About Redlands

University of Redlands graduates walking by during the commencement ceremony.
About

Discover more about the University of Redlands.

Bulldog statue standing during a sunset.
History

Founded in 1907, the U of R community celebrates 100+ years of legacy and educational impact.

Graduate raising their diploma in celebration.
Missions and Values

Learn about our mission, vision, and values.

Search Redlands

Featured Resources
Admissions Alumni Events Campus Map

Resources for

Latest News

A Leader for Change and Innovation in Education
A Leader for Change and Innovation in Education

juneteenth-flag-ceremony-at-university-of-redlands-2024---masthead_resized
Past, present, and bright future

Teaser card - Climate change summit
Leading the charge for climate action and justice

More Info
Home
Back to  Academics
Doctor of Philosophy
Program media masthead - Doctoral graduate students
Home
Back to  Academics
Doctor of Philosophy

Doctor of Philosophy

Explore a concentrated, interdisciplinary study of sacred texts, historical and cultural studies of religion, theology, and ethics, and religion and practice with a Doctor of Philosophy degree. 

Apply

Degrees Offered

Doctorate

Program Types

Graduate

Mode of Study

Hybrid

School / College

San Francisco Theological Seminary

What is a Doctorate in Philosophy?

Students affiliated with the Graduate School of Theology are able to pursue a Ph.D. through the Graduate Theological Union (GTU), the largest consortium of interreligious and interfaith scholarship in the U.S. This advanced academic degree is intended to prepare students for professional careers in teaching, writing, and scholarship, as well as leadership opportunities with religious organizations, social service agencies, foundations, museums, libraries, publishing, and in educational institutions.

Why a Doctorate in Philosophy? 

The doctoral program includes areas of study that utilize the depth of faculty expertise made possible by the union of the nine member schools, affiliated centers, and institutes.

Students applying to enter the Ph.D. program at the GTU are able to choose their fields of study from among more than thirty concentrations grouped into four interdisciplinary departments:

  • Sacred Texts & Their Interpretation: Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, Hindu Sacred Texts, Islamic Sacred Texts, New Testament, Rabbinic Literature
  • Historical & Cultural Studies of Religion: Anthropology of Religion, Art and Religion, Buddhist Studies, Christian Spirituality, Comparative Religion, History of Christianity, Hindu Studies, Islamic Studies, Jewish Studies, New Religious Movements, Religion and Literature, Sociology of Religion
  • Theology & Ethics: Aesthetics, Christian Theology, Comparative Ethics, Comparative Theology, Ethics, Hindu Theology, Islamic Philosophy and Theology, Philosophical Theology, Theology & Science
  • Religion & Practice: Homiletics, Liturgical Studies, Missiology, Practical Theology, Religious Education

To apply to the program, students must have a Master of Divinity or a Master of Arts degree in theology, religion, or a closely related field, and a bachelor’s degree from a fully accredited institution. 

Program highlights
Program length
The average length of time for completion of the Ph.D. degree at GTU is 6 to 7 years.
Program opportunties
The GTU doctoral program emphasizes interdisciplinary work as a way to help student prepare for teaching in a number of disciplines. Students are also encouraged to participate in professional organizations such as the American Academy of Religion, the Society of Biblical Literature, and others, to present papers and meet colleagues in the field.
How to apply to GTU
Graduate application deadlines
Upcoming
Spring 2025, Summer 2025, Fall 2025. Students are encouraged to submit their application by the priority application date in order to expedite processing and ensure a smooth enrollment experience.
View deadlines