phd in philosophy of religion online

Veritas International University

PhD in Philosophy of Religion

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Program Director: William Roach ( [email protected] ) The PhD in Philosophy of Religion is a 60-unit program designed for mature Christian postgraduates who desire in-depth academic study in the area of philosophy of religion. Its approach, in the tradition of classical theism and classical philosophy, is designed for those who appreciate the full inspiration and inerrancy of the Word of God. We encourage applications for admission from those who desire to cultivate a scholar’s mind and a pastor’s heart, and conduct advanced research in the areas of philosophical theology, philosophy of religion, philosophical apologetics and moral philosophy.

The program’s design is suitable for those who cannot relocate, take leave of employment and desire the flexibility.

• No residency requirement (the oral defense may be required to be in residence)
• International students are welcome
• Choose between part-time and full-time study
• 4-7 years for full-time study, and 5-9 years to complete your part-time PhD
• Regular contact with your research professors

Program Learning Outcomes

VIU is committed to quality education with the following program objectives:

• To learn how to analyze and defend the historic Christian faith against philosophical objections.
• To articulate advanced knowledge of philosophy, theology, apologetics, and Biblical studies.
• To demonstrate the ability to perform advanced and original research in the areas of philosophy, theology, apologetics, and Biblical studies.
• To communicate and defend the Christian faith effectively in both academic and ministry settings.
• To demonstrate a love for the truth of God and the willingness to reach people from various backgrounds with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Admission Requirements

The applicant should possess an academic graduate degree from an accredited institution (or equivalent) of at least 60-units (or the MDiv with apologetics and/or philosophy) in an area related to their proposed research. (VIU and SES graduates may be granted advanced standing with a graduate degree of 48-units or more which would waive the 60-unit minimal requirement). The applicant’s graduate program should contain a minimum of the following set of fulfilled graduate level courses:

• Four systematic theology courses (12 semester units)
• One logic/critical thinking/symbolic logic course (3 semester units)
• 15 semester units of philosophy courses
• 15 additional semester units in the areas of either philosophy, apologetics, theology, or religious studies or a combination of these.

If these prerequisites are not satisfied at the time of admission, the candidate may be accepted into the PhD program with the provision these prerequisite courses will be fulfilled prior to achieving candidature status. If the applicant holds an undergraduate degree in philosophy or closely related field, this also will be considered in the admissions process.

The applicant must also submit a writing sample not co-authored that is greater than 15 pages. The sample should be in the subject matter of philosophy and exemplify graduate level writing and research with footnotes. In addition, letters of recommendation from previous faculty and clergy are required

Though the GRE and MAT exams are not required, after applying to the program, the student will be required to pass a written entrance exam prior to acceptance. The entrance exam will allow the student a limited preparation time and then test the student’s ability to respond to graduate level philosophy questions.

Transfer Credit

The PhD in Philosophy of Religion program may allow, upon successful review of official transcripts, up to 6-units of previously earned doctoral credit to be transferred from another accredited institution. This credit will be evaluated by the Registrar and Academic Dean for suitability of transfer. Please send official academic transcripts to the VIU Registrar.

Continued Enrollment Requirements

All PhD students prior to candidature are required to take a minimum of three courses per year. Exceptions can only be granted by the Academic Dean.

Candidature Requirements

The student will be promoted from PhD Student to PhD Candidate by action of the faculty only when all classwork, language requirements, and comprehensive exams have been completed successfully with an overall GPA of 3.50. The student must also be in good overall standing with evidence of Christian character. This is also when the student will be deemed ABD (all-but-dissertation). Only after achieving PhD Candidacy will the student be able to begin the dissertation process.

Dissertation

The dissertation process involves submitting a dissertation prospectus for approval. Upon approval, the student will be guided by the dissertation supervisor until the dissertation is completed and passes the oral defense. The student’s dissertation must constitute an original contribution to learning, give evidence of systematic study, and ability to relate the results of such study to the general body of knowledge in the subject area. The dissertation must be written in Turabian style formatting with a minimum length of 80,000 words.

Oral Defense ( Viva Voce )

After submitting an acceptable dissertation, the candidate will be required to give a live in-residence oral defense of their research to no less than three faculty readers/examiners, one of which may be from another institution. This will give opportunity to the candidate to explain and correct any misunderstanding of their research, and offer the examiners a chance to test the knowledge and research contained in the dissertation.

Program Curriculum

60 hours total.

3 Hours Prerequisites

30 Hours Coursework

6 Hours Mentorship

1 Hour Comprehensive Exams

20 Hours Prospectus and Dissertation

Introduction

RW499 Research, Writing and Technology Skills (P/F)

CE1010 Teaching in Higher Education (3 units)

Coursework  

PH1010 Metaphysics (3 units)

PH1015 Epistemology (3 units)

PH1020 Coherence of Theism (3 units)

PH1025 Natural Theology (3 units)

PH1030 Moral Philosophy (3 units)

PH1035 Philosophy of Science (3 units)

PH1040 The Problem of Evil (3 units)

PH1045 Ancient and Medieval Philosophy (3 units)

PH1050 Modern and Contemporary Philosophy (3 units)

PH1055 Elective (3 units) [1]

PHR1108 Mentorship 1 (3 units)

PHR11109 Mentorship 2 (3 units)

Comprehensive Exams

PHR1105 Comprehensive Exam (Oral and Written) (1 unit)

PHR1100 Language Competency Preparation and Examination (P/F: 0 units)

Prospectus and Dissertation

PHR1200 Dissertation Prospectus (2 hr)

PHR1300 Dissertation Research and Writing (16 units) PHR 1400 PhD Dissertation Defense (2 hr)

[1] This elective course may be taken as an independent study with an approved VIU faculty member or approved professor outside of VIU. The purpose of taking this course as an independent study would be to work with a specialist on a particular topic. The professor would offer guided readings and mentorship to assist the student. The professor, syllabus, and assignments must be approved by the PhD Director prior to starting the course.

Degree Award

Upon successful completion of the program courses with at least a 3.5 GPA, competency exams, research language, written dissertation, oral defense, and a positive faculty recommendation for graduation, the candidate will receive the PhD in Philosophy of Religion granted by Veritas International University.

**This elective course may be taken as an independent study with an approved VIU faculty member or approved professor outside of VIU. The purpose of taking this course as an independent study would be to work with a specialist on a particular topic. The professor would offer guided readings and mentorship to assist the student. The professor, syllabus, and assignments must be approved by the PhD Director prior to starting the course.

Student Achievement

2021 Annual Report

2021 Annual Program Report

Accreditation and Assessment

Academic Catalog

Student Complaint Policy

Veritas International University (VIU) is an accredited non-profit 501(c)(3) religious corporation with its own Board of Directors, and without affiliation to any particular church organization, denomination, or another institution.

Graduate Department of Religion

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Religion

Areas of study.

Degree programs are offered in:

• Critical Studies in Asian, Islamic, and Jewish Traditions
• Ethics and Society
• Hebrew Bible and Ancient Israel
• Historical Studies  
• Homiletics and Liturgics
• Jewish Studies (M.A.)
• New Testament and Early Christianity 
• Religion, Psychology, and Culture
• Theological Studies

Interdisciplinary studies, both within religion and in other areas of knowledge, are encouraged. The study of religion can be pursued at Vanderbilt both as a critical, humanistic discipline, employing a variety of methodological perspectives, and as a theological discipline, interpreting the biblical religions and their historical, theological, and ethical heritage.

Degree Requirements

Candidates for the Ph.D. degree must demonstrate a reading knowledge of two modern languages: A. a modern language of research (normally French, German, Spanish, or Modern Hebrew); and B. one of the following:

• another modern language relevant to the field of study;
• a biblical or other relevant ancient language;
• the student's native language, if not English;
• a research method such as statistics when appropriate.

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• PhD Program

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program is jointly offered by HDS and the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Find detailed information about PhD fields of study and program requirements on the Committee on the Study of Religion website.

With a focus on global religions, religion and culture, and forces that shape religious traditions and thought, the PhD prepares students for advanced research and scholarship in religion and theological studies. 

Resources for the study of religion at Harvard are vast. We offer courses in the whole range of religious traditions from the ancient Zoroastrian tradition to modern Christian liberation movements, Islamic and Jewish philosophies, Buddhist social movements, and Hindu arts and culture. Some of us work primarily as historians, others as scholars of texts, others as anthropologists, although the boundaries of these methodologies are never firm. Some of us are adherents of a religious tradition; others are not at all religious. The Study of Religion is exciting and challenging precisely because of the conversations that take place across the complexities of disciplines, traditions, and intellectual commitments.

• Master of Divinity (MDiv) Program
• Master of Religion and Public Life (MRPL) Program
• Master of Theological Studies (MTS) Program
• Master of Theology (ThM) Program
• Dual Degrees
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• Ministry Studies
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Doctor of Philosophy in Theological Studies

45 credit hours

Program Length

as few as 36 months

Accreditation

Nationally Accredited by ATS

Prepare to Teach the Next Generation — Earn an Accredited PhD (Theological Studies) Fully Online

At Columbia International University, our PhD (Theological Studies) program is designed specifically for individuals like you who have a passion for teaching in postsecondary theological higher education. If you are seeking an academic/philosophical doctoral program that equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage in scholarly research and writing and make a meaningful contribution to the field of Theological Studies, our PhD (Theological Studies) program is designed to help you reach your goal.

