MA in Religious Studies
Deepen your understanding of faith, theology, and human civilization with an online MA in Religious Studies from International University Canada. Our MA in Religious Studies online is designed for religious scholars, educators, and researchers across Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Malaysia, Cambodia, Pakistan, Egypt, Nigeria, and beyond — who want to advance their expertise in theology, comparative religion, and Islamic studies at the postgraduate level.
The online MA in Religious Studies at IUC is a fully flexible postgraduate degree offered by the School of Religious Studies. It is one of the most affordable MA in Religious Studies Canada has to offer — with tuition starting at just CAD $3,500 and up to 60% financial aid available. Designed for religious educators, Islamic scholars, and theology researchers, this MA in Theology distance learning program allows students to study flexibly while engaging with experienced faculty and a global religious academic community.
Program Highlight
About the Online MA in Religious Studies Program
The Master of Arts in Religious Studies is an advanced postgraduate degree offered by the School of Religious Studies at International University Canada. This fully online MA program prepares religious scholars, educators, and researchers to deepen their expertise in theology, comparative religion, Islamic studies, ethics, and the role of faith in modern civilization — and advance their careers in religious education, research, and interfaith leadership.
This online MA in Religious Studies combines advanced religious theory with practical research skills. Students explore key areas including Islamic theology, comparative religion, Quranic studies, ethics and moral philosophy, Islamic civilization, and interfaith dialogue. The program is ideal for working professionals from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Malaysia, Cambodia, Pakistan, Egypt, and Nigeria seeking an affordable MA in Religious Studies Canada or MA in Theology distance learning.
Whether you are a religious educator, an imam, a community leader, a comparative religion researcher, or a recent religious studies graduate, this MA in Religious Studies online gives you the specialized religious knowledge and academic credentials to advance your career and contribute to the field of religious scholarship.
Online MA in Religious Studies (18–24 Months)
Session: 2025 – 2026
Program Structure
This online MA in Religious Studies is structured for working religious professionals and recent religious studies graduates. Students can study at their own pace while completing advanced coursework and a research dissertation.
- Duration: 18-24 Months (Full-Time Online)
- Total Credits: 60 Credits
- Format: 100% Online — live sessions, recorded lectures, and one-on-one supervisor meetings
- Dissertation:: Original environmental science research dissertation required for graduation
Core Curriculum Topics
| Curriculum Topic | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Islamic Theology & Quranic Studies | Advanced Islamic Theology, Quranic Interpretation, Hadith Sciences, Islamic Jurisprudence — core focus of our online MA in Religious Studies |
| Comparative Religion | World Religions, Interfaith Dialogue, Religion & Modernity, New Religious Movements — ideal for MA in Religious Studies online |
| Philosophy, Ethics & Civilization | Philosophy of Religion, Ethics & Moral Theology, Islamic Civilization, Religion & Human Rights — central to MA in Theology distance learning |
| Religion & Society | Religion in Society, Secularism & Religion, Faith & Governance, Religion & Politics |
| Research Methodology | Religious Studies Research Methods, Textual Analysis, Hermeneutics, Mixed Methods |
Curriculum Overview
Our online MA in Religious Studies curriculum is structured to deliver a rigorous, research-driven learning journey that supports both religious scholarly excellence and original academic contribution. It is organized into four key components: Core Religious Studies Courses, Research Methodology, Concentration Electives, and Dissertation Research.
| Component | Required Credits |
|---|---|
| Core Religious Studies Courses | 24 Credits |
| Research Methodology | 9 Credits |
| Concentration / Electives | 15 Credits |
| Dissertation Research | 12 Credits |
| Total | 60 Credits |
Core Religious Studies Courses
The Core Religious Studies Courses develop a strong foundation in religious theory, analytical thinking, and evidence-based scholarly research. These courses introduce students to the fundamental concepts of MA in Religious Studies online, Islamic theology, comparative religion, and religious ethics while strengthening their abilities to critically evaluate and contribute original ideas to the field of religious studies.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | REL501 | Foundations of Religious Studies & Methodology | 3 Credits |
| Semester 1 | REL502 | Advanced Islamic Theology & Quranic Studies | 3 Credits |
| Semester 1 | REL503 | Comparative Religion & World Faiths | 3 Credits |
| Semester 1 | REL504 | Philosophy of Religion & Ethics | 3 Credits |
| Semester 2 | REL505 | Hadith Sciences & Islamic Jurisprudence | 3 Credits |
| Semester 2 | REL506 | Islamic Civilization & Intellectual History | 3 Credits |
| Semester 2 | REL507 | Interfaith Dialogue & Modern Theology | 3 Credits |
| Semester 2 | REL508 | Religion, Society & Contemporary Global Issues | 3 Credits |
Research Methodology
The Research Methodology courses develop a strong foundation in religious studies research principles, analytical thinking, and evidence-based scholarly inquiry. These courses introduce students to the tools needed to design, conduct, and publish original research in online MA in Religious Studies and broader online Master of Religious Studies Canada programs.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | RES501 | Islamic & Religious Studies Research Methods | 3 Credits |
| Semester 2 | RES502 | Qualitative Research & Textual Analysis | 3 Credits |
| Semester 3 | RES503 | Advanced Academic Writing & Religious Publication | 3 Credits |
Concentration Electives
The Concentration Electives allow students of this online MA in Religious Studies to specialize in areas most relevant to their religious scholarship — from Islamic finance and da’wah studies to Muslim minority issues and religion & politics.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 2 | REL511 | Islamic Finance & Economic Ethics | 3 Credits |
| Semester 2 | REL512 | Da’wah Studies & Islamic Communication | 3 Credits |
| Semester 3 | REL513 | Muslim Minorities & Islam in the West | 3 Credits |
| Semester 3 | REL514 | Religion, Politics & Governance | 3 Credits |
| Semester 3 | REL515 | Special Topics in Religion & Contemporary Society | 3 Credits |
Dissertation Research
The Capstone Project is the final and most important component of the online MBA in International Business. Students conduct an original global business research project under the supervision of an experienced IUC faculty member — applying their MBA in International Business knowledge to solve a real-world global business challenge.
