MA Religious Studies

Explore World Wisdom Grounded in ’s Buddhist-inspired environment, our Master of Arts in Religious Studies embraces many wisdom traditions, The study of religion including Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and others. Whether you choose the Contemplative Religions concentration or the Indo- concentration, you will join the scholarly explores life’s study of religion and interreligious dialogue with contemplative practices and the perspective of the scholar-practitioner. ultimate questions. Program Highlights Career Preparation And in these times • Integrates contemplative MA Religious Studies is ideal for practice in courses and students interested in pursuing of global crisis, co-curricular offerings with doctoral-level studies, and will also in-depth content courses related prepare you for employment to the different traditions. in teaching, translating, social the discovery of • Deepen your spiritual practice service, activism, chaplaincy, or on a monthlong contemplative further professional training. personal meaning practice retreat in the tradition Religious Studies graduates bring of your choice. valuable skills to today’s global and ethical conduct • Learn Sanskrit and/or Tibetan society. Perceptive and informed in the Religious Studies with interpreters of other cultures Language program. and religious perspectives are is more important indispensible, and collecting data, • Experience unparalleled depth synthesizing it, and presenting it of study in the Indo-Tibetan are vital skills in most professions. than ever. Buddhism concentration A 2013 AAC&U survey indicated including the foundation of the high value employers place the monastic college (shedra) on skills developed by Religious curriculum of Tibet, taught in a Studies graduates. See aacu.org. Western style. Option to study for a summer at Nitartha Institute, founded by Ponlop .

2130 Arapahoe Ave. 1-800-772-6951 • 303-546-3572 Boulder, Colorado 80302 [email protected] MA Religious Studies

FAQ Are there any spiritual or religious requirements? Curriculum No, we do not require any specific spiritual or religious background or belief structure. An open mind, however, is a must. Contemplative Religions Become fluent in many How do I know which concentration is right for me? religious traditions and Our Contemplative Religions concentration is designed for students invested in the study of comparative religions, skilled in communicating in contemplative practices, and interreligious dialogue. You can tailor a diverse global environment your studies to your particular interests through electives. Our through a combination of Indo-Tibetan Buddhism concentration is designed for students academic investigation and wishing to pursue a more in-depth study of the Indian roots of mindfulness practices. Buddhism and its subsequent development in Tibet. If your goal is to pursue a PhD in Religious Studies or Buddhist Studies, our Indo-Tibetan Buddhism MA in Religious Studies with Language (Sanskrit and/or Tibetan Focus your studies on language study) is the way to go. Indo-Tibetan Buddhism, investigating both the Indian Our faculty members are accomplished scholar-practitioners, and Tibetan traditions. and we value appreciation of religious and spiritual difference and dialogue as an intrinsic part of our journey. Religious Studies with Language ~Judith Simmer-Brown, PhD Deepen your understanding of Distinguished Professor of Contemplative & Religious Studies religious traditions by choosing to add the study of Tibetan or Sanskrit language.