Academics

The Graduate Program in Religion is integrally related to the overall educational aims of the university. Its faculty is drawn from the Department of Religious Studies and from Duke Divinity School. Graduate students can take courses and gain teaching experience in both of these environments.

The Graduate Program in Religion offers a Ph.D. program that features 10 fields of study (also called tracks). These fields of study enable you to concentrate your studies in specialized areas. Our program presumes a foundation in the academic study of religion. Students applying for graduate work in religion directly from an undergraduate program should have completed a strong undergraduate major in religion or a closely related field.

Credential Fields of Study Requirements
Ph.D. in Religious Studies

Select 3 study focus areas:

  • Primary Field of Study
  • Second Field as your Inside Minor Area
  • Third area outside of religion as your Outside Minor Area

Other requirements vary depending on Primary Field of Study; however, all include a combination of:

  • Coursework
  • Languages
  • Responsible Conduct of Research Training
  • Preliminary Examinations
  • Dissertation

Affiliated Programs

Duke offers other graduate degree programs in Religions that are offered outside of the Graduate Program in Religion Department:

Credential Overview
Master of Arts in Religious Studies Offered by the Department of Religious Studies, this program is designed to give students training in the basic methods of Religious Studies and exposure to the principle fields of scholarly interest with the department.
J.D./M.A. in Religious Studies Combining the Masters with a law degree, this joint-degree program is offered by the Department of Religious Studies and Duke Law School.
Duke Divinity School Academic Degrees With 5 Master's degrees, 2 doctoral degrees and 3 joint-degree programs, the Divinity School helps prepare students for transformational leadership and service.