College of Religious Studies, Mahidol University

Programs

Education of the College of Religious Studies, Mahidol University

Currently, the College offers the Bachelor of Arts (Religious Studies) program and the Doctor of Philosophy program at the international level in the same field. The former aims to produce well-rounded graduates who are capable of pursuing various professions and applying religious knowledge to enrich their personal lives and professional development. Students are encouraged to develop effective working methods, achieve personal happiness, enhance organizational management and efficiency, and cultivate positive interpersonal relationships.

The study of religion in this program is divided into two categories. The first category focuses on specific topics within various religious traditions, such as Religion and Science, Human Destiny, Religion and Death, and Women in Religion. The second category examines religions from the perspectives of reason and faith, such as Buddhist Psychology and Buddhist Art.

Religions studied in this program include long-established traditions followed by adherents for many centuries, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Shinto, Confucianism, and Taoism, as well as more recently established religions such as the Bahá’í Faith and new religious movements in Japan and other countries.

The Doctor of Philosophy program aims to produce advanced scholars capable of working in teaching, training, and research related to religion and ethics, covering both theoretical teachings and the lived practices of religious communities. The program seeks to develop human resources that contribute positively to organizations, communities, nations, and the global society. Courses include both general subjects that are not limited to a single religion, such as Religious Institutions and Religion and the Individual, as well as specialized studies focusing on particular religions such as Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam.

Both programs are currently being revised to ensure that they remain up-to-date and responsive to the evolving needs of society and the labor market in the era of globalization. The revisions will strengthen the connections between the two programs, particularly in terms of course content.

Bachelor of Arts Religious Studies

The program emphasizes integrated learning, enabling students to apply knowledge in Religious Studies and related disciplines in practical contexts. Students are encouraged to discover their potential and develop themselves with dignity, acquire effective communication skills, and keep pace with global changes while embodying the desirable characteristics of Mahidol University graduates.
Program Details



Master of Arts in Religious Studies (International Online Program)

The Master of Arts program provides instruction in Religious Studies with emphasis on academic knowledge, theories, philosophies, and teachings of various religions. The program examines religion both as faith-based practice and as an objective academic discipline. This international program uses English as the medium of instruction and is taught by both Thai and international faculty members. Students may choose to specialize in one of two majors: Religious Studies or Buddhism and Society. The College of Religious Studies serves as a major center for Buddhist studies, providing extensive collections of books and research materials. Research conducted within the program focuses on religious topics and often explores new areas that have not been extensively studied. Most faculty members hold doctoral degrees and include both Thai and international scholars with recognized academic expertise and experience at national and international levels. Graduates of the program have successfully continued their studies at doctoral level in prestigious universities in the United States. Students include both laypersons and Buddhist monks from Thailand and abroad, providing opportunities for exchange of knowledge and perspectives across cultural traditions. Scholarships are available for monks and novice monks.
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Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies (International Online Program)

The Doctor of Philosophy program aims to produce advanced scholars capable of teaching, training, and conducting research in religion and ethics. The program covers both theoretical teachings and the practices of religious communities, with the goal of developing human resources that benefit organizations, communities, nations, and the global society.

Courses include general subjects that are not limited to a single religion, such as Religious Institutions and Religion and the Individual, as well as specialized studies focusing on particular religions such as Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam.