Español

Studies & Degrees in Comparative Religion & Philosophy

Choose where you would like to study Comparative Religion & Philosophy :

CanadaIndiaThe United States

Are you interested in studying the various religious doctrines, practices and schools of thought in countries throughout the Western and Eastern world?  Have you considered pursuing a degree in Comparative Religion and Philosophy, a graduate-level program now offered by hundreds of colleges and universities around the globe?  The programs in Comparative Religion and Philosophy, which are offered at both the Master’s degree and PhD level, provide a unique educational opportunity for graduate students, one that allows them to investigate the realties and consequences of a personal commitment to spirituality and spiritual practices in the East and the West.  To help you become more familiar with this program and what it entails, below we will provide a brief description of both the Master’s and PhD programs in Comparative Religion and Philosophy, including the programs’ objectives, course content and the requirements for admission into each.
 
Graduate Programs in Comparative Religion and Philosophy
 
The Master’s degree program in Comparative Religion and Philosophy provides the foundation courses in religion, integral spirituality and philosophy, which will ultimately help prepare students for the PhD program in the same discipline.  Similarly, the PhD program in Comparative Religion and Philosophy provides a wide range of opportunities for spiritual practices, in which students will do research into and compare Eastern and Western worldviews, philosophies and religions, including mainstream and indigenous spiritual practices.  Both courses of study will additionally delve into the various philosophical inquiries into mainstream, materialistic views of the nature of reality and human existence.
 
The Master of Arts program in Comparative Religion and Philosophy typically takes two years to complete, while the PhD studies in the discipline can span between 3 and 5 years depending on the student and institution.
 
Objectives of the Master’s Degree and PhD program in Comparative Religion and Philosophy
 
The Master of Arts curriculum in Comparative Religion and Philosophy is designed to provide:
  • Opportunities for comparative and historical research on Eastern and Western philosophies and religions.
  • A deep and comprehensive examination of the religions and philosophies believed to have had major influence on the course of human history.
  • Guided spiritual practices.
The PhD curriculum in Comparative Religion and Philosophy is aimed at:
  • Providing learned instruction in Eastern and Western religions and philosophies.
  • Promoting scholarly research in the disciplines of spirituality and philosophy.
  • Providing opportunities for elective course credits based on student interest.
  • Enhancing students’ personal experience with integral spirituality.
  • Helping students to become more sensitive with regard to varied views of reality and human existence.
  • Encouraging personal spiritual experiences.
Comparative Religion and Philosophy:  Curriculum

The curriculum of the Master of Arts and PhD programs in Comparative Religion and Philosophy includes both core classes and electives.  The exact titles for these classes may vary from institution to institution, but they may include:
  • Foundations in Integral Studies
  • Studies in Consciousness
  • Research Methodology for Religious Studies
  • Study of Eastern Religions & Spirituality
  • Study of Western Religions & Spirituality
  • Shamanism and Indigenous Religions
  • Meditation Buddhism
  • Christianity
  • Islam
  • n
  • Judaism
  • Hinduism
  • Taois m
  • And more…
The Master of Arts program typically concludes with a Master’s thesis or comprehensive exam, while PhD students will be required to complete a dissertation in a specific area of study approved by the faculty.

Admission Requirements for Graduate Programs in Comparative Religion and Philosophy

Students wishing to pursue a Master’s degree in Comparative Religion and Philosophy must possess at least Bachelor degree in Religious Studies, Philosophy or other related field, with a grade point average of 3.0 or above in all core coursework.  PhD candidates must first complete the Master of Arts degree in Comparative Religion and Philosophy prior to being considered for program admittance.