can you get a phd in religion

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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.

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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

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Ph.D. in Religious Studies

General info.

• Faculty working with students: 43
• Students: 45
• Students receiving Financial Aid: 100%
• Part time study available: No
• Application terms: Fall
• Application deadlines: December 13

Ross Wagner Director of Graduate Studies Graduate Program in Religion Duke University Box 90964 Durham, NC 27708-0964 Phone: (919) 660-3512

Email:  [email protected]

Website: http://graduateprograminreligion.duke.edu

Program Description

The Graduate Program in Religion offers degrees in the following fields: American Religion; Asian Religions; Christian Theological Studies; Early Christianity; Hebrew Bible/Old Testament; History of Judaism; Islamic Studies; New Testament; Religion, Aesthetics, & Society; and World Christianity. Each field is described in detail on the web site where a field convener also is listed ( http://www.duke.edu/web/gradreligion ). Inquiries related to specific fields should be directed to that individual. Applicants should make clear the specific area in which they wish to concentrate (for example, Medieval Islam, early Judaism, contemporary Christian ethics).

Students are required to take an internal and/or an external minor, which gives them the opportunity to work in areas that complement their primary intellectual agenda, both within the religion program as well as in areas outside the program (see GPR website for details by field). This structure allows students not only to strengthen their dissertation area, but also prepares them to be teachers and scholars. Because the program draws on the Department of Religious Studies, the Divinity School, and other departments and professional schools in the University, it offers one of the most rigorous and wide-ranging Ph.D.'s in the country. An excellent job placement record has helped graduates obtain positions not only in teaching, but also in ministry, in publishing, and in educational administration.

• Religion: PhD Admissions and Enrollment Statisics
• Religion: PhD Completion Rate Statistics
• Religion: PhD Time to Degree Statistics
• Religion: PhD Career Outcomes Statistics

Application Information

Application Terms Available:  Fall

Application Deadlines:  December 13

Graduate School Application Requirements See the Application Instructions page for important details about each Graduate School requirement.

• Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts required with application submission; official transcripts required upon admission
• Letters of Recommendation: 3 Required
• Statement of Purpose: Required (See departmental guidance below)
• Résumé: Required
• GRE Scores: GRE General (Optional)
• English Language Exam: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test required* for applicants whose first language is not English *test waiver may apply for some applicants
• GPA: Undergraduate GPA calculated on 4.0 scale required
• Writing Sample: Required (See departmental guidance below)

Statement of Purpose Guidelines Your application statement should clearly match your interest with the resources of faculty in the GPR. You must apply to one track within the program and your interests need to overlap with those among the track’s faculty. It is important to know that Duke University highly values interdisciplinary study, so demonstrating how your interests will also be served by the strength of faculty in other programs at Duke is something to include in your statement. You will be evaluated in terms of how your intellectual interests match our strengths. So indicating what areas of study you want to work in, what intellectual skills you wish to acquire through coursework and research will be very relevant.

Writing Sample A sample of scholarly work of 15-20 pages, double spaced, should be submitted as part of the application.

We strongly encourage you to review additional department-specific application guidance from the program to which you are applying: Departmental Application Guidance

List of Graduate School Programs and Degrees

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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Department of Religious Studies

Doctoral programs (ph.d).

We offer Ph.D. study in four areas: Asian Religious Traditions, Islam, Society and Culture, Religion and Critical Thought, and Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean.

RAM now incorporates our prior Ph.D. programs in Early Christianity, and in Ancient Judaism, as well as various other ancient Mediterranean religions. All applications to study one or more religions of the Ancient Mediterranean should be made to RAM. 

Prospective applicants should also note that it is no longer possible to apply for the track in Religion, Comparison and Culture. Students interested in comparative work across two or more areas (ART, ISC, RCT, and RAM) should consult with the Director of Graduate Studies and the Graduate Advisor for these areas before submitting an application.

Asian Religious Traditions (ART)

Islam, society and culture (isc), religion and critical thought (rct), religions of the ancient mediterranean (ram).

Prospective applicants are welcome to direct inquiries to Prof Jae H. Han, Director of Graduate Admissions ( [email protected] ), Prof. Paul Nahme, Interim Director of Graduate Studies ( [email protected] ), Nicole Vadnais, Graduate Program Manager ( [email protected] ) and/or any faculty member in the listed areas.