You will engage in rigorous academic study explores the profound truths of Scripture, with a focus on the functional authority of Scripture.

You will develop advanced research and writing skills that allow you to contribute significantly to the field of Theological Studies.

You will gain valuable skills in presenting your scholarly work in a professional, organized, coherent and structured manner, both in written and oral form.

You will engage in a supervisory relationship with an experienced faculty mentor, who will help you navigate the responsibilities of your academic pursuits while embracing spiritual growth and exemplifying Christian character.

Throughout your journey in Columbia International University’s online PhD (Theological Studies) program, you will receive excellent academic instruction, intentional professional mentoring, and consistent academic support. You will develop the advanced research and writing skills necessary to make a scholarly contribution to the field of Theological Studies. You will present your research findings in a professional and compelling manner. You will embrace the transformative journey of intellectual growth while embodying the principles of Victorious Christian Living. You will prepare to become a well-rounded scholar and educator, equipped to make a lasting impact in postsecondary theological higher education both nationally and internationally.

Theological Studies is one of three concentrations within the PhD degree. Within the Theological Studies concentration, you may pursue a wide variety of research topics. You might wish to consider a topic in an area such Apologetics, Historical Theology, Systematic Theology, or Theological Ethics. If you have questions about how your anticipated topic might fit into the concentration, contact the program director for guidance. Note: In February 2022 the ATS Board of Commissioners approved a three-year experiment to offer a non-residential PhD degree as an exception to Standard 5.15, through a combination of online courses (synchronous and asynchronous) and one-on-one faculty mentoring sessions.

The other concentrations within the PhD degree are Biblical Studies and Practical Theology. (See the Concentrations below.)

Why Choose Columbia International University?

At Columbia International University, we are committed to providing you with a comprehensive and enriching educational experience through our ATS-accredited PhD (Theological Studies) program. Designed to equip you as a well-rounded scholar and educator, our program offers a unique blend of research-focused curriculum, individualized mentoring, and flexible online modality.

As a student in our PhD (Theological Studies) program, you will have the opportunity to delve deeply into your chosen area within the field of Theological Studies. Through rigorous research and academic exploration, you will gain a thorough understanding of your topic, contemporary biblical studies issues, and the methods scholars use in your chosen discipline.

Mentoring lies at the heart of our program. You will receive individualized guidance and support from an experienced faculty mentor who is a renowned scholar in his or her respective fields. Your mentor will provide personalized attention and expert advice as you navigate your research journey and develop your scholarly voice.

Our online modality offers you the flexibility of pursuing your doctoral studies while balancing other commitments in your life. Through our innovative online platform, you will have access to engaging course content, interactive discussions with faculty members and peers, and valuable resources that will enhance your learning experience.

Throughout your PhD journey, we are dedicated to preparing you to make a significant contribution to scholarship in your discipline. You will develop advanced research skills, critical thinking abilities, and scholarly writing expertise that will empower you to produce high-quality academic work. We believe in fostering a collaborative academic community, where you will have opportunities to engage in scholarly conversations and present your research findings to peers and faculty.

In addition to equipping you as a scholar, our PhD (Theological Studies) program prepares you to excel as an educator in theological higher education. Our curriculum includes pedagogical training, enabling you to teach and mentor future generations of students effectively in theological institutions both inside and outside the United States.

Benefits of our PhD (Theological Studies) Degree 

Our unique PhD program is fully-online, dissertation-focused and follows the modified-European model. It offers you the opportunity to:

• Complete your entire program using fully online modality without relocating or coming to campus.
• Pay affordable tuition that saves you up to 50% of the cost of other seminary PhD programs and includes the cost of textbooks.
• Develop your skills in research, writing and teaching, while you pursue a wide variety of research topics.
• Focus your coursework on refining your anticipated dissertation topic before beginning your research.
• Engage in synchronous small group discussion sessions that foster a sense of community with your classmates.
• Work closely with a mentor whose areas of interest and expertise align closely with your dissertation topic.
• Develop a well-rounded understanding of the knowledge related to your discipline through tutorial discussions with your mentor.
• Engage regularly and intentionally with your dissertation mentor throughout the research and writing process.
• Complete your entire program in as few as three years.

Featured Faculty

John D. Harvey

Professor of New Testament and PhD Program Director

David A. Croteau

Dean, Seminary and School of Counseling

Associate Professor of History and Theology

What Will I Study?

You will survey significant contemporary issues in Historical Theology or Systematic Theology and review key methods used in theological study. You will then identify an issue and a method related to the area of your proposed dissertation topic and will explore each in depth. (3)

You will review biblical perspectives on teaching and learning, survey principles of adult education, and explore best practices of course design and development. You will learn how to design lessons and courses that go beyond the communication of content to the facilitation of learning and will apply those skills to the creation of a course related to the area of your proposed dissertation topic. (3)

You will engage in guided practice of bibliographic (text-based) research that will prepare you to write a doctoral dissertation in Theological Studies. You will learn to craft a research problem, identify appropriate research methods, locate, evaluate, and document scholarly sources, structure argumentation, and write at the doctoral level. Building upon those skills, you will write a dissertation proposal that must be approved by the Dissertation Proposal Committee before you begin the dissertation research courses. (3)

Upon successful completion of the dissertation proposal course, your supervising professor will guide you as you engage in research for a 90,000 - 110,000 word dissertation in a selected area of Theological Studies. (3-6) Repeatable.

Upon successful completion of the dissertation proposal course, your supervising professor will guide you as you engage in research for a 90,000 - 110,000 word dissertation in a selected area of Theological Studies. (3-6) Repeatable. Prerequisite: THE 9901

Upon successful completion of the dissertation proposal course, your supervising professor will guide you as you engage in research for a 90,000 - 110,000 word dissertation in a selected area of Theological Studies. (3-6) Repeatable. Prerequisite: THE 9902

Upon completing your dissertation research, you will continue working under your supervising professors direction to draft your 90,000 - 10,000 word dissertation. (3-6) Repeatable. Prerequisite: THE 9903

Upon completing your dissertation research, you will continue working under your supervising professors direction to draft your 90,000 - 110,000 word dissertation. (3-6) Repeatable. Prerequisite: THE 9904

Upon successful completion of the dissertation research and writing courses and upon your supervising professors recommendation, you will submit the final draft of your 90,000 - 110,000 word dissertation to the Dissertation Defense Committee comprised of your supervising professor and two additional faculty members. Once the committee has read the dissertation, you will appear before them and defend it orally. (6) Repeatable. Prerequisite: THE 9905

You will demonstrate acceptable competency in a research language related to your dissertation.

You will demonstrate acceptable competency in a second research language related to your dissertation.

Admission Requirements

• Online application
• Official transcripts from accredited institutions (all graduate level work)
• Completed MA, MDiv, or ThM with 3.5 GPA
• Major research paper, (20–24 pages)
• Proposed research topic (1 page plus bibliography)
• Transcript evidence of having completed four semesters of Greek and/or Hebrew (in any combination)
• Two academic references
• Interview with admissions committee
• *International requirements when appropriate

Accreditation and Accolades

Career Path Opportunities

• Seminary Professor
• International Theological Educator
• Bible College Professor
• High School Teacher

As a Theological Studies student, you may choose to focus your study in the areas of Systematic Theology, Historical Theology, Apologetics, Theological Ethics.

The Ph.D. program is accredited professionally by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), as well as regionally by SACSCOC and nationally by ABHE.

The entire PhD program uses online modality, so that you never need to come to the Columbia campus.

The three foundational seminars are largely asynchronous, but with a synchronous component. Instructors facilitate two-hour discussion group sessions of six to eight students that meet five to eight times throughout each semester.

In February 2022 the ATS Board of Commissioners approved a three-year experiment to offer a non-residential PhD degree as an exception to Standard 5.15, through a combination of online courses (synchronous and asynchronous) and one-on-one faculty mentoring sessions.

The modified-European model combines the strengths of both the North American and European models. You enter the program with a preliminary idea of the topic for your dissertation, and the coursework in the three foundational seminars helps you refine your topic to be substantive, coherent and focused. After those seminars, you engage in your dissertation research, writing and defense, which comprises 80% of your studies.

Total tuition for the program is 25–50% lower than the cost of other seminary PhD programs and includes the cost of textbooks.

As a PhD student, you will receive a free copy of Accordance Bible Software that you may use as long as you are pursuing your doctoral studies. Upon graduation, you own the software.

If you are pursuing work related to Theological Studies, you must show transcript evidence of having completed four semesters of Greek and/or Hebrew in any combination.

In order to have as wide access as possible to scholarly literature related to your dissertation topic, Theological Studies students demonstrate proficiency in two theological research languages as part of their PhD studies. The process of collecting a working bibliography for your dissertation usually helps you identify the specific languages you will pursue.

The wordcount for your dissertation is 90,000–110,000 words, including the introduction, the body, the footnotes, the conclusion and the bibliography, but not the front matter.

We will work with you to recruit a dissertation mentor whose areas of interest and expertise align as closely as possible with your topic. Since the majority of our mentors come from outside the seminary, the range of topics you may pursue is broad, and you have the opportunity to work closely with an expert in your field of research.

