Program Overview
Religion is a vital component of cultures past and present. Analyzing the role of religion in human culture is a productive way to develop a fuller understanding of key points in history and many pivotal debates in today’s world. The academic study of religion does not seek to either deny or verify the truth claims of any particular religion. Instead, scholars seek to comprehend the what, why, and how of religion as a cultural phenomenon.
In the Religion Master’s Degree Program, you’ll learn the rules of scholarly engagement and analysis, and you will learn how to make your own original contribution to the ongoing conversation of scholars who study the importance of religion.
Through the master’s degree in the field of religion you will:
- Develop an understanding of the historical origins, central teachings, and devotional practices of the major religious traditions.
- Build knowledge of religion’s role in political, economic, and cultural life through historical, social, and cultural contexts.
- Receive training in critical thinking and scholarly analysis.
- Learn how to engage key primary and secondary materials in a way that allows you to offer your own scholarly interpretation of religious issues.
- Understand the key approaches that scholars have taken to study religious phenomena.
- Cultivate skills in expressing your ideas with precision, accountability and originality.
Program Benefits
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Expert instructors, including faculty from Harvard University’s Faculty of Arts & Sciences
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Personalized academic & career advising
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Harvard library & museum access
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A faculty-supported thesis
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Paid research opportunities
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Harvard Alumni Association membership upon graduation
Customizable Course Curriculum
The religion master’s degree program allows you to experience the convenience of online learning and the immersive benefits of learning in person.
With a wide array of courses to choose from, you can tailor your experience to meet your unique learning goals. You will further customize your experience by choosing either a thesis or capstone.
11 Online Courses
Courses are primarily synchronous, with fall, spring, January, and summer options.
Sample Courses:
- World Religions
- Religion, Conflict, and Peace in Contemporary Global Affairs
- What Is the Enlightenment?
- Religious Nationalisms
- Religion, the Arts, and Social Change
On-Campus Experience
Join faculty and peers in person for Engaging in Scholarly Conversation, which you can take in either:
- 2 weekends
- A 3-week summer session
See course spotlight.
Capstone or Thesis Track
- Thesis: features a 9-month independent research project with a faculty advisor
- Capstone: includes exploring a topic and completing a project in a classroom community
Admissions
The path to your degree begins before you apply to the program.
First, you’ll register for and complete 3 required courses, earning at least a B in each. These foundational courses are investments in your studies and count toward your degree, helping ensure success in the program.
Next Start Term: Spring 2025
Enroll for your first admission course this spring. Course registration is open November 4, 2024–January 23, 2025.
To get started, explore degree requirements, confirm your initial eligibility, and learn more about our unique “earn your way in” admissions process.
Earning a Stackable Certificate
As you work your way toward your master’s degree, you can take courses that also count — or “stack” — toward a graduate certificate. It’s a cost-effective, time-saving opportunity to build specialized skills and earn a second professional credential.
For each certificate, you can choose courses that best fit your goals.
Stackable graduate certificates include:
Our Community at a Glance
Going back to school doesn’t have to mean putting your life on hold. We’ve designed our courses, certificates, and degrees to give you the flexibility to pace your studies to fit your schedule.
Upon successful completion of the required curriculum, you will earn your Harvard University degree: the Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, Field: Religion.
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43
Average Age
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1–2
Courses Taken Each Semester
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55%
Work Full Time
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95%
Would Recommend the Program
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76%
Professional Experience in the Field
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Most
Pursued for Personal Enrichment
Career Opportunities & Alumni Outcomes
Alumni work in a variety of fields, including law, finance, theology, IT, research, and higher education. They have gone on to do PhD work at universities, including:
- George Mason University
- Georgetown University
- University of California at Los Angeles
Career Advising and Mentorship
Whatever your career goals, we’re here to support you. Harvard’s Mignone Center for Career Success offers career advising, employment opportunities, Harvard alumni mentor connections, and career fairs.
Your Harvard University Degree
Upon successful completion of the required curriculum, you will receive your Harvard University degree — a Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, Field: Religion.
Expand Your Connections: the Harvard Alumni Network
As a graduate, you’ll become a member of the worldwide Harvard Alumni Association (400,000+ members) and Harvard Extension Alumni Association (29,000+ members).
Tuition & Financial Aid
Affordability is core to our mission. When compared to our continuing education peers, it’s a fraction of the cost.
| Our Course Tuition (2024–25 rate) | $3,340 per course |
|---|---|
| Average Course Tuition of Peer Institutions | $4,330 per course |
| Average Total Program Cost | $40,080 |
After admission, you may qualify for financial aid. Typically, eligible students receive grant funds to cover a portion of tuition costs each term, in addition to federal financial aid options.
Learn more about the cost of attendance.
Coffee Chat: All About Liberal Arts Programs at HES
Are you interested in learning more about liberal arts graduate degree programs at Harvard Extension School? Attendees joined us for an informational webinar where they had the opportunity to connect with program directors, academic advisors, and alumni.