Graduate Advisors

Shahzad bashir, mark cladis, jason protass.

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.

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The program in religion is one of the leading religion programs in the US with 14 areas of study, 10 methodological approaches, and many research areas. This wide variety enables you to fine-tune your research with the aid of a relevant faculty member. You will have access to a vast array of resources including the Harvard library system and several centers and programs, such as the Center for the Study of World Religions, the Pluralism Project, and the Women’s Studies in Religion Program.

Examples of student theses and dissertations include “Gospel of the 'Orient': Koreans, Race and the Transpacific Rise of American Evangelicalism in the Cold War Era,” “Persisting in the Good: Thomas Aquinas in Conversation with Early Chinese Ethics,” and “Protestants, Politics, and Power: Race, Gender, and Religion in the Post-Emancipation Mississippi River Valley, 1863-1900.”

Graduates have gone on to secure tenure track positions at prestigious institutions in the United States and abroad, such as Emory University, Stanford University, Vassar College, Lahore University in Pakistan, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Boston College, and the University of Virginia. Others have chosen alternate careers in clinical ethics, ministry, publishing, and management and research in various NGOs and nonprofit organizations.

Additional information on the graduate program is available from the Committee on the Study of Religion and requirements for the degree are detailed in Policies .

I. Areas of Study

African American Religions | Buddhist Studies | Christianity | Comparative Studies | Hebrew Bible | Hindu Studies | Islamic Studies | Jewish Studies | New Testament and Early Christianity

Geographical Complexes

African Religions | East Asian Religions | Europe (Medieval and Modern) | Latin American & Caribbean Religions | North American Religions | Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean | South Asian Religions

II. Methodologies or Approaches

Archaeology | Critical Theory | Ethics | Gender and Sexuality Studies | History | Literary Studies and the Arts | Religious Thought (Philosophy and Theology) | Social Sciences (Anthropology, Ethnography, and Political Science

Admissions Requirements

Please review the admissions requirements and other information before applying. You can find degree program-specific admissions requirements below and access additional guidance on applying from the Committee on the Study of Religion .

Academic Background

While not required, applicants will typically already have a master’s degree and previous preparation in the field of religion and related subjects.

Writing Sample

A writing sample is required as part of the application and should be no longer than 20 pages.

Statement of Purpose

The statement of purpose must outline the applicant’s proposed project.

Standardized Tests

GRE General: Not Accepted

Contacting Faculty

Applicants should review the current areas of study and methodologies. The Committee on the Study of Religion admits students who have clearly defined intellectual interests evidenced in the statement of purpose and completed application. As part of the application, prospective students are asked to indicate the main faculty of interest; applicants are encouraged to contact their faculty of interest prior to submitting their application. (Please note that Emeritus faculty and lecturers are not eligible under Harvard Griffin GSAS policies to serve as primary doctoral advisors.)

Theses & Dissertations

Theses & Dissertations for Religion

See list of Religion faculty

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Questions about the program.

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PHD, Religion

The Phd in Religion allows one to focus on an area of study, generating a book-length manuscript, and also provides opportunities in preparation for teaching in Religious Studies. Areas of concentration: Global Religions and Religions in America

Degree Type: Doctoral

Degree Program Code: PHD_RELI

Degree Program Summary:

The Department of Religion offers a program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy in Religion. The aim of The PhD degree is to understand religion in its historical, theoretical, and applied dimensions. Given this broad objective, the PhD program in Religion aims to train scholars of religion to achieve an academic degree with concentrations in one of two broad tracks: Religion in a Global Society and Religion in the Americas, within which they will receive more specialized training in particular religions or fields of Religious Studies. A major intent of the program is to prepare individuals to become scholarly researchers and educators in religious studies who can compete successfully for positions in quality institutions of higher education. Yet individuals who are pursuing careers related to Religion other than in the academy will also find the degree useful. The program’s emphasis on global and a variety among religion(s) in the Americas will help to prepare tomorrow’s workforce for the global economy.

