Earn your PhD in Religious Studies
The doctoral program in the Department of Religious Studies trains students to become advanced practitioners of the study of religion—researchers, scholars, teachers, and facilitators of informed public discourse.
It can prepare a person to become a college professor or to bring a nuanced, critical understanding of religion and its influences to such careers as medicine, nursing, law, diplomacy, ministry, social advocacy, journalism, counseling, and informatics.
It is the expectation that PhD students will complete their studies in six years (five for those who come into the program with an MA and transfer credit).
For additional information on the PhD program, including requirements, see the PhD degree program book.
Departmental documents and forms for the PhD
- PhD program book
- Mutual expectations
- Benchmarks and guidelines for PhD success
- Guidelines for dissertation prospectus (from Department of Comparative Studies, Ohio State University)
- Guidelines for the doctoral dissertation (from The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
- Graduate College Manual of Rules and Regulations
- Selection criteria for courses taught by graduate students
- Bibliographies (under development)
- Request for change of advisor
- Planned course schedule
- Annual progress report (pre-comp)
- Annual progress report (post-comp)
- Travel request form
- Request for change of status to the MA (Workflow form)*
- Early program plan for the PhD in Religious Studies
- Departmental program of study (For fourth semester students to pass candidacy)
- Doctoral plan of study summary form (To be done just prior to comprehensive exams)*
- Request for/report of the doctoral comprehensive examination*
- Application for degree (through MyUI)
- Graduate College graduation checklist
*Graduate College forms to be completed by departmental administrator and advisor
Create your academic path
You'll find degree overviews, requirements, course lists, academic plans, and more to help you plan your education and explore your possibilities.
Current course list
The MyUI Schedule displays registered courses for a particular session and is available to enrolled students. The list view includes course instructors, time and location, and features to drop courses or change sections.
Questions?
For specific inquiries about the PhD program, please contact the Director of Graduate Studies:
