About PhD Program,
The graduate program in Religious Studies at the University of Pennsylvania offers unique opportunities for students to become first class researchers, teachers, and public scholars. Our program is situated in one of the largest and finest research universities in the country, with easy access to other research centers along the eastern seaboard. The program provides students with a great deal of individual attention from faculty members and the opportunity to interact with other students representing diverse subfields in the discipline.
Within this context of extensive resources and personalized guidance, each student works with an advisor to design their own course of study. The PhD program currently consists of eight core faculty members, and a graduate group comprised of experts across campus who actively participate in the training of graduate students in Religious Studies.
The doctoral program in Religious Studies is funded for five years, over which time students are expected to engage in coursework, complete teaching assistantships, and attend the graduate colloquium. Requirements include a minimum of two research languages, teaching-focused qualifying examinations, research-focused candidacy examinations (with both a written and an oral examination component), an original contribution to scholarly knowledge in the form of a written dissertation, and an oral dissertation defense.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
Applications are welcome from students from various academic backgrounds, though some exposure to the academic field of Religious Studies in an academic setting is usually required.
A BA/BS degree or equivalent is the minimum requirement. Many applicants have already done extensive work in Religious Studies, either as undergraduates, or in post-baccalaureate or Master’s programs elsewhere, while other applicants often will have majored in classics, philosophy, history, a modern language and literature, or area studies. In addition, incoming doctoral students should typically have prior training in one or more of the research languages required for their fields (see fields of study for details). Students who enter the program with graduate-level credits at other comparable institutions may petition to receive transfer credit for up to a maximum of eight courses.
In general, a comprehensive application package should show a combination of:
- demonstrated research aptitude;
- creativity and scholarly promise;
- cogent scholarly writing;
- ability to consistently meet designated deadlines and objectives; and
- intellectual alignment with faculty and resources at the University of Pennsylvania.
PhD Funding Coverage,
The content and methodological component of each student’s course of study within their chosen field is determined in close consultation with members of the faculty. Our doctoral program is highly competitive and designed to maximize the educational experience, employability, and versatility of our doctoral students. Typically, all incoming students are provided with a full fellowship covering tuition, fees and living stipend for five years.
All students are expected to complete four semesters of teaching assistantships within the Department of Religious Studies or related departments.
Application Requirement,
- Online application form
- Application fee payment ($90) or approval of Application Fee Waiver Request (instructions to complete form below).
- Transcripts uploaded to the application
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- GRE, where required. Check your graduate group for details on program requirements.
- Demonstration of English proficiency, where required
- Writing sample, where required
- The Graduate Division may request additional academic documents, as needed.
Application Deadline,
Dec 15, 2024
Application Fee,
Application fee payment $90
