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The Graduate Program in the Department of Religious Studies is organized into ten Fields of Study. American Religious History: The course of study in American religious history is designed to prepare Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) candidates for professional careers in Religious Studies. Students are expected to work in four different fields: religion in the Americas from pre-contact to 1865; religion in the Americas from 1865 to the present; and two additional fields. Those two additional fields could overlap with one of the other Fields of Study in the Department of Religious Studies, or they could be designed in concert with other programs or departments at Yale. The curriculum is designed to serve student intellectual needs through a combination of flexibility and documentary concentration and is worked out with each student individually. Ancient Christianity: The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in Ancient Christianity prepares students for a career of research and teaching in the history of ancient Christianity, focusing on the first seven centuries. Students are trained in more than one approach?social and cultural history, theology, literature, material culture. Asian Religions: The goal of the program is to train scholars and teachers of Asian religions with a primary competence in one tradition and geographical focus and a strong secondary competence in another Asian religion and geographical focus. Islamic Studies: Students in Islamic Studies are expected to develop both a comprehensive knowledge of Islamic intellectual history and religious thought, as well as mastery of a field of specialization and the requisite tools for critical scholarship on Islam. Judaic Studies: The Program in Judaic Studies offers an interdisciplinary approach to the critical study of the religion, history, literature, languages, and material culture of the Jews from ancient to modern times. Jewish society, texts, ideologies, and institutions are studied in comparative historical perspective in relation to the surrounding societies and cultures. New Testament: The program prepares students to become scholars and teachers in the exegesis and interpretation of the New Testament. Old Testament/Hebrew Bible: The program is designed for students who wish to prepare for teaching and research in the literature, history and religion, of ancient Israel from its origins through the Second Temple Period. Philosophy of Religion: The PhD program in the Philosophy of Religion is designed to prepare students for a career of research and teaching in both the Philosophy of Religion as narrowly conceived, and more broadly in Philosophical Theology. Religious Ethics: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) students in Ethics are expected to demonstrate competence with a range of literature, thinkers, and problems in three major areas: theological ethics (in the Christian tradition, in another religious tradition whenever feasible, and in comparative religious ethics);
Programme overview
Main Subject
Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies
Study Level
PHD
The Graduate Program in the Department of Religious Studies is organized into ten Fields of Study. American Religious History: The course of study in American religious history is designed to prepare Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) candidates for professional careers in Religious Studies. Students are expected to work in four different fields: religion in the Americas from pre-contact to 1865; religion in the Americas from 1865 to the present; and two additional fields. Those two additional fields could overlap with one of the other Fields of Study in the Department of Religious Studies, or they could be designed in concert with other programs or departments at Yale. The curriculum is designed to serve student intellectual needs through a combination of flexibility and documentary concentration and is worked out with each student individually. Ancient Christianity: The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in Ancient Christianity prepares students for a career of research and teaching in the history of ancient Christianity, focusing on the first seven centuries. Students are trained in more than one approach?social and cultural history, theology, literature, material culture. Asian Religions: The goal of the program is to train scholars and teachers of Asian religions with a primary competence in one tradition and geographical focus and a strong secondary competence in another Asian religion and geographical focus. Islamic Studies: Students in Islamic Studies are expected to develop both a comprehensive knowledge of Islamic intellectual history and religious thought, as well as mastery of a field of specialization and the requisite tools for critical scholarship on Islam. Judaic Studies: The Program in Judaic Studies offers an interdisciplinary approach to the critical study of the religion, history, literature, languages, and material culture of the Jews from ancient to modern times. Jewish society, texts, ideologies, and institutions are studied in comparative historical perspective in relation to the surrounding societies and cultures. New Testament: The program prepares students to become scholars and teachers in the exegesis and interpretation of the New Testament. Old Testament/Hebrew Bible: The program is designed for students who wish to prepare for teaching and research in the literature, history and religion, of ancient Israel from its origins through the Second Temple Period. Philosophy of Religion: The PhD program in the Philosophy of Religion is designed to prepare students for a career of research and teaching in both the Philosophy of Religion as narrowly conceived, and more broadly in Philosophical Theology. Religious Ethics: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) students in Ethics are expected to demonstrate competence with a range of literature, thinkers, and problems in three major areas: theological ethics (in the Christian tradition, in another religious tradition whenever feasible, and in comparative religious ethics);
Admission Requirements
7+
A Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) prior to matriculation at Yale. Other English language Requirements: Yale?s most competitive applicants will have TOEFL scores of at least the following, 600 on the paper-based TOEFL, 250 on the computer-based TOEFL.
Jan-2000
Domestic
0 USD
International
0 USD
Scholarships
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Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Religious Studies
# 7QS Subject Rankings
36 monthsProgramme duration
Theology, Divinity and Religious StudiesMain Subject Area
Programme overview
Main Subject
Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies
Study Level
PHD
Programme overview
Main Subject
Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies
Study Level
PHD
Admission Requirements
Domestic
International
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
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Scholarships to study abroad
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