Religion has historically been and continues to be one of the major concerns of human societies. The Department of Religion’s PhD in Religion will clearly assist the University of Georgia as it strives to further the education of the citizens of Georgia, the nation, and the world and serve their needs. As noted in the mission statement of the 2020 Strategic Plan, the university is committed to preparing “the University community and the state for full participation in the global society of the twenty-first century. Through its programs and practices, it seeks to foster the understanding of and respect for cultural differences necessary for an enlightened and educated citizenry.” Because Religion is a crucial element of most of the world’s cultures and their worldviews, the Ph.D. in Religion–by training scholars to understand both America’s and the world’s religions–will enhance our students’ abilities to understand and respect the increasingly diverse cultures not only of their fellow Georgians and Americans but of the various societies throughout the world.

Locations Offered:

Athens (Main Campus)

College / School:

Franklin College of Arts & Sciences

346 Brooks Hall Athens, GA 30602

706-542-8776

Department:

Graduate Coordinator(s):

Derrick Lemons

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Department of Religious Studies

About the phd program, about the ph.d. program.

Our Ph.D. program is designed to prepare the very best candidates for successful careers in research and teaching at the university level. We have been ranked among the top 5 doctoral programs in Religious Studies in the country, and admissions is highly selective to produce incoming classes of 4 to 8 students. All doctoral students are admitted into one of the Department’s fields of specialization and must fulfill the specific requirements of that field:

Ancient Mediterranean Religions

• Ancient Near East
• Hebrew Bible
• Early Judaism
• Archaeology
• Greco-Roman Religions
• Early Christianity (including New Testament)
• Religions of Late Antiquity

For more on this field of specialization, click here .

Core Faculty:

Bart D. Ehrman ; Joseph Lam ; David Lambert ; Jodi Magness ; Hugo Méndez ; Zlatko Plese

Associated Faculty:

Evyatar Marienberg

Islamic Studies

Additional resources for the comparative study of Islam in the area include the following:

Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies programs at UNC and in the Triangle are coordinated by the  UNC Center for Middle East and Islamic Studies , housed in the  Global Education Center .  The Middle East Center collaborates with the Duke University Middle East Center to form the Consortium for Middle East Studies  at Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a federally funded Title VI National Resource Center. Another affiliated resource is the  Duke Islamic Studies Center .

University of North Carolina Press  has launched a  book series  on Islamic Civilization and Muslim Networks edited by Bruce Lawrence and Carl Ernst.

For more detailed information on the Islamic studies field, see the remarks of Carl Ernst on “ Graduate Admission Information for Islamic Studies at UNC .”

Youssef Carter ; Carl W. Ernst ; Juliane Hammer ; Waleed Ziad

Jodi Magness

Affiliated Faculty:

Charles Kurzman , Sociology (UNC); Omid Safi , Asian & ME Studies (Duke)

Medieval and Early Modern Studies

Jessica A. Boon ; Evyatar Marienberg

Barbara R. Ambros ; Carl W. Ernst ; Brandon Bayne

Religion and Culture

Andrea Dara Cooper ; Randall G. Styers

Jessica A. Boon ; Lauren G. Leve ; Todd Ramón Ochoa ; Brendan Jamal Thornton

Jason Bivins , Philosophy and Religion (NSCU); Christian Lundberg , Communication Studies (UNC); Barry Saunders , Social Medicine (UNC)

Religion in the Americas

Scholars in other Departments or programs at UNC such as Afro-American Studies, American Studies, Anthropology, English, Folklore, History, Latin American Studies, Political Science, and Sociology, regularly offer courses and participate in graduate examinations in the field.

There is a large and well-developed program in American religious history at nearby Duke University. Students at both institutions routinely enroll in each other’s graduate courses and participate in a series of jointly sponsored colloquia each semester.

The Southern Historical Collection, the North Carolina Historical Collection, and the folklore and ethnomusicology collections at UNC attract researchers from all parts of the nation. Specialized resources such as the Wesleyan collection at Duke, the Primitive Baptist collection at Elon College, the Friends collection at Guilford College, and the Southern Baptist collections at Wake Forest and at Southeastern Baptist Seminary, are easily accessible.

