Admission:
Please note: GRE results are optional; not submitting a GRE score will not be held against your application.
Each application is considered on its own merits by the entire faculty. Factors considered include previous educational record, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement of approximately 500 words describing educational goals, transcripts and optional GRE scores (international students need not submit GRE scores). Applicants must hold at least a Bachelor's degree (or the equivalent) with a cumulative grade point average of 2.75. In order to begin M.A. study, a student must have completed at least 12 semester hours (or the equivalent) of undergraduate course work directly related to the study of religion. Please note that applicants must submit an unofficial transcript from every institution attended beyond high school as part of the application. These must be requested by the applicant from your college or university registrar. Additionally, a writing sample needs to be submitted. The writing sample should be between 15–20 pages in length.
The Department of Religious Studies particularly encourages applications for graduate work from members of minority groups that are not adequately represented in the academic study of religion. Special efforts will be made for the financial support of minority students. The Department aims to give at least one assistantship each semester to a qualified student from a minority group.
How to Apply:
Please apply through the Graduate School's online admissions portal. Applications for Fall 2024 will open in July 2023; international applications are due December 15, 2023 and domestic applications are due January 3, 2024. For review and decision purposes you are required to upload an unofficial copy of your transcript(s) in the online application. We require one copy of the unofficial transcript from each undergraduate and graduate institution that you attended. This includes community colleges, summer sessions, and extension programs. While credits from one institution may appear on the transcript of a second institution, unofficial transcripts must be submitted from each institution, regardless of the length of attendance, and whether or not courses were completed. Failure to list and submit transcripts from all institutions previously attended is considered to be a violation of academic ethics and may result in the cancellation of your admission or dismissal from the university.
ONLY after you are recommended for admission will you need to provide official transcripts.
Financial Aid:
The Department offers a limited number of teaching assistantships and fellowships to outstanding students. In addition, the University has a small number of awards available to graduate students.
International Applicants:
International applicants should apply through the Graduate School's online admissions portal. Information on the English proficency requirement may be found here. For applicants satisfying the English proficiency requirement with test scores, please note the minimum passing scores: TOEFL 75; IELTS 6.0; Duolingo 120.
Questions?
Please contact the Graduate Program Assistant at: religious.studies@colorado.edu.