Job Description
Syracuse University offers a fully funded Ph.D. program in Religion through its Department of Religion within the College of Arts and Sciences. This program is designed to prepare students for academic and research careers in the field of religious studies.
Program Overview
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Degree: Ph.D. in Religion
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Institution: Syracuse University
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School: College of Arts and Sciences
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Format: Full-time
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Duration: Typically 5 years
Funding Package
All admitted Ph.D. students receive a comprehensive funding package that includes:
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Teaching Assistantships: Five years of support, contingent on maintaining full-time status and satisfactory academic progress.
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Tuition Support: Full coverage for tuition.
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Stipend: A stipend for living expenses is provided as part of the Teaching Assistantship.
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Teaching Experience: Students assist in faculty courses during the first three years and may teach undergraduate courses independently in the fourth or fifth years.
Research Concentrations
The Ph.D. program offers three interrelated concentrations:
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Communities and Identities: Explores religion and spirituality in modern societies through anthropology and history of religions.
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Critique, Image, and Politics: Examines the interplay of religion with aesthetics, ethics, psychology, sociology, philosophy, and political and cultural theory.
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Texts and Contexts: Focuses on literary and performative expressions of religion, including scriptures, analyzed through history, philosophy, literary theory, and rhetoric.
Admission Requirements
Applicants should meet the following criteria:
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Academic Background: A Master’s degree in religious studies or a related discipline is preferred.
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Application Materials:
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Official transcripts from all previous institutions.
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Three letters of recommendation.
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Personal statement (max 1,000 words) outlining research interests and chosen concentration.
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Writing sample (max 20 pages).
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GRE scores are currently waived.
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TOEFL scores for non-native English speakers.
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Completed online application form.
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Course of Study
The program emphasizes creative interdisciplinarity, theoretical reflection, and rigorous investigation of the material, textual, cultural, aesthetic, and political dimensions of religions. An intimate and collaborative environment supports intellectual growth and pedagogical development.
Career Outcomes
Graduates are well-prepared for academic positions, research roles, and other careers requiring deep understanding of religious studies and critical analysis. The program’s emphasis on interdisciplinary study equips students with versatile skills applicable in various professional contexts.
