the entire program curriculum, policies and procedures can be found in the Comparative Religion handbook.
RELIG 501 The Study of Religion (5 credits) Examines scholarly approaches used in the study of religion.
RELIG 502 Religion in Comparative Perspective (5 credits) Comparative study of several religious traditions, organized around a specific theme or topic, e.g., “ritual,” “gender,” etc.
RELIG 598 Colloquium in Comparative Religion (1 credit/quarter) Introduction to faculty research and to major methods and disciplines in the study of religion. Introduction to major methods and disciplines in the study of religion. Students organize and contribute to the series with participation by UW faculty members and visiting guest speakers.
Historical Relations Between Religious Traditions Elective Selected from courses on the history of regions where two or more religious traditions have come into contact with one another.
Major Concentration You must complete four to five courses in your chosen major concentration. Major concentration options include: Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Biblical and Ancient Near Eastern Religion, or Religion and Culture.
Minor Concentration You must complete two to three courses in your chosen minor concentration. Minor concentration options include all options listed in the major concentration plus: Religion in America, African religions, East Asian religions, Greco-Roman religions.
Capstone Research Project You must complete either a long paper (approximately 50 pages) or two papers (approximately 25 pages each) of near publishable quality under the guidance of your Masters Supervisory Committee.
Comprehensive Oral Exam Your Masters Supervisory Committee will examine your capstone research project and conduct your oral exam during your graduation quarter.
PREREQUISITES & LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
ACADEMIC COMPETENCY
To achieve basic competency in the history of world religions, you must take RELIG 201, which focuses on western traditions, and RELIG 202, which focuses on eastern traditions. These courses cannot be taken for graduate credit. If you have taken equivalent courses at other institutions, it is possible to have one or both of these courses waived with written approval from the GPC. It is also possible to waive the requirement by passing written certifying exams. These exams are given by the professors currently teaching the aforementioned courses.
LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
Language proficiency is not required for admission.
Language study is an essential part of the program. Students must demonstrate the equivalent of two years of proficiency in their primary research language either by exam or successful completion of coursework.
HANDBOOKS
M.A. in Comparative Religion Handbook 2019-20
M.A. in Comparative Religion Handbook 2020-21
M.A. in Comparative Religion Handbook 2021-22
M.A. in Comparative Religion Handbook 2022-23
HOW TO APPLY
Applications must be submitted by January 31 for admittance to the autumn quarter cohort. We only accept students into the M.A. program during autumn quarter.
You can find information about the application requirements and process on our website.
AFFILIATED CENTERS
The Jackson School houses 14 outreach centers. These centers provide opportunities for educators, students, and the community to learn about the world. Some of them have specific scholarship opportunities and other resources that may be useful. Here are those you might find particularly useful: