History of Religion Certificate

Program Description

This certificate is jointly offered by the Department of History and the Department of Languages, Cultures and Religions. This certificate enables students to develop methodological skills and content knowledge to examine sources related to the origins and development of religious literature, institutions, ideas, and communities worldwide. The historical study of religion seeks to contextualize religious claims that emphasize timelessness and universality within a perspective that links those expressions to specific times and places.

Religion as a subject of study contains diverse aspects and perspectives that can challenge those who wish to undertake historical research. The graduate certificate combines coursework in the fields of History and Religious Studies to prepare students for advanced research into topics that include the history of religious traditions, the history of religious ideas, the history of religious institutions, and the history of religious products and practices.

The graduate certificate is designed to equip students with the tools to conduct advanced research in the history of religion by offering training in historiography, theories and methods in religious studies, as well as specialized courses in religious history. After fulfilling the coursework for the certificate, students will be prepared to evaluate and conduct research on the history of religions, which imparts a more complete understanding of the past and present in different societies.

This program is open to both seated and online students. However, online students should be aware that some courses may only be offered in the web conference (synchronous online) formats.

This is an interdisciplinary certificate administered by the History Department. 

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum GPA of the Graduate College (2.75 on a 4.00 scale) in their undergraduate degree (or most recent graduate degree if they hold one) to be considered for admission. Applicants who have not yet completed their undergraduate degree but are projected to have done so by the beginning of the semester they intend to begin their graduate studies are also considered.

Applicants with 18 undergraduate credit hours in history and/or religious studies are preferred, although applicants with a background in associated fields from the social sciences, humanities, or education are considered. In addition, applications from certified in-service teachers and other professionals with relevant experience are also welcome.

Potential applicants who do not meet these criteria are encouraged to contact the Graduate Director. It is possible to make up for any deficits in either coursework or GPA requirements as a non-degree-seeking student.

How to Apply

All applications and supporting material must be submitted online through GradCAS. GradCAS is a third-party software used by Missouri State University to process graduate applications. Any questions regarding GradCAS should be directed to Graduate Admissions. The Department of History can only consider completed applications submitted through GradCAS.

Required Supporting Materials

Applicants must submit the following supporting materials through GradCAS:

1. Statement of Purpose - A short statement of purpose (500 words) explaining goals and expectations in graduate study, including the areas of interest and any relevant experience they feel is relevant.
2. Transcripts - A copy of each college transcript where a degree was earned or is pending. For the application process, applicants may submit unofficial copies of their transcript(s) to GradCAS. Successful Applicants will be required to provide official transcripts to the Graduate Admissions office prior to the first semester of study.

Optional Supporting Materials

The following supporting material is optional: Evidence of Teaching Certification - The Department of History is committed to supporting in-service teachers in their professional development. Applicants with a teaching certificate in social studies from a US state or territory may submit a copy of their certification as part of their application.

International Students

International students must demonstrate proficiency in English. Please visit International Student Services for more information.

Application Review Process

Applicants should be aware of the relevant deadlines pertaining to the application review process. 

Application Review Process: Summer/Fall Entry

First Date of Consideration (March 1st): The initial deadline for program entry in either the Summer or Fall semester is March 1st. Applications received by this date for the subsequent Summer or Fall semesters will undergo review, with offers made during the first week of March.

Late Applications (April 15th onwards): All applications received after March 1st for entry into the program in the following Summer or Fall semesters will be reviewed on a rolling basis after April 15th until all places in the program are filled. Late Applications received after all places in the program have been filled will be automatically rolled over to the following Spring’s application pool.

Application Review Process: Spring Entry

First Date of Consideration (October 1st): The initial deadline for program entry in the Spring semester is October 1st. Applications received by this date for the subsequent Summer or Fall semesters will undergo review, with offers made during the first week of October.

Late Applications (November 15th onwards): All applications received after October 1st for entry into the program in the following Spring Semester will be reviewed on a rolling basis after November 15th, until all places in the program are filled. Late Applications received after all places in the program have been filled will be automatically rolled over to the following Summer’s application pool.