Program Overview
CIIS’ online master’s degree in Ecology, Spirituality, and Religion emphasizes an embodied, engaged approach in which contemplative practice and career exploration complement rigorous study.
Our master's students are motivated by their deep concern for the state of Earth and their determination to find creative solutions for the future. In an engaged learning community with faculty and peers, students examine ecological issues from a variety of religious studies, social science, and policy perspectives.
As a graduate of our program you will be able to work toward greater sustainability through shifts in consciousness and generate new tools for addressing ecological devastation at personal and collective levels.
Our students create new careers, cultivate voices of change, and become pioneers of hope. As an Ecology, Spirituality, and Religion student, you will:
- Develop familiarity with one (or more) religious tradition(s).
- Be able to articulate various approaches to the philosophy of religion.
- Acquire thorough knowledge of at least one ecological issue.
- Understand and navigate the epistemological challenges in studying religion and ecology together.
- Integrate insights from the coursework into a coherent final capstone experience.
Master of Arts in Philosophy and Religion with a concentration in Ecology, Spirituality, and Religion
Career Paths
Graduates from the Ecology, Spirituality, and Religion master’s program emerge from their studies well-prepared to engage environmental issues in multiple spheres or to pursue doctoral-level study. They go on to:
- Teach, publish, and conduct research in academic settings
- Research and publish in non-academic settings (journalism, fiction, and nonfiction)
- Create or work for nonprofit organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Integrate the Ecology, Spirituality, and Religion knowledge-base and skillset into their current careers
Community
The burgeoning field of Religion and Ecology marshals the power of religions and spiritual traditions to address the global ecological crisis through a purpose-driven lens of love, compassion, justice, and community. This movement is providing a new generation of activists, scholars, and leaders with the skills and insight needed to transform practices, worldviews, and consciousness in service of a more just, sustainable, healthy, and flourishing future.
Our community bridges conversations among academics, activists, spiritual leaders, artists, and social justice organizers. The graduate program in Ecology, Spirituality, and Religion at CIIS uniquely contributes to this enlivened discourse through the Religion and Ecology Summit. Convened to explore the many intersections of Religion and Ecology, our transdisciplinary conference assembles cutting-edge scholars, thinkers, and activists to share innovative work rooted in ecologies and traditions from around the world.
Conference presentations investigate the transformational possibilities awakened when ecological concerns inform religious thought and practice. Scholars and practitioners consider the integration of spiritual perspectives into environmental protection and activism. The Religion and Ecology Summit series attracts a cross-sector blend of activists and scholars from the ecological and environmental justice movements, as well as faith and spiritual leaders, all of whom seek to share strategies for moving through the global ecological crisis with consciousness and heart.
Access content from past Religion and Ecology Summits.
Questions? Contact us.
We are here to help! If you have any questions about applying to a program or registering for an Info Session, please reach out to the Admissions Office.
