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Master of Religion and Public Life (MRPL)

The Master of Religion and Public Life explores the dynamics of faith in the public sphere.

The program is not for those interested in ordination but rather individuals who seek specialized training to enhance their ability to serve the church and the world in other capacities. The degree is ideal for professionals who desire improved understanding of the specific demands and concerns of religious traditions they encounter at work, as well as to gain a more general appreciation for the ways in which religion shapes the public landscape of 21st century North America.

Through their study for a Master of Religion and Public Life degree, students will gain:

  • Basic understanding of the roles of religion in American society.
  • Familiarity with the basic beliefs and practices of Christianity and at least one other religious tradition.
  • Understanding of some of the ways in which basic beliefs of a tradition impact adherents’ attitudes and practices.

Students enrolled in the Candler MRPL program will upon completion of their degree be able to: 

  • Articulate some of the basic methodological approaches to the sociology of religion.
  • Describe the basic beliefs of Christianity and articulate some of the ways in which they bear on the attitudes and/or social practice of Christians.
  • Describe the basic beliefs of one non-Christian religious tradition and articulate some of the ways in which they bear on the attitudes and/or social practice of adherents to that tradition. 

Degree Requirements

Credit hours
The MRPL is a 36 credit-hour degree program including coursework and the completion of a final integrative paper worth three credits. The degree is designed for completion by a part-time or a full-time student in one to five years, and can be completed residentially, hybrid, or fully online.

GPA Requirements
2.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Curricular Requirements
Students must complete 11 three-credit courses (three of which will fulfill Common Requirements for the program and eight of which will be elective courses), plus the completion of a final integrative paper worth three credits.

Advising
Students in the MRPL program are required to be advised each semester.

Read more about the MRPL degree requirements.

For more information about the MRPL program, contact Candler’s Admissions Office at 404.727.6326 or candleradmissions@emory.edu.