M.A. in Ecology, Spirituality, and Religion

Our Approach

The Master of Arts in Ecology, Spirituality, and Religion program empowers students to explore how religions, spiritualities, and philosophies can address today’s socio-ecological crisis. Through a transdisciplinary approach, students gain the skills and knowledge to reimagine and transform practices, worldviews, and lifeways supporting a more just and flourishing future for human and more-than-human communities.

Offered fully online, this program emphasizes an approach that integrates contemplative practice, social justice, and rigorous scholarship. Students join an engaged learning community where faculty and peers examine ecological issues from perspectives in religious studies, philosophy, environmental humanities, social sciences, and environmental policy. Motivated by deep concern for the Earth, they work together to cultivate creative solutions and transformative actions for our shared future.

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Career Paths

Our graduates are well-prepared to pursue careers that bridge ecological and spiritual concerns. Some enhance their current roles; others create entirely new paths. Alumni have found purpose-driven work in areas such as:

• Teaching, publishing, and conducting research in academic institutions and non-academic settings
• Founding or contributing to nonprofit, governmental, and non-governmental organizations

To explore career pathways and learn more about Ecology, Spirituality, and Religion graduates, visit the Impact page.

Curriculum

Over the course of the program, students become familiar with one or more religious traditions that resonate with them, as well as one or more specific ecological issues. After developing the ability to navigate the epistemological challenges in studying religion and ecology and the various approaches to the philosophy of religion, they will embark on creating a capstone experience that integrates their many insights. 

Featured Courses

• Ecology in a Time of Planetary Crisis 
  This course provides a broad overview of the human imbrication in planetary systems, beginning with an exploration of the patterns and processes identified by ecological science.
• Theory and Method in the Integrative Study of Religion and Ecology
  This course studies the theoretical and methodological lenses that allow rigorous, imaginative, and sympathetic engagement from the diverse fields represented in the Ecology, Spirituality, and Religion concentration.
• Indigenous Lifeways and Ecology
  This course will take a cross-continental and culturally comparative approach to explore the unique environmental perspectives Indigenous communities and their diverse traditions offer through land-based practices rooted in social, cultural, and spiritual relationships to geography and place.

Entry Requirements

Applicants with a variety of backgrounds will be considered, provided the applicant possesses demonstrated interest in the subject matter of the concentration, and strong writing, analytical, and critical thinking skills developed during undergraduate study at an accredited institution.

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Required Application Materials

Your application is your opportunity to share who you are. To be considered essays and written responses must be your own authentic work.

Online Admissions Application: Begin the application process by submitting an online application and paying the non-refundable $68 application fee.

Degree Requirement: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Minimum GPA: A GPA of 3.0 or higher in previous coursework is required. However, a GPA below 3.0 does not automatically disqualify an applicant and CIIS will consider a prospective student whose GPA is between 2.0 and 3.0. These individuals are required to submit a GPA Statement and are encouraged to contact the Office of Admissions to discuss their options.

Transcripts: Official transcripts from all accredited academic institutions attended where 7 or more credits have been earned. Transcripts may be sent digitally to materials@ciis.edu or mailed to CIIS in their official, sealed envelope. Transcripts from institutions outside the U.S. or Canada require a foreign credit evaluation through World Education Services (WES). CIIS will also accept foreign credential evaluations that are in a comprehensive course-by-course format from the current members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

Statement of Purpose: A four-to-six-page (typed, double-spaced) statement of your educational and professional objectives, including any significant biographical events that directly influenced your decision to apply to this program. The statement should further demonstrate familiarity and alignment with the program's objectives. Lastly, the statement should also articulate what you hope to gain from your time in the program and, if appropriate, how your time in the program relates to your long-term personal and professional aspirations.

Academic Writing Sample: A writing sample of eight-to-ten pages that demonstrates your capacity to think critically and reflectively and demonstrates graduate level writing abilities. A sample that uses outside sources must include proper citations. You may submit copies of previous work, such as a recent academic paper, article, or report that reflects scholarly abilities.

Two Letters of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation should ideally be from professors who can attest to your scholarly writing and research abilities. If you are not able to obtain two letters from faculty, one of the letters can be from an academic advisor or professional supervisor. Recommenders should use standard business format and include full contact information (name, email, phone number, and mailing address).

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