From examining the terminology used by different religions to experiencing faith communities other than your own, our students are immersed in a collective – rather than comparative – application of theological education – strengthened by interfaith dialogue with faculty and peers.
You will graduate with confidence in your knowledge of the foundational concepts of Abrahamic religions and the role of faith in local, social, and political contexts, as well as advanced-level research experience that enables you to articulate this understanding in professional roles across fields that apply faith as a means to care for others.
Program Structure
The MA in Interreligious Studies (MAIRS) is a 36-credit-hour academic graduate degree curriculum built around the engagement of students from different religious traditions who study the various topics and disciplines of religion and develop skills in religious performance. Students complete core interreligious coursework, choose a specialization and complete a final capstone project or thesis.
Students choose one of three specializations:
- Interreligious Studies
- Islamic Studies
- Ministerial Studies
Language Proficiency in reading scriptural texts, such as Hebrew, New Testament Greek, or Qur’anic Arabic is highly recommended for students in the Ministerial Studies specialization or the Islamic Studies specialization.
Where Your Journey May Lead
MA in Interreligious Studies Career Paths
Social Service Ministry
Start a Non-Profit or NGO
Teaching Religion in Private Schools
Pathway in Ministry
Pathway into Chaplaincy
The Value of Experience
Research & Projects
Our students have used their capstone projects to create interfaith clergy networks and research projects to examine questions of religion in contemporary society like “When Did Black Lives Begin to Matter? Race Dynamics and American Muslims” and “Spiritual Connections Between Christians and Muslims in a Hospital Chaplaincy Context.”
Faculty
Our faculty bring years of academic and practical experience teaching and serving different faith communities across the globe. They are award-winning authors, scholars of religion, and passionate leaders in interreligious and religious relations, as well as higher education. They have spoken to their research on international stages, empathizing sociological contexts, gender, and religion in the modern world.
Alumni
With a foundation in interreligious thought, dialogue and critical thinking, our alumni are set on a path to many fields such as social justice, policy, human rights, foreign diplomacy, community organization, social work, nonprofit leadership and psychology – in addition to traditional religious roles.
The People Who Thrive Here
Our MA in Interreligious Studies is built by faculty and designed for students inspired by their faith – and its personal importance – along with a devotion to overcome our differences and nurture the human spirit that brings us together. They see faiths of all kinds as a means to connect with and care for others.
Opportunities & Highlights
A Name Change Not Taken Lightly
In one form or another, Hartford Seminary has been around for 187 years. While the campus has been in five different locations, and though we actually began as the Theological Institute of Connecticut, for most...
The post A Name Change Not Taken Lightly first appeared on Religion & Peace.
Take the Next Step
Broaden your perspective. Deepen your ability to make a difference. Hartford International University programs prepare religious leaders and peacemakers who go beyond their own beliefs to embrace people of all faiths.