You may also be interested in

Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies

Doctor of Philosophy in Practical Theology

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Ph.d. in the study of religion.

The doctor of philosophy (PhD) program in religion at Harvard dates from 1934, when the Faculty of Arts and Sciences established a degree of PhD in "The History and Philosophy of Religion." Its purpose, as stated by the Faculty, was "to make possible a course of studies which shall enable the candidate both to lay a broad and sufficient foundation for teaching and study within the field of religion, and to do individual research at some point in that field." In accordance with that expressed intention, the Faculty voted in 1963 to name the program the Study of Religion.

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Home > Degree Programs > Doctor Of Philosophy (PhD) in Religion

Doctor of Philosophy in Religion

Your role in the evolution of religious tradition begins here. And the way in which communities change, and are changed by, religious tradition is frequently mediated, moderated and inspired by students like yourself – students who are ready to research, write and formulate their unique, original interpretations. In turn, that knowledge and interpretation forms the basis for inspired leadership and teaching.

One could go so far as to say that you will learn from your religious study, and your religion will learn from you. It’s the way of spiritual and theological growth. It’s the way of community growth.

Personal growth. This is why Claremont offers concentrations in contextual or comparative theology and philosophy, Jewish studies, Christian origins, religious ethics, and Whiteheadian process studies. The PhD is an advanced degree because it requires discipline, dedication and vision. Knowledge and imagination. It requires you.

PhD in Religion

Select your Concentration below

Customize your program

Comparative Theology and Philosophy

Contextual theologies (global phd), philosophy of religion and theology, process studies, hebrew bible and jewish studies, new testament and christian origins, ready to experience claremont.

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• Ph.D. Program in Religion

For students seeking their Ph.D. in Religion, the Graduate Program in Religion —part of the Duke Graduate School—offers a Ph.D. program. Although this program is not housed with the Department of Religious Studies, it is a collaboration between the Department and Duke Divinity School. The program includes the following 9 fields of study, also called tracks, in which students can concentrate their studies:

• American Religion
• Asian Religions
• Christian Theological Studies
• Early Christianity
• Hebrew Bible/Old Testament
• Islamic Studies
• New Testament
• Religion, Aesthetics, and Society
• World Christianity

Learn More about the Ph.D. Program

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The Doctor of Philosophy

Philosophy of religion.

A focused study on issues of philosophy of mind, metaphysics, religious epistemology, faith and reason, coherence of theism, and other legitimate issues as presented through the ongoing discussion regarding the intersection of philosophy and religion.

Admission to the Philosophy of Religion program is selective and is offered only to students who have demonstrated the intellectual ability, preparation, and motivation to perform academically at the highest level. Enrollment in the program is limited to applicants, who, in the judgment of the faculty, appear best qualified and most capable of using the resources that the seminary provides.

Modified Residency

Residential

At a Glance

phd introduction

phd integrative colloquium

phd research seminars

phd mentor directed studies

phd comprehensive exams

phd prospectus and dissertation

total hours

At Southeastern, I started seeing that all of life is worship and all of life has a missional intentionality to it. All of life has a missional thrust to it as life lived out before the face of God.

Thomas West MDiv and PhD Alum

PhD in Context

What can i do with this degree.

Teach in Higher Education

Do Academic Research and Writing

Lead a Christian Think Tank

What Courses Will I Take?

Below is a sample of the required courses. To see a complete list, view the academic catalog .

• PHI 9550 – Philosophical Theology
• PHI 9600 – Problem of Evil
• PHI 9910 – Philosophy of Mind
• PHI 9930 – Christian Faith and Science
• PHI 9940 – Coherence of Theism

Who Will Teach Me?

Ross D. Inman

Ben Holloway

Charles Edward Lawless, Jr.

Need More Information?

Study to serve however you're called..

Doctor of Philosophy

Current students: looking for your degree requirements visit the academic resources on the registrar page ..

Apply Today

The program offers advanced study in the disciplines of theology with major specialization in one of the areas listed below. Additionally, students select a minor concentration in one of these areas or in an allied academic discipline such as philosophy, sociology, psychology, or religious studies.

• Theology/Ethics
• Interreligious Engagement
• Practical Theology

The major-minor structure in Union’s Ph.D. program enables interdisciplinary cross-fertilization and “mutual illumination” that is intended to generate original scholarship. This structure also equips graduates with academic versatility and expanded teaching competency that will serve to optimize their employability in a competitive market.

The interdisciplinary nature of the Union Ph.D. program is further enhanced by the doctoral seminar in which all students participate. By attending to the interplay between the methods of the theological disciplines and those of religious studies, the program cultivates in graduates a sense of the ongoing dialogue between Theology and Religious Studies that marks contemporary religious education; it prepares graduates to teach and to lead in the diverse, multi-religious, and multicultural contexts of today’s world.

Applying to Union’s Ph.D. Program Information Session

This information session, moderated by Dr. Jan Rehmann, Director of the Ph.D. Program, allowed prospective students to ask questions and gain more information about applying to Union Theological Seminary’s Ph.D. program. Panelists included:

• Olusola Adegbite, PhD student, New Testament
• Pamela Cooper-White, Academic Dean, Professor of Psychology & Religion
• Vanessa Hutchinson, Vice President of Admissions and Financial Aid
• Aliou Niang, Professor of New Testament
• John Thatamanil, Professor of Theology & World Religions

If you have any questions about Union’s Ph.D. Program, email Dr. Jan Rehmann at [email protected] .

Review the Application Procedures and Deadlines before you apply.

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Doctor of Philosophy Public Theology and Community Engagement

Thank you for your interest in the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree program at Hampton University. Individuals admitted in the Doctor of Philosophy program will successfully complete 54-hours above the Master’s degree. The PhD is an advanced research degree, which emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge in a specialized field using social scientific research skills. Courses in this program are 8-weeks in length, with the student typically completing four courses over the course of a semester, one following another. Each 8-week course requires the same number of hours of engagement as a 16-week course, assuring comparability in rigor, breadth, depth of content, and learning outcomes. This expanded university-based program of religious and theological study is undergirded by the larger academic community of Hampton University as a comprehensive research institution. In addition, communities of faith along with other diverse settings and organizations will serve as hands-on laboratories and teaching sites for supervised internships as a part of dissertation research, field education, and practical experiences in public theology and community engagement. The Doctor of Philosophy degree program is designed to produce pastoral scholars and theologians to advance original research delivered as the dissertation. The PhD is designed with a heavy concentration on research and writing in the theological disciplines and related fields. Doctoral Students, under the guidance of a research chair are required to immerse themselves in a multi-year continuous cycle of independent study and research in theology and its engagement in the public square.

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PhD in Religion

The Religion Department at Claremont Graduate University contributes to the disciplined study of religion, including—but also transcending—considerations of particular communities of belief and practice.

The PhD in Religion trains graduate students in the theories, methods, and knowledge they need in order to participate in and shape the study of religion in the 21st century as well as to apply those tools to productive careers outside the academy. Students enrolled in this PhD program must choose from one of the following areas of specialization: Critical Comparative Scriptures, History of Christianity & Religions of North America, Philosophy of Religion & Theology, and Women’s & Gender Studies in Religion. In special circumstances, students may work with faculty to create an area of specialization outside these areas.

Program Highlights

• Interdisciplinary concentrations are available, including American Studies, Early Modern Studies, Hemispheric & Transnational Studies, Media Studies, and Museum Studies.
• You can take courses and interact with faculty and students in other CGU departments and at The Claremont Colleges in such areas as Asian religions, African-American religions, New Testament, women’s and gender studies, and U.S. history.
• Thanks to CGU’s proximity to Los Angeles, you will study in one of the most religiously diverse areas in the world.
• You will have access to the libraries of CGU and Claremont University Consortium which offer more than two million volumes – more than 250,000 in the field of religion alone.

Program At-a-glance

required units

degree awarded

Spring, Fall

program start

4-7 years | full time*

estimated completion time

Areas of Concentration

Critical comparative scriptures.

The concentration in Critical Comparative Scriptures undertakes in-depth examination of world religious texts to better understand how humans use scripture to shape the politics of religious discourse. You’ll analyze scripture from a range of disciplinary perspectives, from anthropology and psychology to social history and political theory, applying cross-cultural, interdisciplinary analysis to the study of religious texts to better understand their roles and interpretations across human history.

History of Christianity & Religions of North America

The History of Christianity and Religions of North America concentration lets students examine the long sweep of religions in the West through the prism of Christianity. Our classic historical approach to the study of religion enables students to put many religions in perspective, focusing on Christian origins, Medieval and Reformation Christianity, and religion in North America.

Philosophy of Religion & Theology

The concentration in Philosophy of Religion & Theology focuses on classical issues in the field as well as recent theories and movements raised by profound philosophical and theological questions. You’ll receive a broad and pluralistic context for your study of religion to understand major issues, movements, and thinkers in philosophy of religion and theology.

Women’s & Gender Studies in Religion

The Women’s & Gender Studies in Religion concentration introduces students to women’s issues across religious traditions and a wide variety of feminist scholarship in this richly expanding field. Our program addresses a vital need for more scholars whose training addresses gender and identity and explores how different religious traditions approach sexuality and spirituality.

