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 general M.A. program and a cross-disciplinary M.A. program are 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.

Faculty listings according to fields of study

Area Directors of Study for 2005-2006

• 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

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

Appointment Candidates