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Welcome to International University Canada. It was founded in 1966, and International University Canada has grown into one of the leading institutions of higher education.

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Welcome to International University Canada. It was founded in 1966, and International University Canada has grown into one of the leading institutions of higher education.

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IUCDepartmentsDepartment of Event Management

Department of Event Management

Faiths examined side by side, with rigor and respect. Explore the world’s religious traditions and what connects them — entirely online, wherever you are.

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Introduction: Department of Comparative Religion

The Department of Comparative Religion at International University Canada studies the world’s faith traditions side by side — examining their beliefs, practices, and historical development with academic rigor and genuine respect. Students explore Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and indigenous traditions through a lens of critical, interfaith scholarship. Offered entirely online, our programs welcome learners from every cultural and religious background seeking to understand how humanity has sought meaning across time and place.

Department Overview

Comparative religion examines belief systems not in isolation, but in relation to one another — tracing shared themes, points of divergence, and the historical exchange between traditions. At IUC, this comparative lens equips students to engage thoughtfully with religious diversity in an increasingly interconnected world.

The Department of Comparative Religion operates under the School of Religious Studies at International University Canada. Faculty specialize in world religions, interfaith dialogue, religious history, and the sociology of belief. Classes are delivered asynchronously online, allowing students to study deeply on a flexible schedule.

Feature Details
School School of Religious Studies
Mode of Study 100% Online — Asynchronous
Programs Offered Diploma | Bachelor’s | Master’s | PhD
Intake Spring & Fall — Rolling Admissions Available
Language of Instruction English
Institution International University Canada (IUC)

Programs Offered — Department of Comparative Religion

The department offers a complete academic pathway from introductory diploma study through to doctoral research, helping students build a deep, comparative understanding of the world’s religious traditions at their own pace.

Diploma in Comparative Religion

ENTRY

An introductory program covering the major world religions, their core beliefs, and the foundations of comparative religious study.

Duration: 12–18 months

Credits: 60

Tuition: CAD $2,500 | Up to 60% financial aid

View Diploma Program →

BA in Comparative Religion

UNDERGRAD

A comprehensive undergraduate degree exploring world faith traditions, sacred texts, religious history, and interfaith dialogue.

Duration: 36–48 months

Credits: 120

Tuition: CAD $6,000 | Min. payable CAD $2,400

View Bachelor’s Program →

MA in Comparative Religion

GRADUATE

An advanced graduate program in religious studies methodology, interfaith analysis, and the sociology of belief systems.

Duration: 18–24 months

Credits: 60

Tuition: CAD $3,000 | Up to 60% financial aid

View Master’s Program →

PhD in Comparative Religion

DOCTORAL

A rigorous doctoral program for scholars producing original research across world religious traditions and interfaith studies.

Duration: 36–48 months

Credits: 90

Tuition: CAD $4,500 | Up to 60% financial aid

View PhD Program →

Areas of Study & Research Focus

The Department of Comparative Religion engages with the full diversity of human religious experience, examining traditions both independently and in relation to one another.

World Religions

Comparative study of Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and indigenous belief systems.

Sacred Texts & Scripture

Comparative textual analysis of foundational religious scriptures across traditions.

History of Religions

The historical development, spread, and transformation of religious traditions over time.

Interfaith Dialogue

Frameworks for respectful engagement and dialogue across different faith communities.

Sociology of Religion

How religious belief shapes and is shaped by society, culture, and community structures.

Religion & Globalization

The role of religious traditions in a connected, pluralistic, and rapidly changing world.

Mysticism & Spirituality

Comparative study of mystical and contemplative traditions across world religions.

New Religious Movements

The emergence and study of contemporary and non-traditional faith communities.

Why Study Comparative Religion at IUC?

Understanding the world’s faith traditions — and what connects them — has never been more relevant. Here’s why students choose this department:

01

100% Online Flexibility

Study from anywhere in the world, entirely on your own schedule.

02

Genuinely Comparative Lens

Examine multiple traditions side by side, not in isolation.

03

Full Degree Pathway

Progress from Diploma to PhD within one consistent department.

04

Globally Diverse Faculty

Instructors with research backgrounds across multiple faith traditions.

05

Affordable & Accessible

Up to 60% financial aid available across all program levels.

06

Interdisciplinary Reach

Connects naturally with Theology, Philosophy, Sociology, and International Relations.

Ready to begin your journey in Comparative Religion?

Spring and Fall intakes open now — up to 60% financial aid available.

Apply Now

Career Outcomes & Graduate Pathways

Graduates bring cross-cultural literacy and analytical depth to roles across education, public service, media, and interfaith organizations.

University Lecturer / Religious Studies ResearcherMaster’s | PhD
Interfaith Dialogue CoordinatorBachelor’s | Master’s
Religious Education TeacherDiploma | Bachelor’s
NGO / Humanitarian Program OfficerBachelor’s | Master’s
Policy Advisor (Religious & Cultural Affairs)Master’s | PhD
Journalist / Religion & Culture WriterAll Levels
Chaplaincy & Community Outreach RolesBachelor’s | Master’s
Author / Researcher / AcademicMaster’s | PhD

Meet the Faculty

The Department of Philosophy & Civilization is led by a team of dedicated scholars whose research spans ethics, Islamic philosophy, civilizational history, political thought, and comparative philosophy. Our faculty bring both academic depth and real-world perspective to every course.

View All Faculty Members

Dr. Raymond J. Fletcher

Professor – School of Business

Dr. Gregory N. Whitfield

Associate Professor – School of Business

Dr. Sandra K. Holloway

Assistant Professor – School of Business

Admissions — Simple & Flexible

Because every program is delivered 100% online, admission to the Department of Comparative Religion is straightforward — no campus visits, no rigid deadlines. We welcome learners from any background with a genuine interest in religious studies.

Program Level What You Need
Diploma Secondary School Certificate (or equivalent) + valid ID
Bachelor’s Secondary School Certificate (or equivalent) + personal statement
Master’s Bachelor’s degree (any discipline) + CV + statement of purpose
PhD Master’s degree + brief research proposal + CV

Rolling admissions are available year-round, with main intakes in Spring (January) and Fall (September). Apply whenever you’re ready — there’s no need to wait.

Apply Now

Have Questions About This Department?

Our admissions team is ready to help with programs, requirements, and enrollment.

Contact Us