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Doctor of Philosophy
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Redlands
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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. 

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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 San Francisco Theological Seminary 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 opportunities
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.
Program length
The average length of time for completion of the Ph.D. degree at GTU is 6 to 7 years.
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.
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