Overview

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

Significant financial support - all admitted students receive an annual stipend + full tuition waiver for five years. Students also have a variety of opportunities for competitive sixth-year funding, based on teaching and research interests.
Training in specific religious traditions and methodologies
Our graduates receive an apprentice experience
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 and provide additional funding
The ability to work in an interdisciplinary manner through easy access to other departments in the Humanities and Social Sciences at Rice University

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 in Religion reflect this unique dimension of the training offered.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Religions in America
Christianity and Late Antiquity
Lost Judaisms: the Apocryphal Writings
Religion in Fiction and Film
Nietzsche and Religious Thought
Magic and Popular Religion
What's Religious About Black Religion?

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 60 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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115

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Credits

60 SCH

A minimum of 90 credit hours of approved coursework beyond the bachelor's degree and a minimum of 60 hours beyond a master's degree.

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Theology and Religious Studies View 99 other PhDs in Theology and Religious Studies in United States

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

Duolingo English Test

115

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Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Rice University and/or in United States, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Other requirements

General requirements

Application Form & Fee
Unofficial Transcripts
Official Test Scores
English Language Proficiency (International Applicants Only)
Statement of Purpose
Writing Sample
Recommendation Letters

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

59784 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 59784 USD per year during 60 months.
National

59784 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 59784 USD per year during 60 months.
In-State

59784 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 59784 USD per year during 60 months.

Living costs for Houston

1067 - 1950 USD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Religion.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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