Doctor of Philosophy in Theological Studies (PhD) at Boston University

Programme overview

The PhD degree program is offered to students wishing to enhance their knowledge and competence in teaching and research and to contribute to scholarship in a specialized area of theological studies. The PhD is a research doctorate and requires students to give evidence of the highest standards of scholarship at every stage of the degree program.

Faculty: School of Theology | Duration: 44 units required | Study mode: full-time | Location: Boston, MA, United States

What you will study

Students pursuing the PhD in Theological Studies are required to complete 8 of the 10 courses required for the degree in a single concentration of study or in cognate fields bearing directly upon that concentration, as approved by one’s advisor. The other two courses may be taken as elective courses, chosen strategically with the advice and authorization of the advisor, given the student’s methodological approach.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

PhD admissions are made not only to the degree program but to a particular track and concentration as noted in the application. A request to change the concentration after admission to the program is tantamount to a new application and requires both: a detailed petition from the student justifying the request a signed statement from the potential new advisor consenting to take the student as

USD 73,024 a year (2026-27). School of Theology full-time PhD tuition for 2026-27, per year. Part-time $2,282 per credit. Source

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences PhD and MFA applicants can only apply for the fall semester.

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences PhD Fall 2027 application deadlines fall between December 1 and January 15 depending on the programme (for example Biostatistics and Computer Science December 1; Biology and Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry December 2; Chemistry, Physics, Economics, History, Linguistics and Political Science December 15; English and Mathematics January 11; Classical Studies, Philosophy, Earth & Environment and History of Art & Architecture January 15). Applications close at 11:59pm Boston time on the deadline.

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