Accelerated Master's

Why choose an accelerated option?

If you know, as an undergraduate, that you want to pursue a graduate degree in Religious Studies, you can begin your graduate studies during your junior and senior years.

Eligible undergraduate majors in religious studies may apply for early admission to the Master of Arts in religious studies program. To determine your eligibility, see Admission Requirements, below. Religious studies students from Evangel and Drury universities in Springfield may also qualify for admission into the accelerated program through a cooperative agreement. Contact Religious Studies Graduate Program Director Dr. Mark Given to discuss the best option for you.

Once accepted for early admission, students may take up to 12 credit hours of 600- and 700-level courses that will apply to both their undergraduate and their graduate degree programs.

Before enrolling in courses to be counted for both undergraduate and graduate credit, an undergraduate student must be accepted into the accelerated master’s program and receive prior approval from the Religious Studies Graduate Program Director, Religious Studies Department Head, and the Graduate College Dean (on a mixed credit form).

In addition to the requirements listed below, students must be admitted into the Graduate College; apply online and select "Yes" to the question, "Are you applying to an accelerated master's program?" Applicants must also apply to the Master of Arts in Religious Studies in order to be considered for admission by the Graduate Committee.