How To Apply

Fall Semester is the normal time of entry into our graduate programs. The curriculum is designed with Fall Semester entry as the norm. Furthermore, no assistantships are currently available for Spring Semester applicants.

The application deadline for Fall admission is January 15. We are not able to review incomplete applications.

The Department of Religion has a limited number of funded Master's and Doctoral Graduate Teaching Assistantships. The Graduate School also has a few funding opportunities for outstanding students, which may have earlier deadlines. All such funding opportunities, however, are highly competitive.

Applications received after the January 15 deadline may still be considered for admission if they are received prior to April 1, though funding is unlikely to be available for applications completed after January 15.

All departmental decisions regarding acceptance into the program, and funding (if applicable), are based on a holistic evaluation of the pool of applicants. Considerations that may be drawn upon in making an overall evaluation of applicants include: fit with departmental areas and goals and fit with a potential supervisor(s); research languages and/or other relevant skills related to proposed area of research; undergraduate education, including major(s) and GPA; graduate education (if applicable), including area of research and GPA; TOEFL/iELTS scores (if applicable: to determine if this is applicable to you, see here); purpose statement; writing sample; letters of recommendation; paper presentations and publications; other awards for academic achievements.

Applicants are not required to submit a GRE score.

International applicants to our graduate programs must submit official TOEFL or IELTS that are not more than two years old. To be considered for admission, they must meet the minimum score requirements (see here). To be considered for funding as a Teaching Assistant in the Department of Religion, applicants must have the following test scores: TOEFL speaking: 26 or higher / iELTS: 8.0 or higher. For further details and information on TA Policy, see here. Please note that as of July 1, 2023, Duolingo English Test scores are no longer accepted as a language proficiency exam. International applicants are also encouraged to consult the following websites for helpful information:

All applications should include a statement of purpose of around 500-1000 words (slightly longer is also acceptable). It should explain which area of religion you are interested in, which topic and/or question you wish to research (even if this might change later), how you anticipate doing the research, and the skills and educational experiences that have prepared you to undertake such research. The first or second sentence of your statement should include the faculty member(s) you would like to work with as your supervisor. 

The following faculty members are available as potential supervisors for our MA program in Fall 2025: Wayne Coppins, Baruch Halpern, Ingie Hovland, Derrick Lemons, Sandy Martin, Carolyn Medine, Aaron Rubin, Nanette Spina, Jace Weaver. Please feel free to contact your potential supervisor before you submit your application.

The following faculty members are available as potential supervisors for our PhD program in Fall 2025:  Wayne Coppins, Baruch Halpern, Ingie Hovland, Derrick Lemons, Aaron Rubin, Nanette Spina, Jace Weaver. Please feel free to contact your potential supervisor before you submit your application.

If you have any questions about the application process or the graduate program, you can contact the department's Graduate Coordinator, Dr. Ingie Hovland (ingiehovland@uga.edu).

Applicants must submit application materials to the Graduate School.

The Graduate School application process starts here. Please read and follow all instructions carefully. Incomplete applications cannot be processed by the Graduate School or the Department. Materials to be submitted directly to the Graduate School include:

  • Graduate School application form
  • Application processing fee
  • Three letters of recommendation—these must be submitted by your letter writers directly to the Graduate School online application system
  • Unofficial transcripts of all institutions attended—official transcripts will be required if you are admitted
  • Writing sample—preferably a paper of around 10-15 pages written for an undergraduate or graduate religion course
  • Statement of purpose—a statement of around 500–1000 words, explaining which area of religion you wish to research, your proposed topic and/or question, how you anticipate doing the research, and the skills and educational experiences that have prepared you to undertake such research. The first or second sentence of your statement should include the professor(s) you would like to work with.
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores, if applicable (to determine if this is applicable to you, see here)
  • Certificate of finances, if applicable (to determine if this is applicable to you, see here).

All the above materials must be received by the UGA Office of Graduate Admissions by the deadline of January 15 to ensure full consideration, including consideration for funding.

Begin Application

 

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