CGU’s Ph.D. in Religious Studies focuses on the academic study of religion from various perspectives, including historical, cultural, social, philosophical, and theological. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in academia, research, or other fields that require advanced knowledge of religious traditions and practices.
Our Ph.D. in Religious Studies curriculum includes a core of courses plus independent research leading to a dissertation. This paper is conducted under the guidance of a faculty advisor and requires original research and analysis. The overall coursework includes the following:
- Religious traditions and practices, including their historical and cultural contexts
- Theories and methods of religious studies, including textual analysis, ethnography, and comparative analysis
- The intersection of religion with other areas of inquiry, such as politics, economics, gender, and race
- Theoretical and philosophical approaches to religion, including issues of meaning, truth, and ethics
- Research methodologies, including quantitative and qualitative methods
Graduates of Ph.D. programs in religious studies may go on to careers in academia, teaching at the college or university level, or pursue careers in research, non-profit organizations, government, or other fields requiring advanced knowledge of religious traditions and practices.
Each of the following courses are 3-units, with exception to Dissertation Writing and Defense which is 6-units. The total number of credit units is 60.
- History of Religion: This course will provide an advanced study of the history of religion, including the development of religious traditions and practices across different cultures and periods.
- Comparative Religion: This course will explore the similarities and differences between various religious traditions, including their beliefs, practices, and social structures.
- Philosophy of Religion: This course will explore theoretical and philosophical approaches to religion, including meaning, truth, and ethics.
- Theology and Religious Thought: This course will provide advanced study in religious thought and theology, including interpreting religious texts and developing theological doctrines.
- Religion and Politics: This course will explore the intersection of religion and politics, including issues related to religious freedom, civil rights, and public policy.
- Religion and Gender: This course will explore the role of religion in shaping gender norms, identities, and experiences, as well as women’s experiences in religious traditions.
- Religion and Race: This course will explore the role of religion in shaping racial identities, experiences, and social structures, as well as the experiences of minority groups in religious traditions.
- Religion and Society: This course will explore the role of religion in shaping social structures and cultural practices, including the relationship between religion and social change.
- Textual Analysis: This course will provide advanced study in analyzing religious texts, including literary, historical, and cultural approaches.
- Ethnography: This course will provide advanced study in conducting ethnographic research on religious traditions and practices.
- Quantitative Research Methods: This course will provide advanced study in quantitative research methods, including survey design, statistical analysis, and data interpretation.
- Qualitative Research Methods: This course will provide advanced study in qualitative research methods, including interviewing, observation, and content analysis.
- Advanced Biblical Studies: This course will provide advanced study in interpreting biblical texts, including literary, historical, and theological approaches.
- Advanced Religious Studies Seminar: This course will allow students to present and discuss their research with peers and faculty.
- Research Ethics: This course will explore ethical issues related to conducting research in religious studies, including confidentiality, informed consent, and cultural sensitivity.
- Dissertation Proposal: This course will guide students in developing a research proposal for their dissertation.
- Dissertation Research I: This course will provide students with guidance and support in conducting original research for their dissertations.
- Dissertation Research II: This course will continue to provide students with guidance and support in conducting original research for their dissertations.
- Dissertation Writing and Defense (6 units): This course will provide students with guidance and support in writing their dissertations and preparing for their defense.
Tuition for the PhD is $150 per credit unit or $9,000 USD for the entire program.