The Master’s Degree in Religious Studies at UNIDA, like all of UNIDA’s programs, is fully accredited by the Brazilian Ministry of Education (MEC). It is the only Professional Master’s Degree in Religious Studies in Brazil. It focuses on religion and society and offers two options: 1) Religion in the Public Sphere, and 2) Religious Education. The mission of option 1º is to offer continuing education for any professional whose work involves religion. This is intermediate-level professional training for dealing with religious questions in public discussion. Since MEC recognizes religious education as fundamental to its curricular structure, and since this program specializes in religious studies, which is the official discipline for the training of religious education teachers, the mission of option 2º is religious education.

This degree program has been offered since 2011, and, in terms of numbers of students enrolled, it is one of the largest MEC-accredited programs in religious studies and theology.  This degree program has already had more than 400 graduates representing nearly every state in Brazil.  The faculty members all have doctorates, and most have done post-docs in religious studies, theology, history, linguistics or education.

This Master’s program, like UNIDA itself, is not dependent administratively or financially on any other institution or any religious organization.  The program is financed exclusively by the monthly fees paid by students. UNIDA offers scholarships to underprivileged students and welcomes contributions from its friends.

The PhD program in Religious Studies at Faculdade Unida is the last element in the series of courses offered by UNIDA in the field of Religious Studies: Bachelor’s Degree in Religious Studies, Master’s Degree in Religious Studies and the PhD in Religious Studies.

The PhD program builds on the pioneering Master’s program which promotes research on religion and its interface with all aspects of daily and professional life.

The PhD program is aimed at a wide spectrum of professions, including educators, lawyers, nurses, company managers, public servants and clergy who wish to deepen their training by investigating one of the interfaces religion and education, religion and law, religion and health, etc. The program aims to propose concrete and specific interventions of a professional nature in the field of the interface with religion.