Southern Methodist University

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced coursework, language preparation, comprehensive examinations and an original dissertation. Early stages emphasise core theoretical and methodological training in religious studies, while later stages concentrate on focused research under a faculty mentor.

• Core coursework: theory and methods in religious studies, comparative approaches, historiography of religion, and specialised seminars in areas such as biblical studies, religion in America, Islam and Muslim studies, South Asian religions, East Asian religions, Judaism, religion and politics, and ethics.
• Research skills and languages: training in historical-critical, ethnographic and textual methods; requirement to demonstrate reading knowledge in one or more research languages (for example Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Arabic, Sanskrit, Chinese, or another language appropriate to the student’s field).
• Qualifying examinations: written and/or oral exams that assess mastery of major fields and readiness to undertake dissertation research.
• Dissertation: development and defence of an original, book-length research project under the guidance of a supervisory committee, culminating in an oral defence.
• Teaching and professional development: opportunities to gain teaching experience as a graduate instructor, plus workshops on grant-writing, publishing, and conference presentation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically expected to hold a relevant master’s degree (for example MA in Religious Studies, Divinity, Theology, or a closely related humanities/social sciences degree) with a strong academic record. Selection is competitive and based on evidence of research potential.

• Academic transcripts: demonstrated excellence in prior graduate and undergraduate coursework.
• Writing sample: a scholarly paper (often 10–25 pages) showing research ability, argumentative clarity and familiarity with relevant literature.
• Research proposal: a clear statement of research interests, proposed questions, and possible methodologies; should indicate fit with departmental faculty expertise.
• References: several academic letters of recommendation attesting to preparation for doctoral work.
• Language competence: evidence of ability in required research languages when applicable.
• Additional materials: some applicants may be invited to an interview; funding decisions can factor into admissions offers. Standardised tests or other requirements may vary, so consult the department for current policies.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a range of careers that draw on advanced research, critical thinking and teaching skills.

• Academic careers: tenure-track and visiting faculty positions in religious studies, theology, history, anthropology, and related departments; postdoctoral fellowships and research positions.
• Higher education roles: curriculum development, administration, student affairs and academic advising.
• Public-facing roles: cultural institutions and museums, archives and special collections, editorial and publishing work focused on religion and the humanities.
• Non-profit and policy: positions in NGOs, interfaith organisations, community engagement, and policy research where deep knowledge of religion and ethics informs practice.
• Other paths: careers in journalism, public history, consultancy, and continued work in religious leadership or chaplaincy when combined with appropriate vocational training.

Why study at Southern Methodist University

Southern Methodist University offers access to a robust community of scholars in religion across Dedman College and the Perkins School of Theology, enabling interdisciplinary supervision and collaboration. The university’s location in Dallas provides rich archival, cultural and community resources for research, while specialised collections—such as those held in theological and regional libraries—support primary-source work.

Doctoral students benefit from small-seminar instruction, mentoring by faculty with strengths across historical, textual and ethnographic approaches, and structured professional-development programming. Funding opportunities including teaching assistantships and research support are typically available to qualifying PhD students, fostering a cohort environment for sustained scholarly progress.