Yaakov S. Ariel ; Brandon Bayne ; Todd Ramón Ochoa ; Brendan Jamal Thornton

Juliane Hammer

Jason Bivins , Philosophy and Religion (NCSU)

Religions of Asia

Barbara Rossetti Ambros ; Lauren G. Leve

Carl W. Ernst

Across these specific fields we have a range of strengths in regions, traditions, methodologies, and themes. Graduate students regularly develop expertise in these areas by taking thematically-focused courses within and beyond the graduate fields in which they were admitted. We encourage applicants to consider how faculty strengths across concentrations provide resources for projects situated in a particular concentration:

In addition to pursuing your interests in your concentration through coursework in our department, other UNC departments, and at Duke, students will also receive a broad grounding in Religious Studies as an interdisciplinary field. All incoming students enroll in RELI 700 (“Theory and Method in the Study of Religion”), and all take “gateway” courses that introduce important themes and methodologies relevant to a particular concentration. For more information about coursework, please see the graduate program’s Policies and Procedures .

For more information about language requirements and doctoral exams, please click on the specific concentration above. For more information about the dissertation process and time to degree, please see the graduate program’s Policies and Procedures .

All students must have earned a bachelor’s degree prior to registration. In addition, note that:

• We admit students for Fall semester only (not for the Spring).
• We can accept only full-time students who will be in residence.
• Students admitted to the program who have not already earned an M.A. in the study of religion must earn an M.A. in the Department before advancing to the Ph.D. phase of the program. (We offer the M.A. only as the beginning of work for the Ph.D.; we do not offer a terminal M.A. degree.)
• Students enrolled in the Department’s M.A. program can petition to enter the Ph.D. program after successful completion of all M.A. requirements, or they may be admitted into the Ph.D. program after successfully petitioning to bypass the M.A. degree. Information about our M.A. requirements, including the process for bypassing the M.A., can be found here .

Because our department is committed to bringing a broad range of perspectives into the study of religion, we particularly encourage applicants from minority perspectives.

PhD in Religion

Students must complete a minimum of three full years of residential study beyond the bachelor’s degree (or two years beyond the M.A., or its equivalent, if earned elsewhere than UGA), exceptions to this rule being permitted only with the approval of the Department and Graduate School. This can be gained either by

• 60 hours of graduate-level coursework beyond the bachelor’s degree (in the case where one has not previously earned a master’s degree at UGA), which can be completed either in two 30 hour blocks of consecutive work or 60 hours of consecutive work; or by
• 30 hours of consecutive graduate-level coursework beyond the master’s degree (in the case where a master’s degree has previously been earned at UGA)

Also required for the PhD are Research Skills:

Two modern secondary research languages plus any other primary languages deemed necessary and appropriate and approved by the student’s major professor. The modern, secondary research languages must be other than English, languages in which contemporary scholars present and publish their research and discuss and critique other scholars’ research. Primary languages are those in which the principal texts of one’s research are written or spoken. 

This assessment shall be taken prior to the Ph.D. comprehensive examinations; no dissertation proposal will receive final approval until all language requirements have been met.

Our programs allow students latitude in pursuing their interests, but are designed to emphasize the Department’s areas of concentration:

• American Studies (American Religion, African American Religion, Native American Religion, Southern Religion)
• Asian Studies (Literature, History, Thought in Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Jainism, Sikhism, and/or Shinto)
• African and African Diaspora Studies
• Biblical Studies (Hebrew Bible, New Testament, Biblical World)
• Christian Studies (Bible & Christian Literature, History, Thought)
• Islamic Studies (Quran & Islamic Literature, History, Thought and Sufism)
• Jewish Studies (Hebrew Bible & Jewish Literature, History, Thought)

Why Study Religion at UGA?

• A diverse department that covers a wide range of traditions
• Significant flexibility with respect to research specializations
• Excellent mentorship in research and professional development
• Interdisciplinary opportunities
• Robust intellectual life in a vibrant graduate community
• Athens is affordable and one of the best college towns in the US

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PhD in Religion

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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

UNITS 72 units

*Actual completion times will vary and may be higher, depending on full- or part-time course registration, units transferred, and time to complete other degree requirements.

COURSES BEGIN Fall | Spring

DEPARTMENT Religion

DEGREE AWARDED PhD in Religion

Featured Courses

Investigates the politics of theology in the formation and evolution of orthodoxy through episcopal letters, canons of church councils, ordination liturgies, and biographies of famous bishops.

Takes an in-depth survey of the major theories of religion as they are portrayed through some of their influential interpreters in the post-Enlightenment West.

