The Program and the Curriculum
Structure of the program
- Students take two years (36 hours) of course work in residence
- Students take preliminary exams and begin dissertation in year three
- Students complete dissertation in years 4-5
- Coursework includes
- 24 hours in student's concentration
- 9 hours of free electives
- 3 hour seminar in theories of religion
- Five years of paid stipend during which:
- Students are assigned to a member of the faculty as graduate assistants in years 1-4
- Students teach one course per semester in year 5
Typical
- Year one
- fall: two seminars in area of concentration + required seminar + GA work (3 courses)
- spring: two seminars in area of concentration + one elective + GA work (3 courses)
- Year two
- fall: two seminars in area of concentration + one elective + GA work (3 courses)
- spring: two seminars in area of concentration + one elective + GA work (3 courses)
- Year three
- fall: prepare for candidacy exams + GA work
- spring: prepare and take candidacy exams + GA work
- Year four
- fall: research and write dissertation + GA work
- spring: research and write dissertation + GA work
- Year five
- Complete the dissertation + teaching
The Religion Department of Baylor University boasts a robust doctoral program for students who seek to contribute to the field of religious studies. From the quality of the faculty in all four areas (Old Testament, New Testament, Historical Studies, and Theological Studies) to the research production of the students, Graduate Studies in Religion at Baylor has established itself as a leading North American program, known for rigorous scholarship and training in the academic study of religion.
As an institution, Baylor is committed to ensuring the success of its students. The department boasts a close-knit community of scholars who work together to promote excellence in all its endeavors. A comradery and spirit of curiosity pervade the Religion department and university as a whole.
The Religion PhD program is well situated to embrace and support the lively Christian commitments of the university. As a private Christian university in the Baptist tradition, religious questions pervade the campus. Students are open and encouraged to engage in cross-disciplinary and boundary-breaking discussions. The Baylor student body houses many future leaders of society, business, and government. All departments and faculty welcome religious inquiry; the doctoral program is a key part of that discussion.
Coursework
Most graduates of the Baylor Ph. D. program in Religion take their first jobs in liberal arts departments. Thus Baylor's curriculum requires work in a variety of areas within the discipline of Religion. Students may also take advantage of the university context by working in an area outside the department. At the same time, students enjoy significant research and teaching in an area of emphasis (Old Testament, New Testament, Historical Studies, or Theological Studies) within the department. For information on specific courses in the Religion department, please use the following links.
Complete listing of graduate courses offered by the Religion Department