Master of Comparative Religious Studies

Program Description

The Master of Comparative Religious Studies program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation of knowledge of two religious traditions: Buddhism and Christianity. Students will encounter different central issues of theory and method that underlie the discipline of the study of comparative religion.

Program Objectives

The objectives of the Master of Comparative Religious Studies program are to:

1. Acquire a critical appreciation and mastery of both Christian and Buddhist thoughts and traditions.
2. Become familiar with contemporary critical theory in the academic study of comparative religion.
3. Be informed with a variety of different methodologies, including but not limited to: textual and philological studies, history, psychology, and sociology.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Master of Comparative Religious Studies program, the students will:

1. Gain foundational knowledge of both Christian and Buddhist history, literature, thought, practice, and ethics as the basis for effective ministry, chaplaincy, or religious leadership.
2. Find structured and critical exploration of one’s own religious tradition as a basis for ministerial formation and the development of facilities to provide pastoral care.
3. Engage with one’s tradition within a multi-religious and multi-cultural context to support an engagement with diverse communities.

Admission Requirements

1. Submit a completed and signed Application Form: The application form can be requested from the Admission’s Office or downloaded from the University website: www.iueast.org.

2. Submit the $100 Application Fee (non-refundable).

3. Submit all documents that are required by the admissions office:

• a. Proof of Graduation: Applicants must provide proof of bachelor’s degree, such as official transcripts or certificate of graduation.
• b. International Students Only:
  • Copy of valid passport
  • Copy of valid visa
  • Copy of I-94, if available
  • Previous institutions Form I-20
  • Bank Statement, or Affidavit of Support

4. Personal Identification: All applicants are required to submit a photocopy of personal identification such as state driver’s license, government issued identification card, and passport or any government issued photo identification.

Graduation Requirements

Successful completion of 72 quarter units of study is required with minimum of 3.0 cumulative grade point average. The normal time necessary to complete the program is 3 years.