Emory University

What you'll study

The curriculum balances advanced coursework, language and methodological training, and sustained dissertation research. Typical components include:

• Theoretical and historical foundations: study of key theories in the academic study of religion and the historical development of particular traditions.
• Textual and philological methods: close work with primary sources, critical editions, and languages relevant to your field (classical, modern, or ethnographic languages as required).
• Comparative and regional studies: comparative approaches to religion across Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas or the Middle East, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and indigenous traditions.
• Ethnography and social-scientific methods: qualitative research design, fieldwork techniques, and quantitative or mixed-methods options where appropriate.
• Religion in public life: study of religion's role in politics, law, media, ethics and contemporary social issues.

Students typically complete a sequence of seminars and directed readings in their first years, demonstrate language competence, pass comprehensive examinations, and then focus on dissertation research and writing. Along the way they present work at workshops and conferences and are encouraged to publish in peer-reviewed venues.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a master’s degree in religion, theology, or a closely related humanities or social-science discipline, though exceptionally well-qualified applicants with a strong bachelor’s degree and research experience may also be considered. A successful application usually includes:

• A clear statement of research interests or a preliminary research proposal that indicates familiarity with relevant literature and questions.
• Academic transcripts demonstrating strong performance in prior graduate or undergraduate study.
• Letters of recommendation from academic referees who can speak to the applicant’s research potential.
• A writing sample that demonstrates ability to analyse sources and construct an argument (e.g. a seminar paper, MA thesis chapter, or published article).
• A curriculum vitae outlining relevant academic and research experience.

Applicants may also be asked to demonstrate language preparation appropriate to their proposed research and to participate in an interview with potential faculty mentors. Specific submission requirements are available from the programme’s admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Religion pursue careers in a range of sectors. Common paths include tenure-track and adjunct teaching in higher education, research positions in think tanks and cultural institutions, curatorial and archival roles in museums and libraries, leadership and scholarship in religious communities, and policy or advocacy work where expertise in religion and culture is needed. Doctoral training also prepares graduates for careers in publishing, journalism, nonprofit management and public scholarship.

Why study at Emory University

Emory offers rich institutional resources for advanced study of religion: faculty with diverse regional and methodological specialisms, deep library collections including the Pitts Theology Library, and cross-campus centres that support interdisciplinary work in ethics, law and religion, and religion and public life. Located in Atlanta, the university provides access to a dynamic urban context for field research and partnerships with museums, archives and faith communities. The programme’s emphasis on close mentorship, combined with opportunities to teach and present research, prepares students for scholarly leadership and public engagement in the study of religion.