The Life of a DU/Iliff Student
The best of both Institutions
Students' Perspective
Sho McClarence, Current JDP Student
The Joint Doctoral Program in Religion has been a space for me to explore interdisciplinarily far reaching ideas from the fields of religion, philosophy, literature, and queer studies. The best part of this program has been meeting people from diverse backgrounds and building friendships that I know will last a lifetime. Many of my peers also merge and complicate different ideas from psychology, anthropology, pastoral care, theology, politics, and so many other disciplines. I feel it is difficult to communicate just how influential it has been to work with the other doctoral students and our wonderful academic advisors. The support that faculty and students have for one another is unlike many other institutions. Where some programs foster a competitive nature, the JDP has created a space for cooperation and fellowship. If you long for academic rigor and a communal space, we hope to find you visiting us soon.
Deeptangshu Das, Current JDP Student
As an international student, I have a found a new “home”, a safe, empowering, and academically enriching space within the Joint Doctoral Program in Religion. I feel honored to be a part of a community that values both academic vision and meaningful social transformation. Coming from a background in Literary Studies with research interests in Hinduism, Gender Studies, and Popular Culture, the JDP classroom environment has offered me an active and innovative inter-disciplinary platform to engage with diverse theories, methods, and frameworks across religious and cultural traditions. I have benefitted immensely from the innovative pedagogy, the thought-provoking colloquiums, and the engaging seminar discussions conducted under the guidance of instructors who hold expertise in different fields within Theology and Religious Studies. The JDP has allowed me to expand my horizons and my circle of friends as we gather to think, chat, debate, and create. I highly recommend prospective doctoral students to explore the vibrant world of the JDP.
The Life of a DU/Iliff Student
Students in the DU/Iliff Joint PhD Program enjoy all of the resources at both the Iliff School of Theology and the University of Denver. Nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, DU and Iliff share a beautiful campus, with each institution offering its own distinct culture and traditions. DU's student population consists of about 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students, and offers the amenities of a large institution with a private school feel. It is proud to be home of the DU Pioneers, the Newman Center for the Performing Arts, the Vicki Myhren Gallery, and the Lamont School of Music, to name only a few. Iliff, by virtue of its smaller population, offers a more intimate community atmosphere and a unique blend of social activities and academic resources. Although Iliff officially identifies as one of the 13 United Methodist seminaries, the population is very ecumenical, welcoming students, faculty, and staff from over 30 different denominations and faith traditions. The doctoral degree is granted jointly by the University of Denver and Iliff School of Theology and bears the signatures and seals of both schools.
Graduate Student Association
The Joint Doctoral Program Graduate Student Association (JDP GSA) is a student-elected body that serves as a resource for both the students and the institutions at which they are studying. Visit the JDP GSA Digication Page to learn more.