Boston University campus

Arts & Humanities

PhD in Religious Studies at Boston University

Boston University, United States

Programme overview

Trains scholars of religion for research, teaching and service, with specialisation in one of four tracks: Texts and Traditions, Religious Thought, Religion and Society, or Religion and Science.

Faculty: Graduate School of Arts & Sciences  |  Department: Graduate Division of Religious Studies  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Location: Boston, MA, United States

What you will study

Minimum sixteen 4-unit courses (64 units) including at least two Approaches to Religious Studies courses; two modern foreign languages (usually French or German plus a second); three to five qualifying exams; dissertation with prospectus and oral defence. Qualifying exams are normally completed within the third year.

Career pathways

Teaching and research roles at universities, colleges and seminaries.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a major in religious studies or a related discipline, or transcript evidence of advanced coursework in one religious tradition and introductory coursework in several.

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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