Religious Studies

Programs Degrees Major Codes Admissions
Term Deadline
Doctoral (includes MA to PhD track) PHD RELI Fall* December 12, 2023
Fall Graduate School Fellowships December 12, 2023 (Recommended)
Academic Program Aid/Financial Assistance December 12, 2023
Director of Graduate Admissions Brendan Thornton (bjthornt@email.unc.edu)
Graduate Coordinator Myra Quick (quick@unc.edu)
Address Department of Religious Studies
CB# 3225, 125 Carolina Hall
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
Website religion.unc.edu
Phone 919-962-5667
Test Requirements
GRE not required
Letters of Recommendation 3
International Applicants Only TOEFL or IELTS score (no more than two years old)
Other Requirements In addition to the University’s required application materials, applicants should review the information below for additional expectations or application requirements.

  1. Field of Specialization:  Each application should clearly identify the applicant’s desired field of specialization in the Department’s graduate program via the Area of Interest/Specialization drop-down box within your application;
  2. Statement of Purpose:  Each applicant should submit a statement of purpose (4-6 double-spaced pages) responding to the following questions:
    • What led you to want to do graduate work in religious studies?
    • In what field of specialization do you wish to work?  How will work in the field of your choice at this university prepare you to realize your objectives?
    • What traditions of scholarship do you find useful, interesting, or compelling?  Which books, authors, or approaches do you regard as most important for the area(s) of your interest?
  3. Academic Writing Sample:  An academic writing sample (no more than 15-25 pages) is required.

Detailed information about our Department and the application process is available on our website.

*Only in unusual circumstances and after consultation with the program are other admission terms considered.