Degree Programs
The Divinity School offers the doctoral (PhD) degree, the Master of Divinity degree (MDiv), the Master of Arts (MA) degree, and a Master of Arts in Religious Studies (AMRS), as well as a major and a minor for College students.
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program is a rigorous, interdisciplinary course of study that prepares students for careers in research, teaching, and publicly engaged leadership. Students develop a sophisticated grasp of methods and theories in a chosen area and broad understanding of religion as a phenomenon, and join others in the creation of new knowledge.
Admission is offered annually. Average completion time is 6-8 years.
Program Requirements
- Minimum 12 courses (2 years)
- Demonstrated competence in two secondary research languages other than English. Some areas require additional language study.
- 4 Qualifying Examinations
- Teaching experiences totaling 5 teaching points
- Dissertation
The Master of Arts (MA) is a 2-year foundational program to acquire the skills to develop a research agenda for doctoral study, or to strengthen knowledge needed for professional fields. Admission is offered annually.
Program Requirements:
- Successful completion of a minimum of 15 courses, including
- DVSC 30400, Introduction to the Study of Religion
- At least one course in each of the three faculty committees
- Demonstrated competence in either French or German through an exam or course from the Chicago Language Center
The MDiv is a three-year, cohort-based program designed for students from all religious backgrounds who are interested in careers in public religious leadership, whether in traditional ministerial professions or in new and emerging forms of leadership.
Program highlights include participation in field education all three years of the program and the ability to take courses at neighboring seminaries or theological schools. Students learn basic skills in textual languages, such as Koine Greek, Biblical Hebrew, Qur’anic Arabic, Sanskrit, or Tibetan.
We offer several Dual Degree Programs:
- MDiv & Master of Public Policy (MPP) with the Irving B. Harris School of Public Policy Studies
- MDiv & Juris Doctor (JD) with The University of Chicago Law School
- MDiv & Master of Social Work (MSW) with The University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice
The AMRS is designed for those practicing other professions (e.g. law, medicine, business, education, journalism, the arts), or those looking to develop a broad basis of understanding in religious studies. Students may enroll either full or part time.
College students of any major may take electives in Religious Studies, and we offer both a Major and a Minor. The field of Religious Studies engages perennial questions about religion and human society. Explore numerous religious traditions, including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism.
Dr. Johnson teaching "Star Wars and Religion" in Spring 2019
APPLYING TO THE DIVINITY SCHOOL
Join our community of scholars and professionals who guide the public’s understanding of religion.
International Applicants
We welcome international students, who make up 24% of the University community, and come from over 100 countries.
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PhD Applicants
Our doctoral (PhD) program is an interdisciplinary course of advanced study that prepares students for careers in research, teaching, and publicly engaged leadership.
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MDiv Applicants
Our Master of Divinity (MDiv) program is for students from all religious backgrounds who are interested in careers in public religious leadership.
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divinity school overview
why apply?
The Divinity School faculty are world-renowned scholars who represent extraordinary breadth and depth of knowledge across the world’s religious traditions. They bring a wide range of disciplinary and methodological approaches to the study of religion.
The University of Chicago offers a vast array of resources to support every facet of student life and encourage academic success. Divinity School students are able to take advantage of the breadth of these resources to enhance their educational experience.
Swift Hall, home of the Divinity School, faces the main quadrangle of the University of Chicago’s Hyde Park campus. Our Hyde Park neighborhood offers a wide variety of cultural and recreational offerings, while the broader city of Chicago is one of the world’s most ethnically and religiously diverse cultural capitals.
Divinity School students pursue a diverse range of careers after graduation. Our alumni lead organizations in a variety of industries, teach at colleges and universities around the world, and enhance communities in ministry and service organizations.
Our students provide some of the most vibrant parts of our community culture. From clubs and activities to our student-run coffee shop, students are critical to the professional, academic, and social spheres of life at the Divinity School.
Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Fellowships
The Divinity School is committed to making graduate education accessible and affordable. We offer a range of merit-based scholarships and assist students through the financial aid process.
DID YOU KNOW?
Doctoral Funding
All PhD students receive a fellowship package that includes a full tuition scholarship, student health insurance premium, and a $31,000 living stipend for the duration of the program, up to 7 years.
International Applicants
International students comprise 24% of the University community, and come from over 100 countries. We welcome you to apply to any of our programs.
Coursework
We offer over 100 courses every year in the academic study of religion!
Frequently Asked Questions
We want to make the admissions process as seamless for applicants as possible. Read through for our most frequently asked questions.
One of the world’s leading institutions in the academic study of religion, the Divinity School prepares students for careers of scholarship, teaching, and public religious leadership. The School generates knowledge about the history, theology, beliefs, and practices of world religions through a broad and rich array of methodological and theoretical approaches that is deeply informed, intellectually curious, and honestly engaged. No tradition is given a privileged intellectual place here; the claims of all religious traditions are assessed by standards of reasoned inquiry. The result is a diverse community of scholars and professionals who guide the public’s understanding of religion.