I know this might sound weird, but let me explain: I am an atheist (I'm not asking for a debate, nor am I intending to offend you and your beliefs....please grant me the same courtesy) However, I would like to study religion (all kinds...eastern, middle eastern, and western) from an anthropological and historical perspective. Does anyone know of any graduate level DL programs on this subject?
There are no regionally accredited DL programs in atheistic studies. However, here is an in-resident option for the unbeliever: The Department of Secular Studies Pitzer College - Academics - Secular Studies
Interesting.... However, it doesn't have to be necessarily an atheist program. It can be a theistic program as long as they are respectful of my beliefs.
In the UK, the University of Wales, Trinity St. David offers a distance-learning MA program in the Study of Religions: The school is public and secular, despite the "Trinity St. David" name.
I would perhaps suggest looking for a degree in philosophy (or philosophy of religion)? Atheism is a philosophical position, not a religion, so it might be hard to study in the terms of "religion." A major problem is that apart from a lack of belief in a deity, there isn't collection of consistent belief.
I don't think the OP is wanting to study atheism. He is stating he is atheist and as such is not interested in a "Jesus" degree, but would like to study ALL religions. So a Religious Studies degree would work since a good majority of them are just that, the study of religions.
Sadly, I can find several undergrad degrees in Religious Studies online, but basically none for a grad degree, except for the "Jesus" degrees.
This isn't a direct answer to your question, but just to put these out there: Atheists and agnostics are explicitly welcome – as and such and while remaining such – in Unitarian Universalism. One of the two UU affiliated seminaries in the U.S., Meadville Lombard Theological School, offers short residency programs from Chicago. The Quaker faith is non-creedal, and there are "Nontheist Friends." The Quaker Earlham School of Religion offers short residency programs from Richmond, Indiana (near Dayton, Ohio; roughly between Indianapolis and Cincinnati).
Are you interested in studying religion very specifically, or could you take a focus on religion within a broader program "in" another subject, or an interdisciplinary swath, of liberal arts, social science, or humanities?
If I could study religions within another subject such as liberal arts or humanities, that would be satisfactory. As I said, I'm not trying to study "atheism" or "jesus"...Even though I am an atheist, I do enjoy studying the philosophies of different religions....Buddhism, Confucanism, Taoism, Catholicism, etc.
The OP wants to "study religion (all kinds...eastern, middle eastern, and western) from an anthropological and historical perspective". This is a rather broad and general area of study. The OP might be more likely to find suitable online programs at the undergraduate level -- graduate-level programs tend to be more specialized. If the OP already has a bachelor's degree in some other field, it is perfectly OK to get a second bachelor's. In fact, a second bachelor's can often be earned much more easily than the first, since many of the requirements are already fulfilled by the initial degree.
I definitely agree with CalDog. If you want a broader, more wide ranging education in various religions, I'd say a bachelor's degree is the way to go. Master's degrees tend to be much more specialized and specific. Here are 2 undergrad programs to get you started on your search: Religious Studies (BA) | Online Degree Programs | ASU Online Bachelor's Program, Religious Studies- Hampton University Online
I wish you well in your search. It sounds like you have a wide field of interests, and everyone has given quality advice. You may want to think about Harrison Middleton University. It may not be exactly what you are looking for as far as learning about eastern religions, but it will inform you of the foundations of western philosophy and religion. If you just have a desire to learn the teaching company has a "great world religions" lecture series taught by top ranked professors. Good luck!
Yes, actually, although they're usually called MDiv (Master of Divinity) and DMin (Doctor of Ministry). My sister has an MDiv -- as a 90 credit-hour Master's degree that took her three years full time to earn, those things are not easy!
On the MA PhD level you'd probably want to look at programs in the Philosophy of Religion area. The current hot new degree program making an appearance at the MA level is Inter-religious Studies. I suspect the PhD in this area is not too far off. Two schools come to mind for IR Studies, the Graudate Theological Union in Berkeley and Seattle University. I don't see anything strictly online, but know a GTU can be completed in four semesters, with one being online. You may want to look for a school that offers January and or Summer intensive courses. Many seminaries have started offering a Master of Theological Studies which could meet your needs. If your interests are academic you should steer clear of a MDiv program. First because it's a vocational degree, it'll take about four years to finish, you might have a difficult time getting accepted if you do not have a denominational endorsement, and lastly it can be expensive. An academic MA takes half the time. Interestingly having been through an MDiv program and taken many courses beyond the degree I do not remember anyone being pointedly asked if they believe in God. Some seminarians will wrestle with this question out loud as they try to figure it out for themselves. If you ask the question you are likely to get a question back e.g., "What exactly do you mean when you say God?" There are very many clergy who never resolve this question definitively, and learn to live and even enjoy being in a constant state of ambiguity about it. - Lifelonglearner