Surveys major themes and issues in early American religious history, from Puritanism and Native American religion to growing religious diversity in the new nation.

Offers close reading of the stories in the Books of Samuel examining the role and function of women.

Introduces the history and legacy of Christianity in Egypt under Islamic dynasties from the attitude of Muslim rulers toward the Copts and Egypt’s monastic heritage to the present day.

Examines the background and beginnings of the Zoroastrian religion and its role in the three great Iranian Empires: Ancient Persian, Parthian, and Sasanian.

Areas of Concentration

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.

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.

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.

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.

Faculty & Research

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

Sallama Shaker

Senior Fellow of Middle East & International Studies

Power Politics, Religion, and Culture in the Middle East; Feminization of Poverty and Global Challenges; Globalization

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

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

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.

View Concentration

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.

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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Gigi Audoma

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A Ph.D. in religious studies can give you a wide variety of benefits. With it, you have the opportunity to enhance your research skills and increase your prospects for career advancement. Additionally, you get a chance to strengthen professional connections and elevate your communication abilities while studying something you enjoy.

However, not all potential Ph.D. students have the opportunity to focus solely on their studies. Many of them already have full-time jobs and family responsibilities. That’s where an online Ph.D. in religious studies comes in.

By taking your studies online, you can get all the benefits of a doctorate degree in religious studies without disrupting your work-life balance. A closer look at choosing Ph.D. in religious studies online can help you make the right choice.

Benefits of Getting a Ph.D. in Religious Studies Online

The trend of getting an online education is spreading quickly . In recent years, it extended to doctoral programs. Pursuing a Ph.D. in religious studies online offers numerous benefits that make it an attractive option for individuals who seek advanced education.

One of the key advantages of pursuing an online Ph.D. in religion is the flexibility it offers. Online programs allow students to study at their own pace. You enjoy the freedom to balance your academic pursuits with personal and professional responsibilities.

This flexibility enables you to continue working, caring for your family, or engaging in other commitments while following your doctoral studying goals.

Traditional Ph.D. programs often require students to relocate or commute to the campus, which can be both financially and logistically challenging.

By choosing to get a Ph.D. in religion online, students can save on commute. You can study from the comfort of your own home and eliminate the need to visit the campus daily.

Since not all schools offer doctorate degrees in religious studies, offline studying often requires relocation. This doesn’t just lead to excessive costs but also disrupts the life of the student and their loved ones.

Another significant benefit of online Ph.D. programs is the wider choice of schools available. Since geographical location is no longer a limiting factor, students can choose from a variety of reputable institutions that offer online programs.

This allows you to find a program that aligns with your specific research interests and academic goals. You can also compare the costs and select a school that fits your needs seamlessly.

Online Ph.D. programs often emphasize a customized approach to education. Students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty members who provide individualized guidance.

This personalized attention can enhance the learning experience and allow students to accommodate their research interests. A customized program means that you will get tailored feedback on your academic progress at the pace you need.

Time management is crucial for doctoral students, especially when they have to juggle multiple responsibilities. Online Ph.D. programs in religion give you a chance to hone your time management skills.

You have an opportunity to create a study schedule that suits your needs, allocate dedicated time for coursework and research, and maintain a balance between academic and personal commitments.

This flexibility allows for effective time management and increased productivity. By the time you get your degree, you can put many new skills related to time management on your resume.

Contrary to the misconception that online education is isolating, online Ph.D. programs often provide ample opportunities for virtual collaboration. Through discussion boards, video conferences, and collaborative projects, you can engage with faculty members and peers.

Throughout your studies, you can foster intellectual exchange and build professional networks. This virtual collaboration opens up diverse perspectives and enriches the learning experience.

Choosing to pursue a Ph.D. in religious studies online allows you to create a customizable learning environment. You can choose where to study, whether it’s a quiet home office or a local library.

You can also tailor the study environment to suit your specific preferences. For example, you can adjust lighting and noise levels or play background music. This customization fosters a comfortable atmosphere for successful learning.

Common Specializations of Online Ph.D. Programs in Religious Studies

Online Ph.D. programs in religious studies offer a wide range of specializations that allow students to focus their research and expertise in specific areas of interest. These specializations cater to diverse academic and professional goals while helping a student pursue their passion.

