The Religion Department at Claremont Graduate University contributes to the disciplined study of religion, including—but also transcending—considerations of particular communities of belief and practice.
The PhD in Religion trains graduate students in the theories, methods, and knowledge they need in order to participate in and shape the study of religion in the 21st century as well as to apply those tools to productive careers outside the academy. Students enrolled in this PhD program must choose from one of the following areas of specialization: Critical Comparative Scriptures, History of Christianity & Religions of North America, Philosophy of Religion & Theology, and Women’s & Gender Studies in Religion. In special circumstances, students may work with faculty to create an area of specialization outside these areas.
Program Highlights
- Interdisciplinary concentrations are available, including American Studies, Early Modern Studies, Hemispheric & Transnational Studies, Media Studies, and Museum Studies.
- You can take courses and interact with faculty and students in other CGU departments and at The Claremont Colleges in such areas as Asian religions, African-American religions, New Testament, women’s and gender studies, and U.S. history.
- Thanks to CGU’s proximity to Los Angeles, you will study in one of the most religiously diverse areas in the world.
- You will have access to the libraries of CGU and Claremont University Consortium which offer more than two million volumes – more than 250,000 in the field of religion alone.
