The Joint Doctoral Program

The DU/Iliff JDP has been developing leaders in the field of religion for over thirty years. The program offers students a rich and rigorous yet flexible and interdisciplinary environment for academic conversation and study. Students in the JDP benefit from a strong sense of community. Through close peer and faculty relationships and support, students develop their professional identities within the academic study of religion.

The curriculum seeks to prepare students to understand and participate in conversations about key ideas, themes, theories, questions, problems, and trends in the study of religion. Students with interests that overlap the strengths of our faculty and program should apply.

Program and Admission FAQs

• What factors are important in finding a PhD program and deciding about where to apply?

  Because PhDs are so specialized, it is critical that you find a program that fits your academic and research goals.  The JDP strongly recommends that you have researched our faculty and have connected with at least one or two of them to determine if they can help support your research goals. Please reach out to the JDP Office for help determining appropriate faculty.

• Can I reach out to faculty directly before applying for admission?

  Yes, you are more than welcome to contact faculty directly, but the JDP Office can also provide an e-introduction if you are more comfortable with that approach.

• Do I have to have my research topic and dissertation advisor selected before I apply?

  It is important that you have some idea of your research project before you apply, but you do not need a fully developed dissertation proposal or prospectus.  It is likely that your research interests and goals will evolve as you start the program. You will select a dissertation advisor by the end of your 2nd year in the program so you have a couple of years to fine-tune your ideas and identify faculty who can support you.  However, you do not want to start a program and then find out later there are no faculty with the expertise to support you.  For this reason, we recommend that you research and touch base with faculty before you apply.

  We will require a personal statement in which we will ask about your research interests.  Please see the application instructions for more details about what should be included in the personal statement and the writing sample.

• What determines if I will be accepted into the JDP?

  The ability to do academic work at a doctoral level is important.  Your prior grades are one source of information about your academic potential.  Letters of recommendation and your writing sample will also be a critical piece of the decision. Do you show the ability to think deeply and analytically about complex topics?  The other key factor is whether your academic and research goals fit with the expertise and interests of our existing faculty. Take a look at more detailed admission FAQs here. 

• Do you have students who come from non-academic backgrounds or are first-generation college attenders?

  While some of our students have a family history of higher education and may have done their Master’s work at elite institutions, we also have those who are the first in their family to attend college and have overcome tremendous obstacles in their path to higher education. We are looking for potential to do doctoral-level work and that potential can be found in students from many different backgrounds. 

• Can you provide an overview of what the process of earning a PhD looks like at DU/Iliff?

  The first 2 years consist of traditional coursework.  The third year consists primarily of preparing for and taking comprehensive written exams.  These activities take place in Denver. The fourth year and beyond consists of writing a dissertation.  Many people find an academic community to be an important support for dissertation writing, so we encourage students to stay in Denver if they can.

• How long does the JDP take?

  There are 3 years devoted to coursework and comprehensive exams.  The final stage is writing the dissertation which can be variable. Some students have completed the dissertation in a year.  Others take 3 or 4 years.  The average is between 2 and 3 years.  Please note that there is a 7-year maximum for the entire degree.

• Are there career options other than faculty roles?

  Students get PhDs with any number of career goals in mind.  Most people getting a PhD are interested in faculty or administrative roles in higher education.  But a PhD also prepares you for a number of other options. For some people, getting a PhD is simply a life goal or a chance to delve into something of intellectual interest. Take a look at some career pathways done by our alumni here.

Visit Us

Prospective students are welcome to visit campus in person or set up a Zoom visit.  Please contact the JDP office at jointphd@iliff.edu if you are interested.