The specialization in anthropology within religious studies explores the intersection of religion and culture. Students study the history of religious rituals, beliefs, and practices within different societies. They also examine how religion shapes social structures.

Topics covered may include the anthropology of religion, religious symbolism, and the role of religion in shaping cultural norms.

The specialization in Asian religions focuses on the study of religious traditions originating from various countries in Asia, such as:

• Confucianism

Students gain a deep understanding of the beliefs, practices, and historical developments of these religions. Topics covered may include the philosophy of Asian religions, religious texts, and the impact of Asian religions on global society.

Christian Theology is a popular specialization that allows students to explore the beliefs, doctrines, and practices of Christianity.

Students engage in critical analysis of biblical texts, theological debates, and the historical development of Christian thought.

Topics covered may include systematic theology, biblical hermeneutics, and the relationship between faith and reason.

The specialization in Hebrew Bible focuses on the critical study of the Old Testament scriptures. Students conduct a historical and literary analysis of the Hebrew Bible. They examine its cultural context, theological themes, and textual interpretation. Usually, the analysis is conducted in the original language.

Topics covered may include biblical archaeology, biblical Hebrew language, and the literary genres of the Hebrew Bible.

The New Testament specialization centers on the critical study of the texts and teachings of the early Christian movement. Students explore the historical context, literary analysis, and theological implications of the New Testament writings.

Topics covered may include the life of Jesus, Pauline theology, and the development of early Christian communities.

In addition to these specializations, a Ph.D. program in religion can cover a wide range of topics that intersect with various disciplines. They are:

• Anthropology and Sociology of Religion – examining the social and cultural dimensions of religious practices.
• Ethics – exploring ethical theories and their application to religious contexts.
• Modern and Ancient Languages – acquiring proficiency in languages such as Greek, Hebrew, Sanskrit, or Latin to engage with religious texts in their original form
• Religious Movements in History – investigating the emergence, development, and impact of religious movements throughout history.

When choosing the best program for getting a doctorate degree online, make sure to find out whether it has the desired specialization and covers the topics you want to study.

Admission Requirements for Getting an Online Ph.D. in Religious Studies

Pursuing an online Ph.D. in Religious Studies requires meeting specific admission requirements set by universities offering these programs. Here are the most common prerequisites.

• Application – online application form where you fill out personal information. The application serves as an initial introduction to the applicant and their intent to pursue a Ph.D. in religious studies.
• Degree Requirements – the majority of programs that offer Ph.D. in religious studies online require applicants to hold either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field. The degree should be from an accredited institution.
• GPA – schools usually have a minimum GPA requirement for admission to their online Ph.D. programs. Usually, it should range from 3.0 to 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Different programs can have different GPA requirements or none at all.
• Transcripts – applicants are usually required to submit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities. The goal is to provide evidence of the applicant’s academic performance in the past.
• Autobiographical Statement – an autobiographical statement, also known as a personal statement or statement of purpose, allows applicants to express their academic and professional goals related to religious studies. It provides an opportunity for applicants to demonstrate their passion for the field and their alignment with the program’s objectives.
• Academic Writing Sample – some universities ask to submit an academic writing sample that demonstrates their ability to engage in scholarly research and critical analysis. This sample may be an excerpt from a previous research paper, thesis, or published work.
• Letters of Recommendation – these letters should come from individuals who can attest to the applicant’s academic abilities. Universities can ask for two or three such letters.
• Research Proposal – some online Ph.D. programs in religious studies may require applicants to submit a research proposal outlining their intended research topic, objectives, and methodology.

Always keep in mind that even if you don’t meet the exact admission requirements, there is still a chance to enroll in the school of your choice. Speak to the school’s representative to find out what you can do to prove your suitability for the program, even if your GPA is lower the necessary or you have an unrelated degree.

Top Online Ph.D. Programs in Religious Studies

These online programs can become an excellent choice for students who are seeking a remote opportunity for getting their Ph.D. in religious studies.

Located in Montgomery, Alabama, Amridge University has a robust online Ph.D. program in Biblical Studies .

The purpose of this program is to provide students with the necessary skills for academic teaching, research, and scholarly writing in the fields of Old Testament or New Testament.

The Biblical Studies program prepares students for roles such as teaching the Bible and biblical languages in universities, seminaries, theological schools, and colleges. It also aims to equip students to teach in related academic fields at the college level and become specialists in scholarly biblical teaching.

