Program
Please note that we are not accepting applications for this program, as it is on indefinite hiatus.
| Program | Expected Length | Project and/or thesis | Course based |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.A. | 2 years |
The University of Saskatchewan M.A. in Religion and Culture program is a broad program involving significant critical exposure to religious traditions of the East and the West along with some familiarity with the methodological and thematic issues involved in academic study of religion. Our course offerings demonstrate this breadth of perspectives, which range from focused explorations of particular religious traditions (e.g., Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity) to cross-cultural comparisons of religious views on such topics as leadership, non-violence, and death.
Students entering into the M.A. in Religion and Culture may opt for one of three areas of specialization:
- Western Religious Traditions
- Eastern Religious Traditions
- Religion in Interdisciplinary Perspectives.
Research supervisors
In order to apply, students must establish a relationship with a potential supervisor by contacting a faculty member whose research aligns with a specific topic the student wishes to explore prior to beginning a formal application. When writing to a potential supervisor, students should include a one-to-two page description of their intended thesis research with an original title. A faculty member agreeing to supervise a potential student does not guarantee admission to the program.
| Name | Research areas |
|---|---|
| New Testament, Christian Origins | |
| Feminism, gender, music, popular culture, queer theology, religion | |
| Catholicism, ethics, green, justice | |
| Judaism, Prophets, justice, religion | |
| Buddhism, India, culture, religion (Dr. Sinha supervises graduate students in Religious Studies, not in Linguistics) |
Tuition and funding
Funding
Student financial aid is limited and highly competitive at the University of Saskatchewan. While we can assist students with strong academic qualifications to apply for funding, we cannot guarantee funding for all applicants. It is very unlikely that students with averages of less than 80% for the last two years of study, as calculated by the University of Saskatchewan College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, will be considered for funding. An average of 85% + is preferred.
Graduate students at USask can receive funding from a variety of sources to support their graduate education.
Tuition
Thesis or project-based master's program
Graduate students in a thesis or project-based program pay tuition three times a year for as long as they are enrolled in their program.
| Term | Canadian students | International students |
|---|---|---|
| September 1 - December 31, 2024 | ||
| January 1 - April 30, 2025 | ||
| May 1 - August 31, 2025 | ||
| Total per academic year |
Student fees
In addition to tuition above, students also pay fees for programs like health and dental insurance, a bus pass, and other campus services. The amount you need to pay depends on if you are taking classes full time or part time, and if you are on campus or not. The table below assumes you are on campus full-time.
| Fall 2024 | Winter 2025 | Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student fees | $504.45 CAD | $666.08 CAD | $35.00 CAD | $35.00 CAD |
Tuition information is accurate for the current academic year and does not include student fees. For detailed tuition and fees information, visit the official tuition website.
Admission requirements
Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English
- A completed online application, the application fee and all supporting application documents. See department website for application and deadline details
- A cumulative weighted average of at least a 70% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (i.e. 60 credit units)
- A four-year honours degree, or equivalent, from a recognized college or university in an academic discipline relevant to the proposed field of study
- Students without a strong background in religious studies may be asked to undertake a probationary year or term
Application process
Find a supervisor
Using the list above, find a potential supervisor, read about the work they are currently doing and their past publications. If you think you'd like to work with them, contact them and describe your research interests and past academic experience. If they are accepting students, they will instruct you to begin a formal application.
Submit an online application
Before beginning your online application, be sure that you have carefully reviewed all program information and admission requirements on this page.
During the application, you'll be asked for:
- Personal information such as your name, address, etc.
- Contact information of your three referees
- For your letters of recommendation, two of your referees must be academic contacts, and the third may be academic or professional
- Your complete academic history from all previous post-secondary institutions
The application takes about 30 minutes to complete. You may save your application and return to it later.
At the end of the application, you will need to pay a non-refundable $120 application fee. Your application will not be processed until payment is received.
This program is not currently accepting applications. Please check the Program section of this page for more information.
Submit required documents
Once you've submitted your online application, you will have access to upload your required documents, and provide the contact information for your references. To do this, go to the "Supplemental Items & Documents" tab in your application, and upload the documents outlined below.
Preliminary Statement of Marks
- Once you have submitted your application for admission and paid the application fee, you will be required to upload unofficial PDF copies of your academic transcript(s) from each post-secondary institution attended. This requirement will appear as Preliminary Statement of Marks or Additional Prelim. Statement under admission requirements on your Application Summary when you check your application status.
- The uploaded transcript can be an unofficial copy of the transcript issued by the university or college, and must include a grading key/legend.
- All pages of a transcript must be uploaded as a single PDF document.
- Uploaded transcripts will be considered unofficial or preliminary. Official copies of your transcripts will be required only for applicants offered admission. This requirement will appear as Post-secondary Transcript under admission requirements on your Application Summary when you check your application status.
Post-secondary Transcripts
If you receive an offer of admission, you will then be required to have your official post-secondary transcripts sent (by mail in a sealed envelope directly from the institution) to the address below. Please do not send official documents until we request them.
College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Room 116 Thorvaldson Building, 110 Science Place
Saskatoon, SK CANADA S7N 5C9
- Transcripts usually indicate the institution’s name, grading scheme (typically on back of transcript), your name, course names, numbers, credits, and the grades you have received. Depending on the country or institution, some features may not be available.
- Transcripts in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
- If you are a current University of Saskatchewan student completing your undergraduate program then a letter of completion of degree requirements will be required from your college.
Proof of English language proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English.
For students who are required to provide proof of English proficiency:
- It is your responsibility to have completed an official and approved test with the appropriate score before the application deadline.
- Tests are valid for 24 months after the testing date and must be valid at the beginning of the student's first term of registration in the graduate program.
- Applicants will be required to upload a PDF copy of any required language test score. Uploaded test scores will be considered unofficial or preliminary.
If you receive an Offer of Admission you may be required to have your official language test scores sent to the address below. Please do not send official documents until we request them.
College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Room 116 Thorvaldson Building - 110 Science Place
Saskatoon, SK CANADA S7N 5C9
In addition to the above official documents, please upload the following documents:
- Research statement: a one-to-two page description of your intended thesis research with an original title
- Writing Sample: 10-15 pages; it can include an excerpt of any published work and/or a paper written for an upper level undergraduate class
- Curriculum vitae or resume
Contact
Graduate Admissions
Department of Religion and Culture
9 Campus Drive, Arts Room 518
University of Saskatchewan
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A5
Graduate Chair
Chris Hrynkow
Email: chrynkow@stmcollege.ca
Application Admin Support
Anna McKenzie
Email: asg.gradapplications@usask.ca
Program Admin Support
Nadine Penner
Email: asg.graduateprograms@usask.ca
- Program and Course Catalogue
To view official admission and program requirements