Procedures

As part of the admissions process, top-ranked candidates will be invited to Duke for on-campus interviews and an introduction to departmental programs. (Travel expenses will be paid by Duke.) This will allow both candidates and faculty members to assess whether there is a good match between the student and their prospective program. Except for special named scholarships (James B. Duke, Duke Endowment, University Scholar) we will make final decisions concerning student funding after the completion of the on-campus interview. Admission is normally for the fall semester but in extraordinary cases may be deferred until the spring term.

• The Bulletin of the Graduate School specifies the details of the procedure for making application.

• Students desiring financial aid must file the completed electronic application by December 15. No applications will be considered after December 31.

• Applications received before November 15 are eligible to pay a reduced application fee of $65. After that date the fee increases to $75.

• Application form

The principal factors considered by the Admissions Committee of the graduate faculty in religion in decisions regarding admission are:

1. previous academic records as reflected in transcripts,

2. recommendations from competent academic persons,

3. scores on the Graduate Record Examination,

4. the statement of intellectual and academic interest that is part of the application, and

5. a term paper or sample of other scholarly work of 15-20 pages (to be sent directly to Graduate Program in Religion, Duke University, Box 90964, Durham NC 27708-0964).

There is no quota of students accepted in particular subdisciplines of Religious Studies, but the overall number of students admitted is limited because of the character of the Ph.D. instruction at Duke: small seminars and individual tutorial and dissertation guidance, and the amount of financial aid available in a given year.

Because of the stringency of admissions requirements, students seeking admission to doctoral studies should apply at several schools. Before applying, prospective students may wish to consult with faculty members in their expected area of specialization or the appropriate field convener. Questions regarding the application process may be directed to the Staff Assistant, Gay Trotter.