Academic Program
Emory’s Graduate Division of Religion (GDR) is a unit of the Laney Graduate School and draws on the resources of the Department of Religion in Emory College and Candler School of Theology. Work in the GDR is oriented entirely toward the doctor of philosophy degree.
The following path options are available for applicants applying to matriculate in the 2025 academic year:
Ethnography and Social Theory of Religion
Historical Studies in Theology and Christianity
FAQ Path Options
What is a path in the GDR? A path is a flexible, interdisciplinary framework that allows faculty and students to organize around shared interests and expertise within the Graduate Division of Religion. Paths provide a cohesive structure for academic and professional development.
How do I choose a path? Students can choose a path based on their academic interests and career goals. You can affiliate with up to two paths or create an “open path” with the support of faculty.
Can I change my path? Yes, students can change their path if their academic interests evolve. You should discuss any changes with your advisor to ensure a smooth transition.
What is an “open path”? An “open path” allows students to design their own academic journey with the support of at least three faculty members. This option provides maximum flexibility and personalized mentoring.
How are paths different from the previous Courses of Study? Paths replace the previous Courses of Study with a more flexible and collaborative structure. They allow for greater interdisciplinary exploration and tailored mentoring, reflecting the diverse and evolving nature of religious studies.
Who will be my advisor in a path? Each path has designated advisors who are tenured faculty members and “core” or “associate” members of the GDR. Your advisor will guide you through your academic journey until you complete your preliminary exams, after which your dissertation supervisor will become your advisor.
How do paths enhance interdisciplinary collaboration? Paths encourage faculty and students to collaborate across different fields and disciplines, enhancing the breadth and depth of academic inquiry. This interdisciplinary approach reflects the diverse nature of contemporary religious studies.
What happens if a path goes dormant? If a path goes dormant due to changes in faculty or student interests, students and faculty can affiliate with other active paths. New paths can also be created as interests and expertise evolve.
How are paths governed? Paths are overseen by the Policy and Curriculum Committee (PCC) and the Path Oversight Committee, ensuring proper advising, course offerings, and student support. The Teaching and Professional Development Committee coordinates professional development programming
Program Overivew
The PhD program requires two years of course work. While specific requirements vary among the courses of study, all students must take at least five doctoral seminars during the two years of course work. Individual paths or courses of study may have certain required seminars, and independent studies may be arranged with professors. The equivalent of two seminars must be taken in an area of study outside one’s field of specialization, leading to a qualifying exam in that area. In the first year, there is a nongraded colloquium, coordinated by the GDR directors, which serves as an introduction to both the GDR and to the professional study of religion and theology. Dissertations are normally completed in the fifth or sixth year of a student’s program of study.
In the third year, students take doctoral (qualifying) examinations, proceed to a dissertation prospectus, and, by the fourth year, should be writing the dissertation. Dissertation committees are composed of at least three faculty members, not all of whom need be in the student’s particular course of study. Research funds are available to support travel and other expenses necessary for completing the dissertation.
Students in the PhD program must demonstrate their ability to read two modern languages (other than English), normally German, French and/or Spanish, but another modern language may be substituted if appropriate to the student’s research and approved by the student’s course of study. Competence in a first language is to be demonstrated by written examination at the beginning of the first semester in residence, and competence in a second must be demonstrated before preliminary examinations are administered. The biblical courses of study have additional requirements in the pertinent primary languages. Funds are available to support additional language training.
The academic program is supplemented by rigorous teacher training and ample teaching opportunites. All students participate in the Teaching Assistant Training and Teaching Opportunity (TATTO) Program as part of their course of study. The program consists of a summer workshop run by Laney Graduate School, held in August before entering the GDR; a specialized teaching seminar/workshop taken in the second year; two required teaching assistantships; and one teaching associateship. These teaching opportunities normally start in the second semester of the first year (generally connected to classes in either the Department of Religion or Candler School of Theology).
There also are increasing numbers of special workshops and lunches being offered to explore specific professional issues, including writing practices, conference presentation, and pedagogical questions.