About the Program
In light of the need for intercultural and interreligious understanding, and in light of the related challenges to religious studies and theology, the Department of Theology and Religious Studies offers a doctoral program which focuses on the phenomenon of religious pluralism as it impacts theological and religious studies. The department has faculty resources in both religious studies and theology, and the methods and discourses of each discipline will be represented in the program.
To carry out the study of religious plurality adequately, the department believes that it is necessary for students to recognize the real diversity of religious traditions and to study in their integrity the beliefs and practices of more than one religious tradition. As a result, comparative work is an essential part of the program. Students will complete coursework and comprehensive exams in both a primary and secondary religious tradition. They will be expected to achieve a level of mastery in both traditions sufficient for conducting comparative research and teaching on the university level.
Connect with Us
Program Contact: Michael Slater – mrs94@georgetown.edu
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Degrees Offered
- Ph.D.
Admissions Requirements
For general graduate admissions requirements, visit the Office of Graduate Admission’s Application Information page. Review the program’s website for additional information on program application requirements.
Application Materials required:
- Application Form
- Non-Refundable Application Fee
- Academic Statement of Purpose
- Optional: Statement on Diversity, Personal Background & Contributions
- Writing Sample
- Letters of Recommendation (3)
- Transcripts – Applicants are required to upload to the application system copies of official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. Visit the Office of Graduate Admission’s Application Information page for additional details and FAQs.
- Resume/CV
- GRE Score (optional)
- TOEFL/IELTS (if applicable)
- TOEFL = 80 minimum
- IELTS = 7.0 minimum
Application Deadlines
- Fall: December 15
Degree Requirements
- 36 credit hours, excluding dissertation
- Two foreign languages
- The program will normally take five years of full-time study – two years of course work, six months to one year to prepare for the comprehensive examinations and two years for the dissertation