Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy program in Religious Studies is designed to provide graduate students with a comprehensive understanding of the role of religion in today's world. The program offers supplementary training in various fields, including history, anthropology, political science, journalism, secondary education, and justice studies.

Program Description

The program helps students develop greater expertise regarding the nature and role of religion around the world. It provides a firm understanding of the academic study of religion, which is a central component of the humanities. The program has become increasingly recognized as a critical tool in understanding society and politics in a globalized world.

Focus Areas

The program offers several focus areas, including:

• Anthropology of religion
• Global Christianity
• Islam in global contexts
• Religion in Asia
• Religion in the Americas

Degree Requirements

The program requires 84 credit hours, including:

• Foreign language exams
• A written comprehensive exam
• An oral comprehensive exam
• A prospectus
• A dissertation

Required Core

The required core consists of 6 credit hours, including:

• REL 501: The Study of Religion I: Genealogies, Disciplines and Power (3 credit hours)
• REL 502: The Study of Religion II: Epistemology, Practice and Mediation (3 credit hours)

Other Requirements

• REL 700: Research Methods (3 credit hours)

Electives

• 51 credit hours of electives, including:
  • Research (12 credit hours)
  • REL 792: Research (12 credit hours)
  • Culminating Experience (12 credit hours)
  • REL 799: Dissertation (12 credit hours)

Additional Curriculum Information

Students must choose one of the five focus areas and select courses for the focus area as part of their electives in consultation with their supervisory committee. Students may include up to three credit hours of REL 690: Reading and Conference as part of their electives. Additionally, students may select up to six credit hours of graduate-level courses from a related discipline that support the student's research.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements
• A bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution
• Transcripts must show evidence of having completed the equivalent of 15 credit hours of undergraduate work in the study of religions
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.30 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or in an applicable master's degree program
• The most competitive applicants have a GPA of 3.50 or higher
• All applicants must submit:
  • Graduate admission application and application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Statement of purpose
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Writing sample
  • Contact information for three references
  • Proof of English proficiency

Tuition Information

Tuition information is available, and students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Application Deadlines

The application deadline for the program is January 15 for the fall session.

Program Learning Outcomes

The program learning outcomes include:

• Analyzing and presenting theories and methods in the study of religion
• Critically analyzing religions by formulating research questions, examining various kinds of qualitative data, and drawing connections to relevant secondary literatures
• Conducting original research through a doctoral study drawing connections to relevant secondary literature, collecting and analyzing primary data, communicating, and defending responses to research questions

Career Opportunities

Graduates possess training and knowledge relevant to careers in a variety of different roles and in a range of employment sectors, including:

• Government agencies
• Nongovernmental organizations
• Schools, colleges, and universities
• Charities and nonprofit organizations
• Social services
• Churches and other religious organizations
• Career examples include:
  • Book editor
  • Case management director
  • Church administrator
  • Foreign service employee
  • Global affairs writer
  • Nongovernmental organization professional
  • Nonprofit manager
  • Professional researcher and writer
  • University instructor

Accelerated Programs

Accelerated programs allow students to expedite the completion of their degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty. Students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply for accelerated programs.