Central European University now offers a unique academic program, the Specialization in Religious Studies. The Specialization is offered to MA students in History or Medieval Studies, providing the opportunity to receive a certificate of attendance, together with the degree in either History or Medieval Studies.
The program engages in the study of religious phenomena from a historical point of view and from a variety of interdisciplinary perspectives. Since CEU is geographically located in a region that has been the crossroads of major religious, cultural, and political histories and lineages, this specialist field provides a unique experience and access to sources in three areas:
- in-depth engagement with religious thought and traditions,
- focusing on the three monotheistic religions, in a historically and conceptually grounded way,
- comparative study of their social, societal, institutional, cultural, intellectual, and political contexts and implications.
The fact that CEU students find themselves in a unique cosmopolitan environment and among fellow students with various cultural backgrounds provides the additional opportunity to continue learning outside the classroom.

The focus of the specialization is on the History of Monotheistic Religions, without geographical boundaries. The program includes comparative courses on
- Religion and Political Thought
- Sacred Texts and Bookish Traditions
- Philosophy of Religion and Theology
- Art and Liturgy
- Monastic Traditions
- Hagiography
- Sacred Kingship
- Magic, Cults and Occultism
- Heterodoxy
- Socio-historical aspects of religion
- Religion, Modernity, and Secularism
- Religious Movements
- Interaction and Exchange between the Religions
- and a variety of other topics.

Additionally, we can offer language courses in Ancient Greek, Latin, Biblical Hebrew, and Arabic; more languages (Ottoman Turkish, Syriac) will be added soon. Professors teaching in this program come from Western, Central, and Eastern Europe, as well as the Middle East, and represent a variety of disciplines, such as History, Political Science, Archaeology, Philosophy, Sociology, Anthropology and Islamic Studies. In conjunction with the Specialization there exists a Religious Studies Program which supports research activities, lecture series and annual student conferences. It is well networked, regionally and internationally.

Students can apply to either the History or the Medieval Studies Departments of CEU, indicating their interest in the Religious Studies Specialization. We welcome applications from students who have done their undergraduate work in history and religious studies but also in related disciplines, such as political science, sociology, theology, Islamic studies etc. General information about the admissions process is available at www.ceu.hu/admissions/apply

There are a variety of funding opportunities, available from resources within and outside CEU. Please contact us for details information on this issue.

Please send inquiries in English or German language to Dr. Matthias Riedl (visriedl@ceu.hu)

General information about Central European University can be found at www.ceu.hu