American Studies

The American Studies concentration takes a multidisciplinary approach to the study of United States culture, society, civilization, and identity through the curricular lenses of history, literature, critical theory, and more.

Early Modern Studies

The Early Modern Studies concentration undertakes interdisciplinary examination of history, culture, politics, and society within the transitional and transformative period that stretched between Medieval and modern societies, marked especially by the advent of print, Christian confessional war, and the rise of the modern state.

Hemispheric & Transnational Studies

A comparative analysis of culture in the Americas, the concentration in Hemispheric & Transnational Studies explores how scholarship on the Atlantic, borderlands, and diaspora have reshaped U.S. American Studies, Caribbean Studies, and Latin American Studies, emphasizing the topics of empire, race, religion, and revolution.

Media Studies

Situated at the bustling intersection of cultural studies, new media, critical theory, and popular culture, the burgeoning field of Media Studies examines the creative and critical practices of media consumers, producers, artists, and scholars, focusing on questions of representation, power, technology, politics, and economy.

Museum Studies

The Museum Studies concentration investigates the history and political role of museums in society, the interpretation and display of a wide variety of cultural productions, and topics of special concern to museums as cultural organizations, using a multidisciplinary, practice-based approach to understand the historical development of this evolving field.

Gigi Audoma

Director of Recruitment for the School of Arts & Humanities

Where You Can Find Our Alumni

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

Professor of Philosophy

Ursuline College

Baker University

Assistant Professor of Religious Studies

Bayan Claremont

Assistant Professor of Muslim Studies

Nicola Denzey Lewis

Professor of Religion Margo L. Goldsmith Chair in Women’s Studies in Religion

Research Interests

Social and Intellectual History of the Roman Empire, Gnosticism, Women’s Studies, Religion in the Roman Empire and Late Roman Empire, Late Antiquity

Ruqayya Y. Khan

Professor of Religion Malas Chair of Islamic Studies

The Qur'an, Arabic literatures, progressive Islamic theologies, women in Islam, Islam and environmental ethics, Islam and the digital age, late antiquity and Islam, origins of Islam, cultures of Umayyad Damascus and Abbasid Baghdad

Daniel Ramírez

Associate Professor of Religion

American religious history; Latin American religious history; Religion, migration, and transnationalism; Religion in borderlands; Contemporary theories of religion

Tammi J. Schneider

Danforth Professor of Religion Chair, Religion Department

Ancient Near Eastern history, literature, archaeology, and religion; Women in the Hebrew Bible

Extended Faculty

Ahmed alwishah.

Pitzer College

Islamic philosophy, Medieval philosophy, Philosophy of religion, Islamic theology

Myriam Chancy

Scripps College

African diaspora with specialization in its literature

Stephen T. Davis

Claremont McKenna College

Analytic theology, Christian thought, Metaphysics, Philosophy of religion

Politics of knowledge production, Gender and sexuality, Islam, Transnational feminism, The Middle East, especially Lebanon

Erika Dyson

Harvey Mudd College

Activism and religion, American religious history, Church and state, Occult religions, Religion and science

Oona Eisenstadt

Pomona College

Judaism and political theory

Gastón Espinosa

American religion & politics; Latino religions; Latino religions & politics; Pentecostal, charismatic, & liberation movements; Religion and the American presidency; Religion in the United States

Gary Gilbert

Bible, Christian-Jewish relations, Israel, Jesus, Jewish/Christian relations, Judaism, New Testament

Philip Zuckerman

Secularity, Atheism, Apostasy, and Scandinavian culture

Application Guidelines

CGU operates on a priority deadline cycle. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit complete applications by the priority dates in order to assure maximum consideration for both admission and fellowships.

Spring 2024 Priority Deadline – November 1, 2023 Final Deadline (International) – November 15, 2023 Final Deadline (Domestic) – December 1, 2023 Classes begin – January 16, 2024

Fall 2024 Priority Deadline – February 1, 2024 Final Deadline (International) – July 5, 2024 Final Deadline (Domestic) – August 1, 2024 Classes begin – August 26, 2024

Application Checklist

The Claremont Graduate University online application is hosted online by Slate Technolutions via a secure web server. You will create a username and password so that you can return to continue your application over several sessions and check your status after submission. After you submit your application, it is made available for review by our faculty and staff.

Begin your application

The application fee is non-refundable.

Applicants must submit a sealed, official transcript from every undergraduate and graduate institution that has granted the applicant a degree. Electronic transcripts sent to [email protected] are also accepted. For undergraduate coursework, applicants are required to submit proof of a completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Unofficial copies of transcripts are accepted for review purposes, but official copies will be required upon admission.

Applicants currently earning a degree that will be completed prior to attending CGU are required to submit a transcript showing work in progress for evaluation purposes. Once the degree has been granted, a final official transcript documenting the degree conferred must be submitted to CGU.

International applicants are advised to review the International Transcript Guidelines for additional information on submitting international transcripts.

Applicants must submit an up-to-date copy of their resume.

A valid score on one of the following examinations TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson PTE, Duolingo English Test is required of all non-native English-speaking applicants. The examination is not required for the following applicants:

• Citizens or permanent residents of countries where English is the sole official language of instruction, e.g., Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Canada (except Quebec), England, Ghana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, New Zealand, Nigeria, Scotland, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad, Tobago, Uganda, and Wales (see the CGU Bulletin for a complete list of accepted countries).
• Applicants who hold an undergraduate or advanced degree, or will have earned such a degree prior to enrolling at CGU, from an institution in the US or in countries where English is the sole official language of instruction (see above).
• Applicants who have successfully completed an academic English pre-master’s or intensive graduate bridge program from a nationally recognized, regionally accredited four-year college or university in the United States in the last two years, with submitted evidence of successful completion, and subject to curriculum approval.
• CGU allows for an English proficiency waiver if the applicant has received, or will receive prior to enrollment at CGU, an undergraduate or advanced degree from an institution where English is one of the primary languages of instruction for the majority of courses in the student’s program. To receive the waiver, documentation must be provided by the applicant to show that English is the language of instruction at their university/college.

CGU’s school code for the TOEFL exam is 4053 .

International applicants are encouraged to visit our International Applicants page for more information, including score requirements.

When filling out the online application, please enter references acquainted with your potential for success who will submit a written recommendation on your behalf. In most academic departments, references from faculty members who can speak to your academic ability are preferred; applicants with substantial work experience may request professional references. Please do not enter family members as references.

You will be required to input information for your recommenders (whether they are submitting online or not) in the “Recommendations” section of the online application. Please follow the directions in this section carefully before clicking on “Recommendation Provider List” to input the names and contact information for each recommender. You will have an opportunity to indicate if the reference writer will be submitting online. These reference writers will receive an email from CGU with instructions on submitting an online recommendation.

Recommenders who are indicated as offline will not receive an email from CGU with instructions to submit. These reference writers can submit via traditional mail and should use the supplemental New Student Recommendation Form. Recommenders can also email their letter of recommendation to the Office of Admissions at [email protected] .

Download the Recommendation Form

Please submit a 2-3 page statement of purpose that details your academic and/or professional achievements, your specific areas of research interest within your desired field of study, why you are a strong candidate for graduate studies at CGU, and your career goals.

All applicants are required to submit a writing sample of previous work in addition to the statement of purpose. You may submit samples of any length you feel indicate your writing ability, but please note that we will be unable to return any items submitted as part of your application (please, no books). Most applicants submit one or two scholarly papers or excerpts of around 10-15 pages. Writing samples should not exceed 30 pages.

ESTIMATED TUITION (CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS, NON-RESIDENTS, INTERNATIONAL)

*Based on 2024-2025 tuition rates.

STUDENT FEES (PER SEMESTER)

For estimates of room & board, books, etc., please download CGU’s  Cost of Attendance 2024-2025 .

Review General Costs

View Concentration

Hemispheric & Transnational Studies

These concentrations are available for students pursuing the following degree programs:

Master’s Degrees

• Applied Gender Studies
• Cultural Studies
• Islamic Studies

Doctoral Degrees

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Course details

• Mon 13 Jan 2025 to 04 Apr 2025

Philosophy of Religion (Online)

Using a specially-designed virtual learning environment (VLE), this online course guides students through weekly pathways of directed readings and learning activities. Students interact with their tutor through tutor-guided, text-based forum discussions. There are no 'live-time' video meetings, meaning you can study flexibly whenever it suits you under the direct tuition of an expert. This flexible course is distinct from the live-time classes with weekly lectures on the  Weekly Oxford Worldwide programme .

If you’re interested in delving into the philosophical issues and arguments surrounding the claim that there’s a God, then this is the course for you. Together, we shall look at what, if anything, it is that Jews, Christians and Muslims are agreeing about when they claim that there is a God; and we shall look at what, if any, prospects there are for rationally defending or attacking this claim.

Listen to Dr Tim Mawson talking about the course:  

As a student, you will be helped to engage in various activities to stimulate personal reflection; be guided in your reading of some important philosophical texts; find challenge and support as you participate in group discussions; and – above all – be encouraged to think for yourself about the issues raised and arguments deployed. By the end of the course, you should feel more (justifiably) confident in the defensibility of your religious beliefs (or lack of them).

For information on how the courses work, please click here .

