Job Description
Yale University offers a fully funded PhD program in Islamic Studies through its Department of Religious Studies. This program is designed to train students for academic careers by providing comprehensive research opportunities in the study of Islam.
Program Overview
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Degree: PhD in Islamic Studies
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Institution: Yale University
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Department: Religious Studies
The program emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of Islamic intellectual history and religious thought. Students are expected to develop expertise in areas such as:
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Islamic religious history (from the origins of Islam to 1500 CE)
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Islamic religious thought (including philosophy, theology, Sufism, and Shi’ism)
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Islamic scripture and tradition (Qur’an and Hadith studies)
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Modern and contemporary Islam (16th to 21st-century developments across various regions)
The program encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, with relevant courses and resources available through departments such as Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, History, and Political Science.​
Funding Package
All admitted PhD students in Islamic Studies receive full financial support, which includes:​
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Tuition and Fees: Full coverage
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Stipend: Multi-year stipend to support living expenses
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Teaching Fellowships: Students are required to serve as teaching fellows during years three and four, gaining pedagogical experience while receiving financial support
This funding structure ensures that students can focus on their research and academic development without financial burden.​
Admission Requirements
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Academic Background: A strong foundation in religious studies or related fields
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Application Materials:
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Statement of Purpose
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Writing Sample (15–25 pages)
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Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
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Three Letters of Recommendation
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Standardized Tests: GRE scores are not required
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English Proficiency: TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for non-native English speakers unless they have completed a degree at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction​
Applicants are encouraged to identify faculty members they wish to work with and mention them in their application materials.​
Language Requirements
Students must demonstrate proficiency in:​
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Arabic: Advanced literary proficiency, to be achieved by the end of the second year
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Persian (Farsi): Equivalent of two years of coursework
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Scholarly Languages: Proficiency in two scholarly languages, typically German and French
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Additional Languages: Depending on research focus, knowledge of Turkish or Urdu may be beneficial