| Phase | Course Code | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | CAP501 | Global Business Research Proposal & Literature Review | 4 Credits |
| Phase 2 | CAP502 | Research Design & Data Collection | 4 Credits |
| Phase 3 | CAP503 | Final Capstone Report & Presentation | 4 Credits |
| Total | 12 Credits |
FACULTY
Our online MA in Religious Studies faculty are internationally recognized scholars with deep expertise in Islamic theology, comparative religion, Quranic studies, and interfaith dialogue. Each professor brings active research and teaching experience and a passion for mentoring students from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Malaysia, Cambodia, Pakistan, Egypt, Nigeria, and across the world.
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 BusinessPrograms Cost
The online MA in Religious Studies at IUC is one of the most affordable MA in Religious Studies Canada options available. With a total course fee of just CAD $3,500 and up to 60% financial aid based on academic merit and life experience, students from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Malaysia, Cambodia, Pakistan, Egypt, and Nigeria can access world-class postgraduate religious studies education at a fraction of the usual cost.
| Payment Plan | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Full Payment | CAD $3,500 | One-time — pay once, no extra charges |
| 2-Installment Plan | CAD $1,750 | 2 payments — every 6 months |
| 4-Installment Plan | CAD $875 | 4 payments — every 3 months |
| Monthly Plan | CAD $292 | 12 monthly payments |
| Your Bachelor’s / Master’s CGPA | Aid | You Pay |
|---|---|---|
| 3.8 – 4.0 | 60% | CAD $1,400 |
| 3.5 – 3.79 | 45% | CAD $1,925 |
| 3.0 – 3.49 | 30% | CAD $2,450 |
| 2.5 – 2.99 | 15% | CAD $2,975 |
| Prior publications or business awards | Extra 5–10% | Assessed individually |
| Your Experience | Aid | You Pay |
|---|---|---|
| 10+ years senior management or business leadership | 60% | CAD $1,400 |
| 5–9 years relevant professional experience | 40% | CAD $2,100 |
| Entrepreneurship or business ownership | 25% | CAD $2,625 |
| Government or public sector management | 30% | CAD $2,450 |
| NGO or community leadership | 20% | CAD $2,800 |
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Agent Commission | Available for authorized education consultants |
| How to Register | Email us at info@iuc-edu.ca |
| Commission Payment | Paid after student enrollment confirmation |
| Support Provided | Marketing materials, official letters, application support |
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Applying for the online MA in Religious Studies at IUC is simple and straightforward. We welcome applications from qualified religious studies, theology, and social science graduates across Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Malaysia, Cambodia, Pakistan, Egypt, Nigeria, and all over the world.
Admissions Requirements
- A recognized Bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies, Theology, Islamic Studies, or a related field
- Minimum CGPA of 2.5/4.0 on your Bachelor’s degree
- Official academic transcripts from all previous institutions
- Completed online application form
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Valid National ID or Passport copy
- Two letters of recommendation (academic or religious scholars)
- Statement of Purpose (1,000–1,500 words)
- Updated CV or Résumé
- Payment of non-refundable application fee
- Proof of financial ability to cover tuition costs
- Scholarship or bursary application (if applicable)
- Evidence of religious teaching or research experience (preferred)
- Arabic language proficiency (preferred for Islamic Studies specialization)
- Agent or self-funded sponsorship confirmation (if applicable)
Application Deadlines
| Intake | Applications Open | Deadline | Classes Begin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Intake | October 1 | December 30 | January 15 |
| Fall Intake | April 1 | August 10 | September 5 |
| Rolling Admissions | Open Year-Round | Anytime | Next Available Session |
Requirements and Deadlines
Our program costs are designed to remain transparent competitive and accessible for students from diverse backgrounds. Each academic program includes tuition fees, registration charges and essential learning resources ensuring students receive high-quality education and comprehensive academic.