Doctor of Philosophy in Religion

The Department of Religion at Rice University is a research program dedicated to describing and analyzing all forms of religion and religious behavior with a wide variety of philosophical, historical, social-scientific, theological, and literary methods. What makes our Ph.D. program stand out among other top tier programs - Significant financial support.Training in specific religious traditions and methodologies. Our graduates receive an apprentice experience. A faculty deeply involved in scholarship of international scope while remaining attentive to the intellectual projects of individual students. Opportunities to participate in certificate programs that enhance training and provide additional funding. The ability to work in an interdisciplinary manner through easy access to other departments in the Humanities and Social Sciences.

Candidates who hold a Bachelor's degree, or who will complete a Bachelor's degree by the start of the admission term, are eligible to apply. Applicants of all academic backgrounds are considered for the PhD program. UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS
Unofficial transcripts from previous colleges and universities. The department will review unofficial transcripts during the admissions process, official transcripts will be required after acceptance into the graduate program.

OFFICIAL TEST SCORES
A GRE score is not required for fall 2022 applicants.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
A statement describing the applicant's educational objectives and intended area of study. Additionally, the statement should discuss any scholarly research, writing, or similar research currently being pursued. Statements should be no longer than two or three pages, double-spaced.

WRITING SAMPLE
A sample of the applicant's academic writing, preferably one that uses primary sources. The writing sample may be a paper you have submitted for class or an original essay written for the application. Writing samples should be seven to ten pages, double spaced.

RECOMMENDATION LETTERS
Three letters of recommendation by individuals best qualified to testify to the applicant's capacity for graduate work in religious studies are required.

In general, applicants should have a minimum 3.0 (B) grade point average, or the equivalent, in their undergraduate work.
A GRE score is not required for fall 2022 applicants.
In general, applicants should have at least a 3.0 (B) grade point average, or the equivalent, in their undergraduate work. The TOEFL IBT Home. A minimum score of 90 is required.
IELTS Indicator. A minimum score of 7 is required. TOEFL, at least 600 on the paper-based TOEFL or score 250 on the computer-based TOEFL.