Syracuse University

What you'll study

The PhD in Religion emphasises sustained research into historical, textual, ethnographic, and theoretical approaches to religion. Students pursue a personalised programme of reading and research that typically includes advanced seminars in methods and theory, specialised courses on religious traditions or themes, and a significant dissertation that contributes new knowledge to the field.

• Core methods and theory: historiography of religions, contemporary theory in religious studies, qualitative methods, comparative approaches.
• Area and tradition-focused seminars: studies in Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Indigenous and diasporic religions, and religion in American and global contexts.
• Interdisciplinary options: courses linking religion with literature, history, anthropology, sociology, political science, gender studies, and visual culture.
• Language and research training: reading knowledge in relevant languages (ancient or modern) as required by the student’s research, archival and fieldwork practicum where appropriate.
• Dissertation: independent research leading to a doctoral dissertation under the supervision of a faculty committee; regular dissertation workshops and prospectus defence.

Programme structure is flexible to allow for both course work and concentrated research. Early years typically combine intensive coursework and language preparation, while later years focus on comprehensive exams, dissertation proposal, and dissertation research and writing.

Entry requirements

Applicants are usually expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree, and a master’s degree in religious studies or a closely related discipline is preferred though strong candidates with only a bachelor’s degree may be considered. Typical application materials include:

• Academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
• A research statement outlining proposed areas of study and how they fit with departmental strengths
• Writing sample demonstrating scholarly ability (e.g. a seminar paper or MA thesis chapter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Letters of recommendation (usually three)
• Proof of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English

Applicants should review the department’s specific guidance on required language preparation and any additional expectations for particular research specialties. Admissions committees evaluate academic preparation, fit with faculty expertise, and the feasibility of the proposed research.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Religion pursue a range of careers in academia, research, and public-facing roles. Common pathways include:

• College and university faculty positions in religious studies, theology, history, or related humanities departments
• Research and policy roles in think-tanks, NGOs, and government where expertise in religion and culture informs programming and analysis
• Museum, archival and special-collections work, including curation and public humanities programming
• Publishing, journalism, and editorial work focused on religion, culture and society
• Leadership roles in faith-based organisations, interfaith initiatives, and community education

The programme’s emphasis on research, teaching experience through assistantships, and interdisciplinary collaboration equips graduates with analytical, communicative and pedagogical skills valued both inside and beyond the academy.

Why study at Syracuse University

Syracuse University’s Department of Religion is housed within a major research university that supports interdisciplinary work across the humanities and social sciences. Students benefit from access to comprehensive research collections, special collections and archives, and opportunities to collaborate with related units across campus including social science schools and humanities centres.

The department fosters close faculty-student mentorship, opportunities for funded teaching and research assistantships, and professional-development programming for early-career scholars. Syracuse’s location and institutional resources make it a strong place to pursue sustained, original research into religion in historical and contemporary contexts.