Master of Arts in Religious Studies

Master of Arts in Religious Studies: Deepen Your Knowledge and Impact as a Graduate Student at Felician University!

Our Mission:

The MA in Religious Studies at Felician University is a community-centered, online-based program with a focus on informed minds and understanding hearts.  The program prepares students for professional positions by providing an enhanced understanding of various aspects of religion rooted in a deep commitment to diversity and service to those most in need. The program offers students a comprehensive, innovative curriculum of study based on four areas: intellectual, personal, spiritual, and pastoral.  In concert with real-world learning, the program allows students flexibility in preparing for a career by offering three tracks in healthcare, education, and leadership.

Program Overview
  • Credits: 30 credits 
  • Program Length: 2 academic years full-time or 3 academic years part-time
  • Start Dates: Rolling admissions
  • Courses
    • 100% Asynchronous, Online
    • At least two (2) community-building opportunities per course
  • Community of Practice
    • At least one (1) program-wide, community-building opportunity per semester 
  • Assistantships & Immersions
Why Felician MARELS Program?
  • Our program prepares students for professional service and work in ministry through innovative courses centered on the intellectual, personal, spiritual, and pastoral.
  • Based on current demands and trends in the religious studies job market, the program allows students the opportunity to select from three (3) tracks: Religious Education, Pastoral Health Care, and Leadership.
  • Our program is community-centered, offering online gatherings and professional development opportunities throughout the academic year.
  • Our program is competitively priced at $350 per credit.
Course and Program Schedule  
Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Religious Studies program, students will learn to:

  • Understand the principles and methods used in the study of religions
  • Analyze major areas of religious studies, including scripture, tradition, spirituality, and morality
  • Evaluate professional behaviors and leadership skills to promote diversity and interreligious dialogue
  • Develop interpersonal and interprofessional skills to collaborate and consult on religious studies as a strategic member of an organization
  • Apply principles and methods of religious studies through an internship and/or immersion experience

Admission Requirements

  • $40 Application Fee
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
  • Official Transcripts
  • Two Letters of Recommendation
  • Test Scores are optional

Student Testimonials

” The MARE Program has more than prepared me for the classroom/ministry … I gained the grace of confidence and a deeper love of our faith that I did not know was possible! The professors made it REAL! Thank you!”
Margaret Kennedy
High School Religion Teacher

“I just found out I was accepted to Creighton University Ed.D. in Leadership Program. Thank you for giving me the foundation and courage to dream big. I am deeply grateful to the entire MARE faculty”
Irene Wunderlich
Catholic School Principal

“MARE definitely rates high for helping me do my job well. It gave me the confidence to try new formation programs with our students and their families – it helped me to feel confident that I really know what I am doing!”
Eva Lyons
Parish Director of Christian Formation

“What I had learned from resources, professors, and my fellow classmates during my years in the program has enabled me to teach with a different perspective and vision that, as the chair of the religion department, has enabled me to refine our program, be more critical of the text we assign, and be open in dialogue with fellow teachers as we respond to the great needs of evangelization in our world and catechesis in our classroom.”
Br. Richard Contino, OSF