Religion, PhD

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The doctoral program in Religion requires a general knowledge of religion, achieved from an undergraduate program in religion, a Master’s program in religion, or a degree from a school of theology.

Students admitted to the PhD in Religion should refer to the Religion Student Handbook for the year in which they begin the program for complete details.

Degree Requirements

Coursework. A minimum of 72 units are required. Specific course requirements vary by concentration. Students consult with their advisors before selecting courses and registering each semester.

Transfer Credit. The University’s policy on transfer credit applies. A maximum of 24 units may be transferred in from previous graduate study in Religion or a related field. Coursework should be drawn mostly from 400-level course offerings, although a number of 300-level courses may be accepted.

Secondary Languages/Research Tool Requirement. All doctoral students are required to fulfill two research tools, at least one of which must demonstrate a reading knowledge of a secondary research language, such as German, French, Spanish, or Arabic. Area faculty, in consultation with the student, determine which languages best prepare the student for research in their chosen field of study. With the approval of the student’s advisor, a research methodology, such as quantitative methods or ethnographic methods, may fulfill the second research tool requirement.

Students are strongly encouraged to complete their first research tool prior to completion of the first 24 units of coursework.

Qualifying Exams. Upon completion of coursework, students take their qualifying exams. The composition and structure of exams vary according to concentration. Policies and procedures are detailed in the Doctoral Degrees section of the Bulletin.

Dissertation. Policies and procedures are detailed in the Doctoral Degrees section of the Bulletin.

University Policies. University policies detailed in the Academic Policies section of the Bulletin apply.

CONCENTRATIONS

Areas of concentration may entail additional degree requirements. Refer to the program’s Student Handbook for detailed information.

Critical Comparative Scripture
History of Christianity and Religions in North America
Philosophy of Religion and Theology
Women’s Studies in Religion

Continental Philosophy Concentration

The Continental Philosophy concentration is available to MA and PhD students in the Cultural Studies, Philosophy, and Religion programs. Requirements for the concentration are as follows according to the department/program in which the student is enrolled.

Philosophy MA

Four courses in Kantian and post-Kantian continental philosophy with the approval of advisor (Note: the presumption is that pre-Kantian philosophies will not be considered a course in continental although, on an individual basis, may be considered upon the recommendation of the instructor)
Capstone/final paper on continental thought
French or German as a Research Tool

Philosophy PhD. Same as Philosophy MA above, plus one folio paper in the area of continental thought.

Cultural Studies MA or PhD

16 units in Kantian and post-Kantian continental philosophy with the approval of advisor (Note: the presumption is that pre-Kantian philosophies will not be considered a course in continental thought, although, on an individual basis, may be considered upon the recommendation of the instructor)
Final paper on continental thought
French or German as a Research Tool

Religion MA or PhD (available only to students in the Philosophy of Religion and Theology program). Four courses in Kantian and Post-Kantian Continental philosophy with the approval of advisor.