The purpose of the M.A. (thesis) degree is to encourage advanced study and research in one of the disciplines of religious studies for those who wish to become scholars or teachers, or will be engaged in some field of religious or public service.
The M.A. without thesis is intended to ensure a student’s well rounded exposure to several religions and to several of the disciplinary approaches currently used in their academic study.
Program information
Specialization in Bioethics
An option in the M.A. (thesis) programs is the M.A. in Religious Studies with specialization in Bioethics—offered in collaboration with the Biomedical Ethics Unit. The curriculum is composed of required courses offered in the Biomedical Ethics Unit, bioethics courses offered by the base faculty or department, and any graduate course required or accepted by the base faculty for the granting of a Master’s degree. For more information on required courses, please refer to the “course requirements” tab.
M.A. with option in Gender and Feminists Studies
The Graduate Option in Gender and Women’s Studies (GWS) provides graduate students with a cross-disciplinary specialization in feminist, women’s, and gender studies. This Option is for those who wish to focus on gender-related issues and feminist research and methodologies. During the application process, prospective students can specify their interest in the Graduate Option when applying. There are no prerequisites to enter into the Option. However, previous coursework in gender and women’s studies provides an ideal foundation for more in-depth study of and research in feminist scholarship.
Student supervision in the Option is undertaken by one’s departmental supervisor who oversees student work, including choice of thesis, dissertation, or project topic. A student’s M.A. thesis must be on a topic that significantly engages with issues of gender and/or women and/or feminism. For more information about GWS, visit the IGSF website.