University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

The MA in Religion combines intensive coursework, language training, and supervised research to deepen understanding of religious phenomena in historical and contemporary contexts. Core areas include theories and methods in the study of religion, textual and historical approaches, ethnography and practice, and comparative and critical perspectives. Students may concentrate on thematic or regional specialisms such as Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hindu traditions, East Asian religions, and indigenous Hawaiʻian and Pacific religions.

Typical modules and seminar topics you can expect include:

• Theories and Methods in the Study of Religion – contemporary methodological debates and research design.
• Religion in the Asia–Pacific – regional histories and modern developments across island and continental contexts.
• Ethnography of Religion – qualitative fieldwork methods, ritual studies and practice-centred approaches.
• Textual Traditions and Interpretation – study of scriptures and hermeneutics, which may include opportunities to learn classical languages relevant to your focus.
• Indigenous Religions and Hawaiian Studies – local religious histories, revitalisation movements and Indigenous epistemologies.
• Comparative Religion and Interreligious Dialogue – comparative frameworks and contemporary issues such as secularism, migration and pluralism.

Programme structure usually allows for a mix of core seminars, elective courses, language study (for example, Biblical languages, Sanskrit, Classical Chinese, Japanese, or Hawaiʻian depending on research needs), and a research thesis or capstone project. Coursework credit requirements and the availability of a thesis option are set by the Department of Religion and the Graduate Division; students work with a faculty advisor to design an appropriate pathway that matches their academic and professional goals.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in religion, theology, humanities or a related social science field, with a strong academic record. Typical application materials include:

• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• Personal statement or statement of purpose outlining academic interests, intended research focus and professional aims.
• Letters of recommendation (usually two to three) from academic referees who can speak to your preparedness for graduate-level study.
• Writing sample (for instance, a long essay or undergraduate dissertation) demonstrating analytical and research skills.
• Proof of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English, as required by the university.

Some applicants may be asked to demonstrate language skills relevant to their proposed research programme. Requirements for standardised tests and minimum grade thresholds are set by the Graduate Division and may vary; prospective applicants should consult the Department of Religion for current guidance and any additional prerequisites for specific concentrations.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MA in Religion pursue a variety of careers in higher education, the public and non-profit sectors, and faith communities. Common pathways include:

• Academic and research roles – positions as doctoral candidates, research assistants or lecturers, and roles in higher education administration.
• Teaching and education – secondary-school religious studies, adult education, museum education and curriculum development.
• Religious and community leadership – ministry, chaplaincy and community organising within faith-based organisations.
• Cultural heritage and public humanities – roles in museums, archives, cultural resource management, and public programming that engage with religion and cultural identity.
• Policy, non-governmental and international work – positions that require cultural literacy and regional expertise, especially across the Asia–Pacific region.

The programme’s emphasis on ethnographic methods, language competence and regional knowledge can be especially valuable for roles that require field research, community engagement or interreligious dialogue.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

University of Hawaii at Manoa is uniquely positioned for the study of religion in the Asia–Pacific and Pacific Islands. The Department of Religion benefits from strong interdisciplinary links with Hawaiian Studies, Asian Studies, Anthropology and History, enabling students to pursue comparative and regionally grounded research. Faculty expertise spans canonical textual traditions, contemporary religious movements, indigenous spiritualities and ethnographic fieldwork.

Studying at Manoa also gives access to specialised research resources including major Pacific and Asian collections in the Hamilton Library, opportunities for community-engaged research with local and Indigenous communities, and proximity to networks focused on Pacific Islands scholarship. The programme’s location in Honolulu provides a living laboratory for studying religion in multilingual, multicultural and transnational contexts.

Students receive personalised mentorship from faculty, opportunities to present research at departmental colloquia, and pathways to further doctoral study or careers that make use of the programme’s regional and methodological strengths.