The Graduate Department of Religion, a division within the Graduate School of Vanderbilt University, offers work toward the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in religion. All students enroll in one of nine primary areas listed below. In addition, a cross-disciplinary M.A. program is available. General requirements for the degrees are provided in the Guidelines and Departmental Rules of the Graduate Department of Religion, and in addition each area has its own specific requirements. See also the Graduate School homepage where an application form, online catalog, and other information can be accessed. Below are general descriptions of emphases, requirements, and faculty of each field of study in the Graduate Department of Religion.

GDR Faculty and Administration

Faculty listings according to fields of study

Area Directors of Study for 2012-2013

GDR Student Portal

Fields of Study

• Ethics and Society
• Hebrew Bible and Ancient Israel
• Historical Studies
• History and Critical Theories of Religion
• Homiletics and Liturgics
• Jewish Studies (M.A.)
• New Testament and Early Christianity *
• Religion, Psychology, and Culture
• Theological Studies

The Program in Theology and Practice:  Fellowships for Ph.D. Study in Religion at Vanderbilt

• Website for the Program in Theology and Practice
• Apply for Fellowships in Theology and Practice

General Requirements

• Guidelines and Policies of the GDR
• Thesis and Dissertation Guidelines (Word document)
• Electronic Thesis and Dissertations
• Language Requirements
• Guidelines for Dissertation Proposals
• Guidelines for International Students

Degree Programs

• Doctor of Philosophy
• Master of Arts
• Taking two years to complete the Master of Arts in Religion

---

*The New Testament program is not accepting applications this year.

---