About PhD Program,
The University of Notre Dame is one of the most important Catholic and ecumenical centers in North America for advanced study in theology.
As a doctoral student at Notre Dame, you will be mentored by world-class scholars, access vast research and learning opportunities, experience both depth and diversity in your curriculum, and be a member of a community of students from a wide range of churches, as well as from other faith traditions, who are preparing for careers in research, teaching, and church service.
The doctoral program places a high percentage of its graduates in academic positions, the vast majority of which are tenure-track.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
The doctoral program requires 42 credit hours of coursework and takes a minimum of four years, more often five (or more) years, to complete. In the best interest of the student as well as the program, each student is evaluated at the end of each semester and personally advised of his or her progress in the program.
Students are required to take courses outside their major field and are strongly urged to take courses in fields that are methodologically distinct.
PhD Funding Coverage,
The University offers three types of primary educational funding to graduate students: tuition scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships. For the policy governing funding, please see the posted financial support policy. The University additionally supports students’ pursuit of external and internal awards through the Office of Grants and Fellowships.
Please note: the Graduate School has separate and distinct funding models for doctoral programs, master’s programs, and professional master’s programs. Students should consult their individual program’s funding structures, as well as resources offered by the Office of Financial Aid, for more information.
The Graduate School gives out annual awards during commencement for students, alumni, faculty and staff. Visit the award pages for descriptions and past winners.
Almost 100% of doctoral students in the Graduate School receive full-tuition scholarships that include all fees except for a small student activity fee. For the 2024–2025 academic year, tuition is $64,756, including Health and Technology fees. Refer to the Student Accounts website for the breakdown of tuition and fees for Graduate School programs.
Master’s programs offer varying levels of support, ranging from tuition assistantship to full tuition plus a stipend. Students should check with their individual program to learn what level of funding is available. Professional master’s programs normally do not cover tuition, meaning that the student is responsible for payment. (Merit-based scholarships are occasionally available.)
Tuition Scholarships are also available for summer courses. See eligibility and application.
Application Requirement,
- A statement of intent (600 to 800 words; no more than 3 pages) and a C.V.
- Unofficial transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended (official transcripts required upon admittance)
- Three letters of recommendation
- A Waiver of Access form for each letter of recommendation
- A Writing Sample with a recommended length of 4,000 to 6,000 words
- For all nonnative speakers of English, TOEFL scores
- The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is recommended, but not required, for those applying to the program. For applicants who do take the GRE, an official record of the results should be uploaded with the other application materials.
Application Deadline,
Jan 02, 2025
Application Fee,
There is a $75 application fee for each application.
