How to address "research interests" in SOP

[Chelsea0913]

Hi all,

 

As I am writing my SOP for MA in Religious Studies I am not sure how to approach my research goals. I have only a very vague sense of what my research could be on, but I wouldn't want to just make something up just to have it and then end up with a lame proposal. Anyone have advice on how to go about figuring out good research topics? That might sound ridiculous but I have no research experience so I don't feel confident in that area. Also, what advice would you have on pointing out specifics in current faculty's prior research- should I quote their work? Should I say what interests me most about their publication? 

 

Thanks for the help guys!

 

 

[kara.spinney]

I just finished applying to graduate programs in clinical psychology, so I'm not an expert on what graduate schools look for in Religious Studies applicants, but I also had to discuss my research interests in my SOP so I will try to help. It is okay to write broad topics as your research interests; graduate schools understand that, as an incoming student, you're not going to be 100% certain on what narrow/specific thing to study. It is more important that your general research interests fit well with those of the faculty in that program. When I wrote my SOPs, I took a little time to briefly read an article or two written by the current faculty. In my SOP, I mentioned something specific from their research article that I found interesting. I don't think that you need to quote their work, but I think that it's a good idea to discuss what specifically interests you about the publication and why you would be a good fit to work with that person based on their current research. As far as writing about your research interests, just briefly write about your broad interests and areas that you would like to get into.

[marXian]

Start with asking yourself why you want to pursue an MA in RS or an MTS (as opposed to an MDiv.) Is there something in particular that draws you to the academic study of religion and/or theology? Even if it's a very broad reason right now, it's a starting point. You can begin to narrow in on something a little more specific from there.

 

But also remember that at the M* level, adcoms are not looking for a ton of specificity. They just want to know, in fairly broad strokes, what interests you about pursuing graduate level work in RS or theology. At this level, I don't think reference to specific faculty is really necessary, but I also don't think it'll hurt.

[Chelsea0913]

thank you both!