The Ph.D. in Religion at Rice University is a research program dedicated to describing and analyzing all forms of religion and religious behavior with a wide variety of philosophical, historical, social-scientific, theological, and literary methods.

What makes our Ph.D. program stand out among other top tier programs?

• Significant financial support - all admitted students receive an annual stipend of $37,000 and a full tuition waiver for five years. Competitive sixth-year stipend funding opportunities are also available. In addition, doctoral students receive a 100% insurance subsidy for six years, plus conference and research travel support.
• Training in specific religious traditions and methodologies.
• All graduate students receive extensive pedagogical training.
• A faculty deeply involved in scholarship of international scope while remaining attentive to the intellectual projects of individual students.
• Opportunities to participate in certificate programs that enhance training.
• The ability to work in an interdisciplinary manner through easy access to other departments in the Humanities and Social Sciences.

One of the benefits of working within a small, well supported, and distinguished department is the ability to tailor the program to meet the needs and interests of each student. Requirements for the Ph.D. degree reflect this unique dimension of the training offered.

For questions related to general PhD requirements in the School of Humanities, please contact Humanities Graduate Admissions. For questions regarding the particular requirements and opportunities within the Religion Department, please contact Dr. William Parsons, Director of Doctoral Studies.