MA in Religious Studies - Religion and Culture in Santa Barbara United States | University of California, Santa Barbara

The Religion and Culture concentration allows students to explore subjects not covered by other departmental specializations. Those focusing on this field must develop interdisciplinary and theoretical expertise aligned with their research goals and religious studies. Religion and Culture scholars gain comprehensive knowledge of relevant traditions and regions through tailored coursework developed with faculty guidance. Applicants should discuss their research plans with professors before drafting their Statement of Purpose.

Students in this specialization create structured study plans with advisors or faculty committees, outlining coherent academic pathways involving courses, concepts, themes, and research materials. Their studies may examine diverse cultural expressions including texts, performances, archival materials, institutions, architecture, and spatial environments. Research may encompass digital media, visual arts, cinema, literature, performing arts, music, gaming, athletics, and culinary traditions. Typically, students concentrate on analyzing cultural artifacts and symbolic systems within their creation and reception contexts. With faculty guidance, students can employ various analytical approaches from religious studies and related disciplines. This specialization supports innovative scholars in selecting methodologies best suited to their research topics, which may involve symbolic structures, embodied practices, cultural mediation, belief systems, and personal experiences.