Programme details

The areas you will cover in this course are:

• Introduction – Reason and the Philosophy of Religion.
• The Concept of God: An introduction to the classical theistic concept of God as a being who is necessarily personal, transcendent, immanent, omnipotent, omniscient, eternal, perfectly free, perfectly good, and necessary; and non-essentially creator of the world and value; revealer of Himself; and offerer of everlasting life. A detailed discussion of each of these properties and the philosophical issues that they raise with a view to determining the overall coherence (or lack of it) and simplicity (or lack of it) of the classical theistic concept of God.
• Arguing For and Against the Existence of God: A discussion of whether or not belief or the absence of belief in such a God might be the sort of thing that does not rationally require argument and, if not, what the criteria for a good argument for or against such a God’s existence might be. A discussion of the main arguments for and against the existence of God: the Argument to Design; the Cosmological Argument; the Ontological Argument; the Argument from Religious Experience; and the Argument from Apparent Miracles.
• Conclusion: A discussion of the nature and role (if any) of faith and Pascal’s Wager. An opportunity for each student to discuss what (if anything) he or she feels he or she has gained from the course.

We strongly recommend that you try to find a little time each week to engage in the online conversations (at times that are convenient to you) as the forums are an integral, and very rewarding, part of the course and the online learning experience.  

Recommended reading

To participate in the course you will need to have regular access to the Internet and you will need to buy the following textbook:

• Mawson, T. J., Belief in God (OUP, Oxford, 2005) ISBN 0199284954

You can, if you wish, purchase this textbook directly from Oxford University Press .

Certification

Credit Application Transfer Scheme (CATS) points 

To earn credit (CATS points) for your course you will need to register and pay an additional £30 fee for each course you enrol on. You can do this by ticking the relevant box at the bottom of the enrolment form or when enrolling online. If you do not register when you enrol, you have up until the course start date to register and pay the £30 fee. 

See more information on CATS point

Coursework is an integral part of all online courses and everyone enrolled will be expected to do coursework, but only those who have registered for credit will be awarded CATS points for completing work at the required standard. If you are enrolled on the Certificate of Higher Education, you need to indicate this on the enrolment form but there is no additional registration fee. 

Digital credentials

All students who pass their final assignment, whether registered for credit or not, will be eligible for a digital Certificate of Completion. Upon successful completion, you will receive a link to download a University of Oxford digital certificate. Information on how to access this digital certificate will be emailed to you after the end of the course. The certificate will show your name, the course title and the dates of the course you attended. You will be able to download your certificate or share it on social media if you choose to do so. 

Please note that assignments are not graded but are marked either pass or fail. 

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, you are a full-time student in the UK or a student on a low income, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:

Concessionary fees for short courses

Dr Ilhaam Isaacs

Course aims.

This course aims to facilitate students in thinking clearly about the following questions: What, if anything, is it that Jews, Christians, and Muslims are agreeing about when they join in claiming that there is a God; and what, if any, prospects are there for rationally defending or attacking this claim?

Course Objectives

• Introduce students to philosophical thinking in the British Analytical Tradition, particularly as it applies to topics in the Philosophy of Religion.
• Familiarise students with the key arguments for and against the main positions in the debate about the existence of the classical theistic God.
• Enable students to think clearly and for themselves about these issues, increasing their understanding of their own religious beliefs (if any) and those of others.

Teaching methods

There will be guided reading of texts and students will be directed to various online resources, including some interactive ones. The main online teaching and learning activity will be the discussion forums, where students gather in their ‘cyber agora’ to be gadflies to one another (in the nicest possible way). Students will be directed to websites (occasionally as a requirement, otherwise as an optional extra) that have relevant material on a topic-by-topic basis. Students will be encouraged to use the Stanford Online Encyclopaedia of Philosophy

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be expected to understand the main issues and arguments relevant to the classical theistic concept of God; the main arguments for and against the existence of such a being; and, at least better than they did at the start, their own religious beliefs (or lack of them). By the end of this course students will be expected to have gained or improved their ability to:

• Describe the main arguments for and against the main positions in the Philosophy of Religion.
• Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of these positions and critically to assess these arguments.
• Defend their own answer to the question of whether or not there’s a God of the sort Jews, Christians and Muslims worship.

Assessment methods

You will be set two pieces of work for the course. The first of 500 words is due halfway through your course. This does not count towards your final outcome but preparing for it, and the feedback you are given, will help you prepare for your assessed piece of work of 1,500 words due at the end of the course. The assessed work is marked pass or fail.

English Language Requirements

We do not insist that applicants hold an English language certification, but warn that they may be at a disadvantage if their language skills are not of a comparable level to those qualifications listed on our website. If you are confident in your proficiency, please feel free to enrol. For more information regarding English language requirements please follow this link: https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/english-language-requirements

Application

Please use the 'Book' or 'Apply' button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an Enrolment form for short courses | Oxford University Department for Continuing Education

Level and demands

FHEQ level 4, 10 weeks, approx 10 hours per week, therefore a total of about 100 study hours.

IT requirements

This course is delivered online; to participate you must to be familiar with using a computer for purposes such as sending email and searching the Internet. You will also need regular access to the Internet and a computer meeting our recommended minimum computer specification.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support

• Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures
• School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science
• Research degrees

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

A PhD is an internationally-recognised research qualification. You can study for your PhD on-campus or by online learning.

Studying for your PhD in the School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science means that you will undertake an extended, original research project allowing you to become an expert in your specialist area and gain high-quality research skills.

You’ll have regular meetings with your supervisors who will read your work and provide detailed feedback and advice. You’ll also develop an initial training plan to make sure you are acquiring the appropriate skills for your research and that your progress is monitored.

You will conduct original research work under the guidance of your supervisors. Your initial priority is to refine a research plan and establish a feasible timescale for your project. You may be required to shadow an MA Research Methods module as part of your training programme.

For the first 12 months (or 18 months if part-time) you’ll be enrolled as a provisional PhD student and you'll develop a detailed research proposal and write a literature review. This work will be submitted to a panel of examiners who will assess it and provide you with feedback and advice on the progress of your research.

This is called 'transfer' and is an important means of monitoring the progress of your work and assessing whether your proposal has enough weight to be accurately explored through a PhD research path.

After successful transfer, you will enrol as a full PhD student, complete your research and write a thesis of approximately 100,000 words.

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy is awarded on the basis of this thesis, and your viva voce, where you present and discuss the rationale, methods and findings of your original study with an examining panel.

A PhD can be taken full-time (3 years standard) or part-time (five years standard).

Areas of supervision

Research opportunities are available across the School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science. Each specialism in the School has its own research areas , each of which has a successful and thriving research community.

Entry requirements

You should hold a good honours degree (upper second class or first class) in a related discipline, and hold, or expect to obtain, a Masters degree a related subject.

If English is not your first language, you will also need an English language qualification, for example IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in all components.

You can improve your academic English level to the standard needed to study a postgraduate research degree by taking a pre-sessional course.

The online-learning PhD requires IELTS score of 7.0 overall, no less than 6.5 in every component.

Scholarships and fees

A range of  scholarships  are available for PhD students. 

Fees for PhD programmes  are set independently and reviewed on annual basis.

PhD by online learning

The School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science also offers a PhD by online learning which is available to UK, EU and International applicants. PhD by online learning allows you to study at a time and place that suits you and with a part time option available, you'll have the flexibility to gain an advanced degree alongside work and other commitments.

The programme is aimed at suitably qualified Postgraduate Researcher candidates who need to study for most of their registration period at another site. There are a number of reasons why you may wish to base yourself away from the University of Leeds whilst undertaking your PhD which include the following:

Your research project requires substantial access to resources and facilities located at a different site

You have employment commitments relevant to your project that prevents you from being based in Leeds

Your PhD has been arranged as part of a specific partnership/sponsorship arrangement

For further information, please contact  Dr Pammi Sinha ,  Head of the Graduate School. 

Jim Baxter PhD Philosophy

I enjoyed being able to dedicate such a large amount of time to thinking deeply about a single question. Doing a PhD is pretty much the only way you can do that and it’s a real privilege. I also think there’s a lot to be said for doing a PhD part-time. It takes a long time, but it’s great to have something separate from work that you can dedicate time and attention to like that. 

How to Get a PhD, EdD, DMin, or ThD in Religious Studies or Theology

The U.S. and European university systems have their roots in religious education. From the middle ages through the 19th century, theology dominated the university curriculum. Today, religious studies is one among many humanities disciplines, and theology has migrated to college divinity schools and seminaries. Nevertheless, religious studies and theology departments continue to support advanced religious scholarship and professional development in ministry.

Religious studies and theology graduate schools offer four doctoral degrees: the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), the Doctor of Education (EdD), the Doctor of Ministry (DMin), and the Doctor of Theology (ThD). Depending which path you choose, you might find yourself advancing scholarship as an academic professor, or deepening your spiritual understanding and service in a ministerial leadership role.

Realizing your academic or ministerial vocation takes vision and planning. This guide helps you through the process of applying to an advanced religious studies degree program. You’ll be able to determine which doctoral degree is best for you, find the right doctoral program, and take steps to prepare for advanced study. You’ll also learn about online doctoral programs and why earning your degree online might be right for you.

