Graduate Program FAQs

How does graduate advising work in the Study of Religion?

In our advising system, each doctoral student is admitted to study with a primary adviser, but all entering students, in collaboration with their advisers, also choose two other faculty members to support them in their work. One of those faculty members must be from outside of the student’s main areas of interest. Students are encouraged to meet regularly with all members of their advising team during the year, and they meet with their advising team as a group in the spring. Students continue to work with an advising team during their second year, but they are invited to make changes to its... Read more about How does graduate advising work in the Study of Religion?

Why does the application ask me to list both an area of study and a methodology/approach?

Harvard’s program in Religion is organized around traditions (e.g. Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, etc.), geographical areas (e.g. South Asian Religions, North American Religions, African Religions, etc.), and methodologies (history, ethnography, gender and sexuality studies, etc.). By asking our applicants to choose 1. a tradition or geographical area, and 2. a methodology, we aim to encourage them to think more closely about their categories of analysis. We also hope to make visible the full range of faculty resources. A student interested in Buddhism and ethnography, for example,...

Does the Study of Religion require the GRE for admission?

No. We do not accept GRE scores. Read more about Does the Study of Religion require the GRE for admission?

How do I know which faculty members are eligible to serve as doctoral advisers?

You can find a full list of faculty in the Study of Religion under the “People” tab. Emeritus faculty are retired and are not eligible to advise new students. Lecturers and Research Professors can serve as members of a student’s dissertation committee, but according to FAS rules, they cannot serve as primary advisers. Doctoral students in Religion often study with faculty from other departments, but it is rare for students to have a primary adviser who is not affiliated with the Study of Religion.

What is the latest information on the unionization of graduate students at Harvard?

To keep current on the unionization of graduate students at Harvard, please refer to the page managed by the Office of the Provost. Please note that the provost also sends direct communications to graduate students, faculty, and other members of the Harvard community.

Can I teach in years G5 and G6, as a priority student?

GSAS made some recent changes which allow students to shift their priority years to any combination within G3, G4, G5, and G6 years. This allows students in the Study of Religion to do research work earlier in their program, if they have secured alternative sources of funding. Read the guidance here: https://gsas.harvard.edu/news/stories/gsas-implements-enhancements-funding-packages.

Is a writing sample required for applicants?

For applicants to the Ph.D. program in the Study of Religion, a writing sample is required. The 20-page limit/5000-word limit refers to the main body of the paper and does not include bibliographies.

How do I apply to the Ph.D. Program in the Study of Religion at Harvard University?

Please go to "Apply PhD" and follow instructions on applying to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University.

Can doctoral students defer funding?

The GSAS made some changes to their funding structure for doctoral students entering 2016-17 and beyond. These allow for some deferrals of teaching fellowships to later G years and other enhancements. Read more.

What are "Family Accommodations" for graduate students?

The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences offers accommodations to students who are anticipating the birth or adoption of a child. You may review the policy here: https://gsas.harvard.edu/student-life/harvard-resources/parental-accommodation-and-financial-support

When are stipends disbursed?

Incoming new graduate students receive their stipend disbursement on orientation day. Returning graduate students are issued stipend the first of September for the fall term. If you have not set up direct deposit, the check will be mailed on that date.

Can I pursue a degree in Law and the Study of Religion?

Harvard offers a coordinated JD/PhD Program which is designed for students interested in completing interdisciplinary work and is founded on the belief that students’ legal studies and their arts and sciences graduate studies can be mutually enriched through this pursuit. Students completing the coordinated program receive a JD from Harvard Law School (HLS) and a PhD from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS). It is expected that these students will be strong candidates for teaching posts at law schools and in arts and sciences programs...

Do I need to mail my transcripts by the application deadline?

When applying to the Doctoral Program, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences requires that you upload a copy of your transcript from each college/university attended with your online application. An official transcript showing the conferral of the undergraduate degree is required to register in the Graduate School. An official transcript that differs from the application copy may bar an admitted candidate from registering.

What is the average length of study for doctoral candidates?

Program guidelines stipulate that students should complete their degrees in seven years. Some students may complete their doctoral programs sooner. Various factors, such as language study or research abroad, will affect the length of a student's program.

What are the opportunities for teaching?

As part of the funding offered to admitted students, teaching fellowships are made available beginning in year three. Teaching experience is integral to the doctoral program. Teaching Fellowship positions are most often found through the Divinity School and in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Additional teaching opportunities include work as junior and senior tutors with small groups or individuals majoring in religion, as well as work with HarvardX and the Harvard Extension School. Every effort is made to give students the best information for securing these teaching...

Committee on the Study of Religion