The study of religion is called theology.Theologians study and discuss spiritual, philosophical and historical texts.To get a PhD in theology, students must complete specialized training at a university, seminary or school of divinity.
Step 1: The Graduate Record Exam is for graduate students.
You will need to take the test in order to get into a graduate program.There is a verbal, math, and essay section on the GRE.The verbal/writing scores are what most humanities departments are interested in.You can improve your score on the actual test by taking a practice test.There is a scoring scheme for this test.Your prospective program's guides will show you the average accepted scores.Scores over ten years old will not be accepted by your program.For submission of your scores during the live test, please select the school you are applying to.
Step 2: You can get a master's degree in this field.
Many subjects can be covered by the humanities and/or social sciences.Get your earlier degrees in topics related to religion.Take a look at the Master's degree offerings for a religion or philosophy department.If you want to start an academic career in theological studies, you should contact the professor of the Master's program.They may be able to direct you somewhere else.You can find similar programs and classes in history, literature, and anthropology.
Step 3: Do you have a fast track in your program?
Should I stay at my school for the doctorate if I'm already in a master's program for theological studies?You can combine your master degree achievements into the doctorate.By the program's deadline, make sure you make any decisions on the "fast track".There are requirements for the doctorate program.Increased credit hours, requirements for the final written research composition, and course options are things to look for.If you don't have a "fast track" option, you can stay in your current school.This may require a new application.
Step 4: A foreign language can be learned.
A minimum of reading knowledge of a foreign language is required for most humanities programs in the United States.You will probably need to learn another language if you do international research.If you want to know what languages are offered in your program, check the course lists.The official knowledge reading exams and equivalent tests are given each semester.Inquire about the program's rules for passage of the language credit.If a class or exam is needed to pass the credit.
Step 5: A thesis can work later.
At the end of a master's degree, the thesis is the major research writing project.These projects are primary source-based works with you as interpreter of the evidence.There is a gap in the field and you can fill it by selecting a topic.Don't write about what's already been done.It is possible to find a different angle within a well known topic.You should save your research.You may be able to use the books, manuscripts, interviews, and archives you visit in your PhD work.
Step 6: Pick the right program.
Do you know if your prospective school has a theology department?Pick the professors that cover the subfields of theology you want to study and read the faculty lists of the programs you are most interested in.
Step 7: You might consider the professor as an advisor.
Your program of study will be directed by them.If you want to work with this faculty member on a theological project, introduce yourself and your ideas.Discuss your master's program work.If you can form a professional bond with the faculty member, you should engage them on theological ideas.
Step 8: Go to the campus.
If you go to your top program choices, you may be able to make a decision about where to spend the next few years.Schedule time to meet with the professor.If you can at least have your potential major advisor look over the course syllabus and program expectations, that would be great.You would study in the department.Find out what theology professors and graduate students are doing.Ask about religious organizations that work with the university.Get their contact information.
Step 9: Go ahead and complete the application.
You will need letters of recommendation from your master's program faculty if you want to submit a thesis.You can submit transcripts from your undergrad and master's programs.Make sure they got to your school by the deadline.Send writing samples.A writing sample is required for most doctorate programs.This can be either a research paper or a thesis chapter.An additional original essay may be required.Read the application requirements carefully.
Step 10: You can apply to many programs.
If not more, consider applying to at least half a dozen schools.The departments can vary greatly in size and funding.
Step 11: You can choose a theology specialization.
Some examples of the major field include Ancient Religious History, Ethnography, Iconography and Ethics and Philosophy.A major field and several minor fields are required by most universities to improve a graduate's academic credentials.Pick a group of people.In addition to your major advisor, these professors will lead your minor fields and consult for your exams.They may or may not serve on the committee.If you don't meet with your department's academic advisor and major professor frequently, you will not be able to fulfill the required credits for your major and minor fields.
Step 12: Pick classes based on your major and minor fields.
A minimum of 2 years or 30 credit hours of full-time work is required for the degree beyond the master's degree in theology.Pick classes that will help you complete your research and papers for your thesis.
Step 13: You can be involved in teaching assistantships.
Part-time assistance to professors and the department is one of the ways graduate programs fund their students.If you get the chance, teach a class.For real teaching positions and a highlight for your job applications, this is a practice.
Step 14: Pass all the exams.
A written and oral comprehensive exam is required for students to become a PhD candidate.The degree stands between you and the degree at this point.The concentration fields will be covered in this test.Prepare questions for your committee members well in advance.
Step 15: You should consult with your professor after you pass the test.
"ABD" is your status at this point.
Step 16: The prospectus needs to be written.
It's a good idea to meet with your advisor frequently.If you can continue on with your master's thesis, you will be doing a lot of additional research and writing.You should outline your ideas, theological problems, religious theories, sources, and methodology.
Step 17: The outline needs to be produced.
Chapter headings, subtopics, and working bibliography are included in the outline.
Step 18: Look for money.
There are many funding opportunities for humanities scholars and graduate students.Look into your program's listings as well as any academic societies you may belong to.While you're researching and others are near completion, check your funding opportunities so they match the right stage of your work.
Step 19: Do a research on your work.
Primary source-based work will be supported by secondary sources.If applicable, use the work for your master's degree.Request help locating more information from the archives.They can find items that aren't in catalogs.You should present at conferences to get feedback on your research and writing.Even if you don't finish your writing, you can still do this.Research and theology can be exchanged.
Step 20: Write your thesis.
It can be difficult to keep a writing schedule as one is likely to have other things to do.Try to write a couple of hours a day.You won't be disturbed on certain days of the week if you set aside blocks of time.Part of what you write to your major advisor, academic mentors, and graduate students at a similar level of progress should be shared.This can be motivating for graduate students.
Step 21: Defend your work.
The major advisor, a specified number from your department, and one "out of area" faculty member are usually required for each student to meet with the committee.The degree will be awarded if the committee approves the defense.