The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSOC)

Located in Washington DC, Euclid University has an impressive Ph.D. in Comparative Christian Theology Program . To get admitted into a program, you need a Master’s degree or an international equivalent of a Master’s degree. You should also be fluent in English. This will be tested during the admissions process.

During your studies at Euclid University, you will focus on Greek philosophy, Great World religions, Old and New Testament, and American religious history.

The school is accredited by the National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority (NAQAA).

Located in Kansas City, Missouri, Calvary University has an online Doctor of Philosophy in Bible and Theology program. You can complete the Ph.D. program in just four years and choose an online format if necessary.

To be admitted into the program, you need a Master of Arts in Bible and Theology, a Master of Divinity, or a Master of Theology degree. The minimum GPA is 3.0. You would also need to provide transcripts and a writing sample.

In this program, you will enjoy advanced biblical and theological research and education options and learn how to critically evaluate scholarly opinions. You will also be analyzing biblical text in the original language.

The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Association for Biblical Higher Education

Located in Cheektowaga, New York, Chrisitan Leadership University has various religious studies Ph.D. programs . You can finish the program remotely without visiting the campus.

These programs are designed for Christian ministers and workers seeking to engage in the systematic study of Scripture. What sets these programs apart from other Ph.D. degrees in religion is their unique emphasis on practical courses. The Word of God is presented in a manner that is accessible to all.

The curriculum offers a range of courses, including Basics of Christianity, Law and the Spirit, and Bible Research Methods. In order to fulfill the program requirements, students must complete 30 credits of specific courses and get ten more credits dedicated to practical ministry work.

The school is privately accredited by Christian Accreditation International.

Overall, getting a Ph.D. in religious studies online is an excellent option for students who want to leverage their work, family time, and education. By choosing the online program that suits you best, you are making a significant investment into your career and well-being.

PHD in Economics, Associate Professor, Department of Business Process Management, Faculty of Market Technologies IOM

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PhD Degree Programs – Begin Your Spiritual Career

Phd degree programs online             phd application.

• Ph.D. in Religion , or Religious Studies
• Ph.D. in Metaphysics (become a metaphysician)
• Ph.D. in Pastoral Counseling, Ph.D. in Spiritual Counseling (become a counselor)
• OTHER Religious Ph.D. customized specifically to your work, such as Ph.D. in Spiritual Psychology, etc.

SPIRITUAL COUNSELORS & FAITH-LEADERS IN HIGH DEMAND DUE TO RECESSION

If you are a spiritual counselor or healer, author, speaker, researcher or independent scholar in the field of religion and spirituality, including emerging, alternative, esoteric, or contemporary spirituality, you are perfectly suited to our online Ph.D. degree programs.

The Esoteric Interfaith Theological Seminary is unique in our lack of dogma, and cutting edge with our emerging spirituality studies and flexible distance learning program. Degrees earned here are religious degrees, not academic (not to be confused with a Ph.D. in Psychology or Chemistry, which are academic fields).

Become a Rev. Dr.

Our Doctoral Degrees are conferred only to ordained ministers, so if not already an ordained minister, Rabbi or other clergy, you will apply for no-cost ordination at the same time as applying for the degree. Ordination tuition is completely waived since you are seeking the PhD doctorate degree at the same time. Step by step instructions below.

You will be able to write your name two ways: Rev. Dr. Terry Smith or Rev. Terry Smith, Ph.D.

You may customize your religious PhD to suit the work you are doing. Other PhD’s we’ve conferred are: the PhD in Spiritual Philosophy, Religious Education, etc. Just ask if you are seeking a religious PhD not listed here.

Benefits to You & Your Clients: Those you counsel will be reassured by your advanced religious credentials. The PhD is the most respected degree in the world. The PhD in Metaphysics gives the added advantage of enabling the degree holder to be called a metaphysician. It is uniquely suited not just to religious philosophers but to spiritual healers and metaphysical healers. Metaphysician means “beyond [physical] healing”. If this is what you do, why not get the credentials you deserve and put Rev. Dr. Terry Smith, Metaphysician on your business cards.

