Ph.D. in Religion and Practice

For the present admission cycle (Fall 2024), Admission to the Ph.D. in Religion and Practice has been suspended while changes to the program are considered.

This hybrid program includes on-campus and online coursework.

This program aspires to develop researchers and educators into promoters of social justice who are equipped to responsibly relate religion and spirituality to the pressing issues of our day. The Ph.D. program provides students mentoring and rigorous study in practical theology and religious education and draws on the richness of other practice-intensive fields at GRE such as Christian spirituality and pastoral mental health counseling. The Ph.D. program is committed to creating knowledge, curating practices, and accompanying students in ways that respond robustly to urgent questions in academic research and to the needs of religions and societies—scholarship for the practice of service.

Program Highlights

  • Explore diverse approaches to practical theology and religious education, focused on how academic studies are inspired by and contribute to the common good.
  • Learn the value of interdisciplinary conversations about practice as you work with mentors to cultivate your unique contributions and clarify your vocational and career goals.
  • Teach and learn with our renowned faculty and international students from more than twenty countries.
  • Take courses at the member schools of the New York Theological Consortium.

Program Basics

  • The curriculum is 48 credits, for those who enter with an earned master's degree in a related field.
  • Program includes a doctoral seminar, coursework, a proposal, and the writing and oral defense of a doctoral dissertation or substantial creative work.
  • Students are required to attend the January session on campus during the first two years of enrollment in the program.
  • Reading knowledge of languages other than English may be required if the scope and nature of the dissertation or substantial creative work warrant such knowledge.
  • Students are required to attend the January session during the first two years of enrollment in the program.

Careers

Graduates of the program will take a variety of career paths, including:

  • academic teaching and administration
  • ministerial leadership
  • public and private institutional leadership
  • creative social advocacy
  • entrepreneurial endeavors
For more detailed information about this program’s requirements, curriculum, and course descriptions, visit the GRE academic bulletin.