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Ph.D. Program

The Graduate Program Committee 

Flagg Miller, Chair of Religious Studies Department
Archana Venkatesan (Graduate Program Chair/Advisor)
Chunjie Zhang
Michael Ziser
Baki Tezcan
Lauren Eastland - Grad Student Rep
Maria Ruby: Graduate Program Coordinator

Degree Requirements

The Study of Religion Ph.D. program is designed as a 6-year program that includes the following components.

Coursework

  • a) Core Courses (16 units):
    REL 200A. Historical Roots of the Study of Religion (4 units)
    REL 200B. Foundational Theories of Religion (4 units)
    REL 200C. Contemporary Approaches to the Study of Religion (4 units)
    REL 200D Field Profile Seminar I-II (2 units each; 4 units total)

  • b) Elective Courses: minimum 44 units
    As they develop their graduate studies, students will choose one Regional Area of Specialization (RAOS), one Thematic Area of Specialization (TAOS), and one Area of Competence (AOC). The Area of Competence will normally be a secondary religious tradition chosen to complement the primary Regional Area of Specialization (RAOS). It is expected that at least one course will count toward both Regional and Thematic Areas of Specialization unit requirements.

  • c) In addition to the requirements for the RAOS, TAOS and AOC, students must take 20 units of elective graduate level courses; students may count up to 12 units of advanced language study in a primary language of research as part of their elective units, and may count up to 12 units of directed research with a GGSR faculty member as part of their elective units.

  • Optional Designated Emphasis: Students may choose an additional specialization with one of the affiliated Designated Emphases (graduate minors). 
    https://grad.ucdavis.edu/designated-emphases

  • Language Requirement: Competence in the languages of primary research (as determined by the Major Professor, in consultation with the Graduate Committee) must be demonstrated prior to advancement to candidacy.
  • Preliminary Exam
  • Qualifying Exam
  • Dissertation and Final Oral Exam (Defense)

Please see the Approved Degree Requirements (2022)PDF for full details.

Documents