A Guide to PhD and DMin Programs in Religious Studies & Theology

Advanced religious study has evolved to include a broad array of doctoral programs. The first step on the road to an advanced degree is to understand which type of religious studies doctorate degree suits your personal convictions and career goals.

Religious Studies or Theology?

Most colleges and universities make a distinction between religious studies and theology, often sponsoring one discipline or the other. As with any other college degree, it’s important to choose the discipline that bests matches your career goals.

• Religious studies is the academic study of world religions from a neutral, anthropological perspective. Like other humanities fields, religious studies is dedicated to advancing knowledge through research. Religious studies interprets religious history and contemporary practice in the context of other liberal arts and humanities–history, philosophy, philology (historical linguistics), anthropology, or sociology.
• Theology , by contrast, focuses on developing a deeper understanding of spiritual issues in the context of a particular religious tradition. Though the disciplines bear some relationship to each other, theology is distinct in its focus on achieving spiritual insight through both liberal arts research and scripture.

Religious Studies and Theology Doctorates: Doctor of Philosophy, Theology, or Ministry

Religious studies and theology programs feature a selection of doctorate degrees tailored to different career objectives.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the academic degree that most closely resembles the humanities research doctorate. The purpose of this degree is to advance knowledge of religion as a historical, anthropological, psychological, or sociological phenomenon.

The Doctor of Theology (ThD) is also an academic degree involving original scholarship, but the focus is on interpreting a religious tradition from within, with reference to its texts, doctrine, historical record, etc.

The Doctor of Ministry (DMin ) is a professional degree that focuses on applying theology to the practice of ministry. The DMin differs from the PhD and ThD in its research aims: rather than fostering an original contribution to religious scholarship, the DMin project applies existing scholarship in the practice of ministry. As one Doctor of Ministry admissions counselor puts it: “While the DMin involves research, the desired outcome is greater insight into the nature and purposes of ministry, for the improvement of its practice.”

The Doctor of Education or Philosophy in Pastoral Counseling (EdD or PhD) is a professional degree aimed at preparing graduates to help others in need of spiritual guidance. While this degree has many overlaps with traditional counseling programs, the religious focus sets it–and you–apart.

Career Track

Your career ambitions will determine which discipline and which doctorate degree you pursue. Religious doctoral degrees may lead either to an academic career or a professional career. Academic careers focus on research and teaching; options include university professor, researcher, and librarian positions. Professional careers may focus on religious ministry or other leadership roles, such as administration. Other venues for a religious doctoral degree include museums, social service agencies, private foundations, libraries, and publishing companies.

• The PhD in Religious Studies offers the most straightforward path into academia, since it equips graduates with the research and teaching skills sought after by research universities and colleges
• The ThD in Theology can lead either to a faculty position at a college, seminary, or parochial school, or to a career in ministry. Theology graduates may also go on to positions in religious education administration
• The DMin in Religious Studies or Theology leads to religious leadership positions, often in Christian ministry
• An EdD or PhD in Pastoral Counseling , much like a DMin, can lead to religious leadership positions, but graduates of one of these doctorate degree programs also positions as professional, spiritually oriented counselors. An EdD in Pastoral Counseling typically won’t be very different form a PhD in Pastoral Counseling. Schools offer one or the other, and programs are similar

PhD in Religious Studies & Theology Specializations

Since each religious studies doctoral program has its own emphases and religious affiliations, you’ll find a vast array of specialized fields. Knowing the available options can help you find the best match for your interests. Some common PhD in Religious Studies specializations include:

• American Religious History
• Ancient Christianity
• Asian Religions
• Islamic Studies
• Judaic Studies
• New Testament
• Old Testament/ Hebrew Bible
• Philosophy of Religion
• Religious Ethics

ThD or DMin in Theology specializations emphasize issues related to spiritual practice and ministry. Examples include:

• Church Leadership
• Pastoral Psychology
• Spiritual Formation
• Liturgical Studies

Each program offers its own take on these areas. With a little research, you can find one that matches your interests perfectly.

How to Apply for PhD and DMin Programs in Religious Studies & Theology

Your career goals and specialization interests offer a valuable compass for navigating the religious studies doctorate degree options available today. The following steps will help you find a doctoral program that matches your needs and start your journey to an advanced degree.

Find Your PhD, EdD, ThD, or DMin Program in Religious Studies

Finding the right doctoral degree program for you takes careful research. The following four steps will help you organize the process.

Step One: Develop a List of Accredited Programs

Start by developing a list of program candidates. Let your must-have criteria guide you at this initial stage: your own faith (or neutral disposition) and your desired degree type and discipline. Many schools are affiliated with a particular religion or religious denomination; others are independent, emphasizing a neutral approach to religious studies as a social science discipline.

Be sure to vet your list of degree programs for the most fundamental requirement: accreditation. Accreditation by an independent accrediting association ensures the value of the degree and could be a factor in your eligibility for federal financial aid.

Step Two: Online or Campus PhD in Religious Studies?

Graduate-level education has embraced online learning technology as a means of making advanced degrees more accessible to mid-career professionals. However, some doctoral programs require temporary residency or even full-time campus study to help students realize the benefits of faculty mentorship and other program resources.

• Online programs offer flexibility for working adults balancing pastoral, family, and other commitments alongside their education. Online Doctor of Ministry degree programs are expecially popular, since most DMin students are already practicing their vocation. Online programs in ministry or theology typically take advantage of the synergy between vocation and education, encouraging students to develop and apply research projects in the context of their ministry.
• Campus programs favor academic doctorates such as the PhD or ThD in religious studies, because they afford unparalleled access to campus resources. Students on the academic career track gain from close contact with faculty mentors and academic ‘apprenticeships’ like teaching and research assistant positions. They also take advantage of school library collections and research facilities. Many online PhD degrees and online ThD programs in religious studies require periods of campus residency to allow students to reap these benefits.

Step Three: Explore Academic Programs

The third phase in your research is arguably the most important: exploring and evaluating the available academic programs. The goal of your research is to identify faculty and programs that reflect your own interests. The director of a graduate religious studies program explains: “Perhaps the most important factor in PhD admissions is called ‘fit,’ and it focuses on the match between the applicant’s intended area of study and faculty specializations.” Finding a kindred spirit among faculty members is especially important if you are applying to a PhD or ThD program in religious studies, since these academic programs involve close collaboration with a faculty mentor.

Assess the fit of a program by investigating:

• Faculty research interests
• Specialized fields and areas of concentration
• Course curricula
• Special programs

You can also narrow down your list using an automated school matching system and gathering more information via the school’s Web site. Doctoral program information generally covers course requirements, faculty bios, and links to research publications, admissions details, and more.

Step Four: Evaluate Program Quality

In this last stage you’ll narrow your list to four or five schools by evaluating the quality of the programs that match your interests. Your goal is to identify schools that match your academic qualifications, taking into account factors such as your grade point average and test scores.

The following factors can help you evaluate the quality of a PhD, EdD, ThD, or DMin degree program in religious studies.

• Selectivity
• Graduation Rate
• Job Placement Statistics
• Career Support Resources
• Student Body Profile

You can determine a program’s reputation by asking your undergraduate or graduate faculty mentors and other professors in the field for recommendations. Another source of information regarding reputation is graduate school rankings published by independent researchers. The National Research Council’s 2009 Assessment of Research Doctorate Programs offers a reliable ranking of graduate religious studies programs. U.S. News & World Report ranks humanities graduate schools, but does not offer a specific report on religious studies or theology programs.

School admissions departments can provide you with the remaining data you need to evaluate program selectivity and quality. Information on student demographics and job placement can give you an idea of what the experience will be like and what career opportunities you can expect.

Preparing for a PhD in Religious Studies or Theology

Next, prepare for the program by completing program prerequisites and compiling the application materials. Admissions requirements differ from program to program, but standard requirements include:

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree (Master of Theology, Master of Divinity, etc.) in a related field. If you have a degree in another field, you may be required to take prerequisite courses before beginning the program
• Ministry experience is a common requirement for the DMin and, in some cases, the ThD. The PhD in religious studies does not require work experience
• Statement of purpose–schools use this to determine whether your interests fit well with their program emphases
• GRE or TOEFL (for non-native speakers of English)
• Transcripts
• Academic and professional letters of recommendation

Financial Aid

A PhD in liberal arts & humanities with a specialization in religious studies may be one of the most important investments you ever make. Doctoral students typically fund a significant part of their educational costs through teaching assistantships and financial aid. Funding options include scholarships, teaching and research jobs, research grants, and student loans.

Joining the Academic Community

Getting a PhD or DMin in religious studies is not just a good career move–it’s also an opportunity to join a community of people who share your academic or religious vocation. Prepare for your degree by cultivating relationships with your peers. Resources include:

• Academic or professional associations . General religious studies associations include the Religious Research Association, the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion, the Association of Practical Theology, and the Religious Education Association.
• Academic journals . Reading journals in your field builds your familiarity with leading scholars and issues in your chosen field. You’ll also begin to develop a sense of your own research interests. American Journal of Biblical Theology, Harvard Theological Review, Studies in Comparative Religion, Religious Studies Review, and International Journal of Systematic Theology are just a few journals that publish original research in religious studies and theology.

