Application Process

Thank you for your interest PhD program in Religion at Rice University.

Applications for fall 2027 are now open. The deadline is 10:59pm CST on Tuesday, December 15, 2026.
Apply here: http://gradapply.rice.edu/

Special note on Application Fee Waivers:
All questions regarding application fee waivers will be addressed only after GPS Doctoral Application Fee Waiver Weeks begin (October 14-November 1, 2027). If you are need of a fee waiver: mark your calendar, bookmark the fee waiver weeks webpage, and follow the instructions.

Special note on English Proficiency Requirements for international applicants:
There are several places on the application where students can provide evidence of English language proficiency to receive a waiver. There is no need to email the department asking for a waiver. For more detailed information, refer directly to the graduate admissions webpage regarding language proficiency requirements: https://graduate.rice.edu/admissions/language-proficiency-requirements.

Frequent Inquiries:

  • The PhD program in Religion is a full-time, funded program and does not offer online or distance courses.
  • Applications are accepted annually for fall matriculation only; there is no spring matriculation.
  • In general, applicants should have a minimum 3.0 (B) grade point average, or the equivalent, in their undergraduate work.
  • A GRE score is not required. If you have a score, feel free to submit it, but it is not necessary.

Program Eligibility:
Individuals who hold a bachelor's degree, or who will complete a bachelor's degree by the start of the admission term, are eligible to apply. Applicants of all academic backgrounds are considered for the PhD program. In general, a minimum of a 3.0 (B) GPA is required. For more information about graduate program qualifications, visit Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

Application Requirements:
The following materials must be submitted by the application deadline to be considered for admission:

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
A statement describing your educational objectives and intended area of study. Additionally, the statement should discuss any scholarly research, writing, or similar research currently being pursued. Statements should be no longer than two or three pages, double-spaced.

WRITING SAMPLE
A sample of your academic writing, preferably one that uses primary sources. The writing sample may be a paper you have submitted for class or an original essay written for the application. Writing samples should be seven to ten pages, double spaced.

RECOMMENDATION LETTERS
Three letters of recommendation by individuals best qualified to testify to your capacity for graduate work in religious studies are required. Academic references representing your major field are preferred. If this is not possible, individuals who can comment on qualities relevant to your academic goals and research will be accepted. Recommenders named in the application form will be sent an automated email requesting that they complete an online evaluation and upload the letter of recommendation. We advise applicants to make sure recommenders know to expect this email and to give them sufficient time to complete this task ahead of the application deadline.

UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS
Unofficial transcripts from previous colleges and universities where a degree was received. The department will review unofficial transcripts during the admissions process; official transcripts will be required after acceptance into the graduate program.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY (International applicants only)
There are several places on the application where students can provide evidence of English language proficiency to receive a waiver. There is no need to email the department asking for a waiver. For more detailed information, refer directly to the graduate admissions webpage regarding language proficiency requirements: https://graduate.rice.edu/admissions/language-proficiency-requirements.

OFFICIAL TEST SCORES
A GRE score is not required. If you have a GRE score, feel free to submit it, but it is not necessary.

Once a completed application is submitted, the applicant will be able to pay the $85 application fee and monitor the status of their application on the Application Status page. See the paragraph about Application Fee Waivers at the top of this page.

Application information and supporting documents cannot be edited after final submission.

Inquiries regarding the application process can be directed to Humanities Graduate Admissions: humagradadmissions@rice.edu.