Prior to applying, prospective students are encouraged to contact faculty affiliated with areas of focus to which they are interested in applying. The application asks applicants to identify 1-3 faculty members in Religious Studies with whom the applicant’s research interests intersect, along with 1-2 areas of focus. By making contact before applying, applicants can gain a better sense of the faculty and areas with which they feel most connected. Yet all applications are given the same consideration, regardless of whether the applicant has contacted us in advance and/or visited Brown.

For logistical help in arranging such a visit, please contact Nicole Vadnais (Nicole_Vadnais@brown.edu). For general inquiries, please email the Director of Graduate Admissions, Prof. Daniel Vaca (Daniel_Vaca@brown.edu). We regret that we cannot provide any financial assistance for such visits. 

Language requirements are dependent upon the student’s area of study. At minimum, students must demonstrate reading ability in two languages other than English, usually by completing a reading exam during their course of study. Beyond that minimum, students studying the religions of East Asia or the ancient Mediterranean are expected to have some prior preparation in languages relevant to their interests. Applicants to East Asian religions should have at least two years of Chinese or Japanese; three or more years is highly recommended. Students intending to specialize in some aspect of ancient Judaism must have a minimum of two years of college level biblical Hebrew or its equivalent; a working knowledge of modern and rabbinic Hebrew and introductory ancient Greek are also highly desirable. Students intending to specialize in some aspect of early Christianity, or Greek or Roman religion should have college level training in at least one of the principal ancient languages for the program, Greek or Latin. Overall, applicants with prior study of appropriate languages are prioritized in admissions. 

A writing sample is required as part of the application. Applicants should limit the sample to approximately 6000 words (about 25 ordinary typed pages).

Excellent command of English, both spoken and written, is also required of all successful applicants. TOEFL or IELTS scores are typically required of applicants from outside the U.S. 

The application deadline for the next academic year is December 15th. Applicants should apply online through the university Graduate School. Read these pages (particularly the "General Information" section) carefully before applying.