100%
Online Coursework
$390
Tuition Cost per Credit
1.5 years
Average Completion*
Explore Religion. Understand People. Engage the World.
Religion has shaped civilizations, cultures, communities, art, literature, politics, philosophy, and individual lives for thousands of years.
The Master of Arts in Religious Studies at Athens State University provides an academic, interdisciplinary approach to understanding religion and its influence on the world around us. You’ll examine religious traditions, beliefs, texts, history, ethics, and contemporary issues while developing the research, writing, critical-thinking, and analytical skills that can benefit you across a wide range of careers.
Whether you’re seeking deeper intellectual understanding, preparing for further graduate study, or looking to strengthen your professional expertise, Athens State gives you the opportunity to study religion from an academic—not confessional—perspective.
Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Religious Studies is designed for students who want to explore religion as a significant force in human culture and society. Through graduate-level study, you’ll investigate religious traditions and their historical and contemporary contexts while examining the ways religious ideas intersect with philosophy, history, literature, politics, ethics, culture, and human experience.
The program emphasizes academic inquiry rather than religious instruction or ministerial preparation. You’ll learn to evaluate religious texts and traditions critically, engage respectfully with diverse perspectives, conduct scholarly research, and communicate complex ideas effectively. With a flexible curriculum and opportunities for individualized study, the program can accommodate students pursuing a variety of intellectual, professional, and academic goals.
What You’ll Learn
The MA in Religious Studies goes beyond learning about particular religions. You’ll develop transferable skills that can serve you well in graduate school and the professional world.
You’ll learn to:
- Analyze religious texts, traditions, and practices critically.
- Understand religion within its historical and cultural contexts.
- Compare religious traditions and perspectives.
- Conduct graduate-level research.
- Evaluate primary and secondary sources.
- Construct and defend evidence-based arguments.
- Communicate complex ideas clearly in writing and discussion.
- Engage respectfully with perspectives different from your own.
- Examine the relationship between religion, culture, ethics, and society.
- Apply interdisciplinary thinking to complex human and social questions.
Your Career Advantage Starts Here
A graduate degree in Religious Studies can provide more than specialized knowledge about religion. It develops research, communication, analytical, writing, and cultural-literacy skills that can be valuable in many professional environments.
Explore your career pathways with the Master of Arts in Religious Studies, including anticipated salaries, annual job growth, and even active job listings through the Career Concourse portal.
$30k
Religious Worker Estimated Entry Salary
$41k
Religious Worker Estimated Median Salary
Estimated salary and employment information based on labor market data provided by Career Concourse and is intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries and employment outcomes vary based on factors such as experience, location, industry, and employer and are not guaranteed upon degree completion.
Admissions & Aid
Athens State University is proud to offer the lowest tuition of any public, four-year university in Alabama, making it possible to earn an advanced degree while keeping your education affordable. Combined with flexible online learning, scholarships, and financial aid opportunities, our Master of Arts in Religious Studies delivers exceptional value and a strong return on your investment.
Why Choose this Program at Athens State?
Life doesn’t stop while you’re earning your degree. That’s why the Master of Arts in Religious Studies is offered through a variety of flexible course formats, allowing you to complete coursework when it fits your schedule without sacrificing academic quality.
Built for Today’s Professionals
You shouldn’t have to choose between advancing your education and advancing your career. Athens State’s degree programs are designed with working professionals in mind. Flexible learning options allow you to pursue your master’s degree while continuing to meet your professional and personal commitments.
Invest in Your Future The Smart Way
Athens State University is committed to providing an affordable, high-quality education. As Alabama’s most affordable public, state university, we give you the opportunity to earn an advanced degree while making a smart investment in your future, without unnecessary debt. Plus, our learning partnerships make a degree from Athens Sate even more accessible.
Learn from Experienced Faculty
Our faculty combine academic excellence with real-world experience, bringing current industry practices into every course. At Athens State, you’re not facing the journey alone—our dedicated, knowledgeable faculty and staff walk alongside you each step of the way, providing personalized guidance and support.
Our Faculty
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*Average completion time varies by student and depends on prior credits
transferred to Athens State and the number of courses taken per semester.
Please consult with your Student Success Coach and faculty advisor for your personalized plan of study.