With your entry into the academic community, you’re officially on your way to achieving the highest distinction in your profession. The PhD, ThD, and DMin in Religious Studies offer powerful tools for developing your vocation as a religious scholar or minister. To get there, you’ll need an uncommon degree of vision and discipline. Focus your quest, and take the first steps on your journey to a doctorate degree today.

• Beeson Divinity School, DMin
• The Chronicle of Higher Education, The Ethics of being a Theologian , by K.L. Noll
• National Research Council, 2009 Assessment of Research Doctorate Programs
• Graduate Theological Union, Doctoral Studies at the GTU
• Religious Education Association (REA)
• Tyndale Seminary, Doctor of Ministry
• U.S. Department of Education, Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs
• Yale University, Religious Studies, PhD Program
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Religious Studies, PHD

On this page:, at a glance: program details.

• Location: Tempe campus
• Second Language Requirement: No

Program Description

Degree Awarded: PHD Religious Studies

The academic study of religion is a central component of the humanities and has become increasingly recognized as a critical tool in understanding society and politics in a globalized world.

The PhD program in religious studies helps graduate students develop greater expertise regarding the nature and role of religion around the world. The program provides supplementary training that includes history, anthropology, political science, journalism, secondary education and justice studies.

Doctoral focus areas in the study of religion approach the study in a variety of contexts. Specifically offered are areas in:

• anthropology of religion
• global Christianity
• Islam in global contexts
• religion in Asia
• religion in the Americas

Degree Requirements

Curriculum plan options.

• 84 credit hours, foreign language exams, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (6 credit hours) REL 501 The Study of Religion I: Genealogies, Disciplines and Power (3) REL 502 The Study of Religion II: Epistemology, Practice and Mediation (3)

Other Requirement (3 credit hours) REL 700 Research Methods (3)

Electives (51 credit hours)

Research (12 credit hours) REL 792 Research (12)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) REL 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information Students must choose one of the five focus areas that are listed in the program description, and they select courses for the focus area as part of their electives in consultation with their supervisory committee.

As part of electives, students may include up to three credit hours of REL 690 Reading and Conference. Additionally, students may select up to six credit hours of graduate-level courses from a related discipline that support the student's research.

Other requirement course REL 700 may be substituted with approval of the academic unit.

When approved by the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, this program may allow up to 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree to be used for this program. If students do not have a previously awarded master's degree, the remaining coursework will be made up of electives and research.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution. Transcripts must show evidence of having completed the equivalent of 15 credit hours of undergraduate work in the study of religions, including advanced courses in both western and Asian or other nonwestern religions. Applicants who have not met this requirement may be required to take additional coursework beyond program requirements to remedy this deficiency.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.30 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.30 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. The most competitive applicants have a GPA of 3.50 or higher.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• statement of purpose
• curriculum vitae
• writing sample
• contact information for three references
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

The statement of purpose should be approximately 1,000 words describing the applicant's academic background, the reasons for wishing to pursue a doctorate in religious studies, the proposed area of specialization, and specific research topics the student plans to engage in at Arizona State University.

The writing sample should be a work of original scholarly writing, approximately 15 to 30 pages in length. It should represent the student's best academic writing.

Students are required to submit contact information for three academic references who are qualified to provide detailed, accurate evaluations of the applicant's potential as a graduate student in religious studies. Professors, particularly faculty advisors, are preferred. Recommenders are contacted by the Graduate College with a request to complete a reference questionnaire. Letters of recommendation can be submitted in addition to answering these questions online.

Next Steps to attend ASU

Learn about our programs, apply to a program, visit our campus, application deadlines, learning outcomes.

• Students will analyze and present theories and methods in the study of religion through in-class discussion, oral presentation and submission of an original written seminar paper.
• Students will critically analyze religions by formulating research questions, examining various kinds of qualitative data, and drawing connections to relevant secondary literatures.
• Students will conduct original research through a doctoral study drawing connections to relevant secondary literature, collect and analyze primary data, communicate, and defend responses to research questions.

Career Opportunities

Graduates possess training and knowledge relevant to careers in a variety of different roles and in a range of employment sectors. Some typical employers include government agencies, especially the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; nongovernmental organizations; schools, colleges and universities; charities and nonprofit organizations; social services; and churches and other religious organizations.

Career examples include:

• book editor
• case management director
• church administrator
• foreign service employee
• global affairs writer
• nongovernmental organization professional
• nonprofit manager
• professional researcher and writer
• university instructor

Global Experience

With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

• [email protected]
• 480/965-5778

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Religion & Society PhD Program

The Religion and Society Program promotes interdisciplinary reflection that critically examines religious and social life. With “the religious” and “the social” as its two areas of focus, the program equips doctoral students with theoretical resources and diverse perspectives that enhance and deepen their theological studies and Christian practices in church and society. These areas of study are important for structuring the program’s conceptual field and its comprehensive exams.

PhD Course of Study

The faculty of the program bring a variety of perspectives and expertise in:

• Religious studies (e.g., sociology of religion, history of religion, philosophy of religion)
• Social sciences (e.g., sociology, anthropology, political science, economics)
• Humanities (e.g., history, literature)
• Ethics (e.g., religious, social, theological)
• Theology (e.g., systematic, doctrinal, constructive)

Seminary and University Scholarship

Doctoral students are expected to learn from disciplines of the university, even as they focus those disciplines for distinctive concerns and contexts of Christian theological traditions. This program not only enables scholarship at the Seminary to sustain its own community of research into religious and social issues, it also serves as a liaison between the Seminary and Princeton University and, on occasion between the Seminary and other nearby institutions.

U.S. and International Scholarship

The dual focus on religion and society, and its distinctive interdisciplinary work, has traditionally made the Religion and Society Program an important resource for international as well as U.S. scholars. The PhD program places a high value on a functioning diversity of scholars from this country and from abroad, who come together to reflect critically on issues of justice and peace, and on human differences that are not only religious, social, and theological, but also cultural, political, and economic.

The Religion and Society Program has traditionally sought to fuse rigorous reflection with social criticism and prophetic discourse.

Seminars Offered by Religion and Society Program Faculty

• Critical Issues in the History of Religions
• The American Jeremiad: American Religion in Cultural Context
• Methods in Theological and Religious Studies
• Aquinas on Law and the Virtues
• Theological Anthropology
• Race, Racism, and Religion in America

Comprehensive Examinations

The interdisciplinary ethos of the Religion and Society Program is structured for doctoral students around four comprehensive exams, usually toward the end of the second year of residence. One of these exams should be selected by examinees as their “theory and methods exam,” in which they include special attention to theoretical and methodological options and debates pertinent to that exam.

• Religion and religions—This exam should demonstrate excellence in knowledge of religious studies and at least one non-Christian tradition.
• Social sciences or the humanities—This exam should demonstrate excellence in one theoretical perspective on the “social” in either the social science or the humanities.
• Ethics—This exam should demonstrate excellence in the knowledge of religious, social, or theological ethics.
• A Dissertation-related theme or problematic—This exam should demonstrate excellence in analyzing a theme or problem that will be significant in the writing of the dissertation.

The first two exams enable disciplined attention to the areas of study, which set the conceptual field of religion and society. The third exam in ethics is required because analysis of the moral life, and ethical reflection upon it, has been a key site wherein religious and social themes often intersect in theological studies and Christian practice. The fourth exam enables students to focus research and thinking about their dissertations. These exams are “qualifying” exams in that they certify readiness to proceed to the dissertation proposal and writing phases of the program.

Doctoral Program

Religious Studies typically admits three or four doctoral students each year, and at any one time has about twenty-five students in the program.  Learn more through the below boxes.

Requirements

Fields of study, graduate handbook.

Philosophy and Religion Postgraduate Research - 2024 Entry

Course details.

• Qualification PhD
• Duration 2-5 years

About This Course

The aim of the MPhil degree is that you will have gained substantial specialist knowledge of a particular discipline and/or historical period, as a basis for more detailed research. You will have developed independent research skills appropriate for an academic post or a career in advanced research and written a substantial thesis, which may be extended subsequently into a thesis at doctoral level.

The aim of the PhD degree is to assist you to complete a major piece of research in the area of Philosophy and/or Religion, and to demonstrate suitable academic attainments for appointment to a university-level teaching or research post. At the end of the programme, you will possess a good general knowledge of the particular field of learning within which the subject of the thesis falls and will have made a significant, original and substantial contribution to research.

For both degree programmes, you will receive research and transferable skills training from the University’s Graduate Training Programme. (Does not apply if you take these programmes by distance learning).

You will be assigned a supervisor, whose duty it is to provide advice about the choice of subjects and on any questions relating to your academic work. Teaching is by means of individual tuition, according to the circumstances and the discretion of the supervisor. Arrangements vary from case to case. Advice can also be given by e-mail or telephone but you will need to meet your supervisor on a regular basis in order to discuss your progress.

The MPhil is awarded for a dissertation of not more than 60,000 words, and the PhD for a dissertation normally of not more than 100,000 words.

Research areas

The School offers supervision in the following areas of specialism:

• Philosophy of Religion
• Meta ethics and Normative ethics
• Meta philosophy
• Problem of Evil
• Islamic studies
• Fundamentalism
• Psychoanalytic studies
• Jungian studies
• Sociology of Religion
• Wittgenstein

To apply, send a research proposal of no less than 500 words, accompanied by a proposed bibliography and personal statement outlining your relevant experience (training and research) in your chosen field. To find out more about staff specialisms and supervision in the school, consult the Staff pages.

