The graduate program in Religious Studies at Brown is designed to leverage Brown’s strengths with personal attention to student interests. When applying, students identify one or two areas of focus (see “Doctoral Program”), which reflect our department’s strengths and interests. Most areas of focus bring together faculty with expertise in varied traditions, approaches, and methodologies. Each graduate student’s course of study is carefully crafted in consultation with a committee of faculty who share a commitment to the students’ focus. 

We admit approximately four to six doctoral students annually, from a large pool of highly qualified applicants. Our students receive six years of full funding—including tuition and stipend. Current graduate students have distinguished themselves by publishing, presenting papers at international conferences and earning recognition and support from prestigious external funding organizations. The department's graduates have an excellent placement record, teaching in such institutions as Harvard, Stanford, Indiana University, University of California, Brooklyn College, Reed College, Haverford, Rice University, University of Washington - St. Louis, and University of Wisconsin (Madison). 

Although most of our graduates pursue work in academia, the Department is committed to supporting students who wish to pursue a career outside academia. Students are encouraged to share their career goals in their “Statement of Academic Purpose,” describing how a doctoral degree in Religious Studies will enrich or enable their objectives.