Once you become an alumni of the Seminary, you can join the Seminary’s exclusive forum to meet and network with your many fellow alumni. You also receive life-time letter of recommendation and reference service, transcript service (transcripts require a fee) and free support / guidance for starting your own spiritual practice, center, church, research or teaching center including friendly advice on tax-exempt status, incorporating, etc. Here at the Esoteric Theological Seminary you will experience the human touch from faculty, staff and alumni, and may be asked to contribute your skills and time to your spiritual community in a leadership position.

We are living in a spiritually-starved and struggling world. Many people feel disconnected and downright confused about life’s ultimate questions. Be one of the light-holders helping fellow humans make sense of it all, helping them step up to the next level. Being the best of the best means you must serve, must “minister” to a higher, nobler cause than mundane life.

More on the legality and legitimacy of our degrees below

Note the Doctor of Philosophy originally was a religious degree and still can be obtained in its original form only in seminaries and religious universities around the world.  The Esoteric Theological Seminary, the educational institution of the Esoteric Interfaith Church, Inc. is part of that unbroken heritage of religious schools, and is one of the few places you can get the original religious Ph.D. (See the History of the PhD if you are interested in the historical evolution of the Ph.D. from religious degree to academic degree).

Just follow these Steps:

1. Fill out the  Ph.D. Application . Ordination as a minister is FREE with your PhD. 2.   Pay one-time amount of $890.00, which includes everything: Ph.D. degree diploma, Certificate of Ordination, wallet cards showing both your new credentials in miniature, digital scan of your credentials to store in your phone, and free shipping.

PAYMENT PLAN: Our tuition costs are the lowest among all Seminaries, but still we recognize some applicants may not be able to submit the entire $890 tuition up front, so we have a Payment plan available .

The following steps can be completed in any order:

3. Email scanned copy or snail mail to the Seminary any college level transcripts you may have. Previous college or seminary training is not required, but we want to see transcripts if you do have them. If you can’t scan and email, you may snail-mail your transcript(s) to us at: Esoteric Interfaith Church & Seminary, Inc. 650 N. Penrod Rd. Suite 216, Show Low, AZ 85901. 4. Email your reasons for desiring the Ph.D. and how you will use it. Describe any work and experience in the field of spirituality. 5. Submit by Email your spiritual history (tell the story of religion & spirituality in your life from childhood to present) 6. Submit by Email your 4000 (or more) word thesis / dissertation paper. Write on any religious, metaphysical or spiritual topic. We prefer you submit your paper by email as a Word document or PDF file, but you can print it out and snail mail it, if you prefer. 7. OPTIONAL: Take our enjoyable online Ph.D. Religion course (not required depending on your field experience, life experience and previous religious education). Upon application you will be sent links to our other online PhD courses you may complete.

Your Degree Diploma:  Once the above steps are all met, we will send you your beautiful bonafide diploma — with raised seal, official logo, signed in person , not by a computer. It is very suitable for framing, and we also send you a wallet card showing your new Ph.D. credentials.  Transcripts are available for a transcript fee. We send them directly to the institution of your choice, and to you.

Legality & Legitimacy Our institution is a legally recognized non-profit 501(c)3 organization permitted by our state law to grant religious degrees. We are exempt from accrediting requirements because we confer only religious degrees, not academic ones, degrees designed for working clergy. You may wish to read our FAQ page for more information on our legal and accreditation status.

Other Online Doctoral Programs If the Ph.D. requirements are too much for your schedule, you might consider the theological equivalent of the Ph.D., the  Doctor of Theology –Th.D.  Or you may wish to pursue a Doctor of Divinity or Doctor of Ministry degree. These are time honored religious doctoral degrees which take less time and lower cost, but still allow you to attach Dr. to your name and letters after your name (post-nominal letters). We also have Bachelors and Masters degree programs in Religion, Divinity, Theology, etc.

What is the difference between the PhD in Metaphysics and the Doctor of Divinity?

School Colors: The colors of the Seminary are emerald green and ivory. You may wish to order a cap and gown and a doctoral sash for an official portrait photograph . (The Seminary store does not carry these items, but you may order them from cap and gown companies).

PAYMENT PLAN :  Our tuition is the lowest among Seminaries around the world, both distance learning and brick and mortar. But we know some degree candidates may have special circumstances which prevent them from submitting the $890 tuition all at once. We have a Payment plan available .

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