Programme Length

PhD: 3 years full-time; 5 years part-time; MPhil: 2 years full-time; 4 years part-time. Can be taken by Distance Learning.

Research Opportunities

Supervisors are renowned in their field and are members of international editorial boards, and various academic boards related to their fields of expertise.

Entry Requirements

We would normally expect students starting a PhD or MPhil to hold a first class or a good second-class degree. In many cases PhD applicants have studied to MA level, though this is not compulsory. We accept students on a distance-learning basis, but they should have access to an academic library for easy access of research materials to consult in addition to the online facilities available through Bangor University library.

Students whose first language is not English are expected to have achieved an IELTS score of 7.0 with no element below 6.5.

This is a research degree, preparing you for an academic career in religion or philosophy or for other work requiring highly qualified individuals in related areas. The high level analytical and research skills acquired during this degree will increase your employability in areas such as communications, teaching, publishing and research.

Explore More in Philosophy and Religion

A research degree will prepare you for an academic career in Philosophy or Religion. The high level analytical and research skills acquired during this research will enhance your employability.

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Philosophy and Religious Studies Department

Asking life's big questions.

What is reality? What is humanity’s place in the universe? What role does religion play in human experience? These questions get to the root of it all. UWEC’s Philosophy and Religious Studies Department can help you to investigate these inquiries — and so much more.

Majors and Minors in Philosophy and Religious Studies

The Philosophy and Religious Studies Department at UW-Eau Claire provides students with a valuable foundation in critical thinking and analytical reasoning. Whichever academic offering you choose, you will be prepared for a number of careers or to excel in graduate school. Here, you will learn from faculty dedicated to equipping you with the conceptual and analytical tools needed to understand the world and your place in it.

The analytical reasoning certificate is for students who wish to build the analytical skills they may need for graduate school, law school, or in a variety of chosen careers.

Develop your ethical reasoning skills and better recognize ethical issues in personal, professional, and social contexts with an ethics certificate from UWEC.

Examine and better understand issues in the Middle East. With this minor or certificate, you'll explore regional religion, history, and politics.

Explore life’s biggest questions — and use reason and argument in an attempt to answer them — with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. After graduation, you'll be prepared for a wide range of fields, including law, business, social work, politics, data science, and research.

Pursue the religious studies major or minor at UWEC to explore the fascinating world of religion and the various beliefs, practices, texts, ceremonies, and theologies associated with it.

Enhance your understanding of the beliefs, practices, and cultural impact of major religious traditions with a world religions certificate from UWEC.

Meet the Faculty

Philosophy and religious studies majors are renowned for doing exceptionally well on their GREs and LSATs. In fact, philosophy majors regularly score the #1 spot on the verbal and analytical sections of the GRE and earn the highest average LSAT scores. We prepare you for exactly the kind of questions you will encounter on those tests. You'll learn analytical reasoning, critical thinking, creativity, and independent thought.

Fewer Blugolds in your classes mean more one-on-one instruction from your professors. This is often the case within the Philosophy and Religious Studies programs. Here, our faculty will get to know you by name and make sure you are thriving in your academic journey.

Just the facts

Explore A New Campus Participate in the National Student Exchange Program and choose from 180 schools, including universities in Canada, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.

The honors program in philosophy and religious studies enables outstanding students to engage in challenging honors coursework and creative honors research experiences.

Eligibility:

Admission is by departmental invitation to students majoring in Philosophy or Religious Studies who have demonstrated excellent intellectual potential. To be considered, students must have a minimum 3.5 GPA in the major and in all university coursework.

Requirements for Completion:

• Complete an Honors Capstone Thesis as the outcome of the departmental seminar — either PHIL 485 (Seminar in Problems in Philosophy) or RELS 490 (Seminar in Religious Studies) — or an appropriately crafted Independent Study project.
• Present the thesis research at or in a suitable local, regional, or national venue. 

An internship may be directly related to your future career, a convenient method of trying out a job to see if it fits, or a complement to your studies. Get a feel for being in the working world and earn a great talking point in interviews.

Interested in internships? Visit Career Services on campus or log in to Handshake to search for listings.

Take a thorough look at what you know and then leap into what you don’t. Conducting research as an undergraduate student will enrich your education in a myriad of ways.

Investigate the past, uncover new evidence, delve deep into existing theories, and develop your own concepts to advance the frontiers of thought. If interested in conducting collaborative research, ask a faculty mentor in the Philosophy and Religious Studies Department.

We offer an array of scholarships specifically for students studying Philosophy and Religious Studies, thanks to generous donors. Learn more about our specific scholarships below:

Scholarships for Philosophy or Religious Studies

• This $500 scholarship is awarded for travel and study. Recipients need not be participating in the official study abroad program.
• These awards go to eligible students who have demonstrated service and leadership on campus and/or in the community and who show promise as future community leaders.
• $700 to be awarded to an eligible student who has been accepted into the study abroad program.

Religious Studies Scholarships

• $1,250 to be awarded to an eligible student planning a career in Christian ministry, Christian outreach and/or Christian media work.
• $1,000 to be awarded to a junior or senior majoring in religious studies with a resident and major GPA of 3.0 or higher.  

Philosophy Scholarships

• $100 awarded for an outstanding essay written by a student enrolled in Philosophy 485, Seminar in Problems of Philosophy.
• This $1,000 merit-based scholarship is granted to an eligible student who is actively engaged in curricular and co-curricular activities and holding a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Apply for these and learn more on Gold for Blugolds .

Did you know there are nearly 300 student groups at UW-Eau Claire? Some of these are closely tied to academics, like the Philosophy Club, which meets every week. This type of scholastic organization will complement your classwork and connect you with individuals who share your core goals.

UW-Eau Claire also has student groups for sports, games, spirituality, political action, language studies, music, community service, and so much more. To step beyond the scope of your major, browse the official list of student organizations and see where curiosity can take you on Blugold Connect+ .

Blugold Stories

Religious studies teaches you about people, yourself, and why we are where we are today. It forces you to think critically about the tough questions in life and dig deep to find out who you are as a person. Just like art and music, religious studies plays an important role in shaping a well-rounded individual.

Hibbard Humanities Hall 632 124 Garfield Avenue Eau Claire , WI 54701 United States

What's Next?

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

105 Garfield Avenue  P.O. Box 4004  Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004 

715-836-4636

Mafaz Al-Suwaidan

Mafaz Al-Suwaidan is a PhD candidate in Philosophy of Religion focused on Islam and Modern Thought, with a secondary degree in African and African American Studies. She holds a Master of Theological Study (MTS) degree in Islamic Studies, a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in Creative Writing, and a Bachelor of Journalism. Her research interests include modern Islamic thought, Muslim movements, West African Sufism, Black Power studies, and religion in literature. Her dissertation explores the religious thought and philosophies of early 20th-century Muslim social-political movements in Egypt, Senegal, and the U.S.; reconstructing and reconsidering key elements of their thinking against a backdrop of Western liberalism.

Mafaz Al-Suwaidan’s website is linked here.

Secondary Menu

The good life: religion, philosophy, and life's ultimate concerns, history 266, prerequisites.

Reserved for sophomores

Curriculum Codes

Cross-listed as.

• JEWISHST 210
• RELIGION 210

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Department of Geography

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The Ph.D. is a different kind of degree from the master’s degree. A doctoral candidate in geography must be capable of making original contributions to knowledge and scholarship. For the students to make such contributions, they must concentrate on a narrow and clearly defined field of study. We require, however, that doctoral candidates know more of geography than their particular specialties; thus, any aspirant for a doctorate must obtain master’s training or its equivalent before being admitted to doctoral candidacy. In short, admission to doctoral candidacy is official recognition that a student’s general foundation in the breadth of geography is satisfactory. Students then devote their attention to developing depth in chosen specialties.

The general requirements for a doctoral degree in geography are more rigorous than those for a master’s degree. At the same time, the greater flexibility of the doctoral program allows advanced students to pursue programs of study tailored to their special interests and needs.

Progress through the degree is marked by: 

• Successful performance in a verbal qualifying exam; 
• Four-day written comprehensive exam, with a verbal portion after the written answers have been assessed by the committee;  
• Formal dissertation proposal; and 
• Verbal defense of a completed dissertation.

The four-year Ph.D. program is reserved for students who have a master’s degree from another graduate program. That can be another geography program at another university, a non-geography program at another university, or a non-geography program at Penn State.

Students entering the four-year Ph.D. program must take the doctoral qualifying exam in their first year. A committee from three of the four fields of geography and formally appointed by the Graduate Program Officer will administer the qualifying exam. The qualifying exam can take place any time during the year, but students in the four-year Ph.D. program typically take it during spring semester.

Students in the four-year Ph.D. program complete a comprehensive exam and defend their dissertation proposal in the second year. Depending on the needs of their research, and in agreement with their doctoral committee, students can fulfill these two requirements in either order. Once students have successfully passed their comprehensive exam and defended their proposal, they typically take two years to research, write, and defend their dissertations.

Our online Graduate Student Handbook explains the program requirements for all degrees.