About our Programs

Thank you for your interest in graduate studies in Religion at the University of Manitoba. The Department invites applications for study leading to the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees.

The Department of Religion, founded in 1968, introduced its M.A. program in 1976 and its Ph.D. program in 1993.  The M.A. is offered as a Joint Program in cooperation with the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Winnipeg.  Our Ph.D.  program is offered solely by the University of Manitoba.  The department also offers a Pre-Master's program.  Applications to our Pre-MA will be considered from those individuals who have obtained a B.A. or B.A. Honours with a strong background in Religion who require additional study to bring their background up to the level necessary for admission to our Joint Masters Program.

These highly successful programs have graduated students in Biblical studies, history of Christianity, world religions, women and religion, hermeneutics and other religion and culture fields. Research interests of the department include: world religions; Bible, Christian Origins, religions and cultures of Western antiquity; medieval, early modern and modern Christianity; Christianity and culture; Buddhism; Hinduism; Judaism and Islam; religion in Canada; ethics; body history; critical theory.  Our faculty members have a rich variety of backgrounds and a great wealth of scholarship.  Some are internationally recognized leaders in their respective fields.

Department programs are supported by substantial library holdings. Required research languages are offered either through the Department or through affiliated units. The department has a newly renovated computer lab/meeting room for both faculty and student use.

What can you do with a degree in Religion?

The study of Religion will provide a definite assest for those careers which are people-oriented such as, teaching, social work, government and the Foreign Service.  Foreign correspondents of newpapers, radio and TV stations will find such a study of great value.  Careers in publishing and the academic field are also available.

Application Deadline

The departmental deadline for complete applications, including all supporting documents, to be received at the Faculty of Graduate Studies is January 30 for September admission.   (Those applicants who are applying for the University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship are to submit an additional copy of the application for admission form and official transcripts directly to the Department of Religion by January 15th.)

Application Procedures

Applicants are to submit the following:

• completed application forms (effective December 15, 2009 application forms can submitted either on-line or by regular mail).  (Please note that application forms which are submitted via regular mail require the applicant’s signature.)
• standard application fee of $100.00
• Official transcripts
• complete academic record and all official transcripts (sent directly from issuing universities)
• copy of birth certificate or passport
• notarized copy of marriage certificate or other official evidence indicating name change (if applicable)
• two confidential letters of recommendation (preferably from professors with whom the student has previously worked)
• a sample of the student’s scholarly writing
• applicants to the Ph.D. program must also provide a detailed proposal that sets out the student's intended research focus (typical length is 8-10 pages, including bibliography)
• evidence of proficiency in English (if applicable)
  

Detailed information regarding the application process can be obtained by visiting the Faculty of Graduate Studies website at: http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/graduate_studies/admissions/index.html 

Applications and supporting documents must be submitted directly to: