I. Required Courses (14 credits)

• REL 700 - History of the Study of Religions

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• One Signature Area seminar (choose one):

• INTD 710 - Africana and Black Studies and Religion
• INTD 712 - Interdisciplinary Seminar in Women and Gender Studies
• INTD 714 - Religion and Ecology
• INTD 716 - Decolonial and Critical Theory

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• Doctoral Colloquy (8 credits):

• GDR 800 - Coursework Colloquy (4x)
• GDR 810 - Comprehensive Exam Colloquy (2x)
• GDR 820 - Dissertation Colloquy (2x)

II. Electives (30 Credits)

Students complete ten elective three-credit courses from existing 600- and 700-level Theological School offerings as well from Caspersen School programs with approval by advisor.  

Given Drew’s history and identity as a United Methodist seminary, PhD students in the Theological School may elect to complete a concentration in Wesleyan/Methodist studies focusing on the U.S. and global Wesleyan/Methodist history, theology, practices, and organization. To do so, students complete three elective courses with the subject or attribute WESM and substantially engage Wesleyan/Methodist material in one comprehensive exam.

III. Signature Area Enrichment (0 Credits)

Complete three courses in one Signature Area and at least one course in each of the other Signature Areas:

• Africana and Black Studies and Religion (AFAM or AFBR)
• Religion and Ecology (RECO or ECO)
• Women, Gender, Sexuality, and Religion (WGSR or WSTT)
• Decolonial and Critical Theory (DECT)

IV. Languages

Before beginning comprehensive exams, PhD students must pass examinations or demonstrate competence through coursework in research languages, as outlined by faculty in their disciplinary area of study. Students working on language exams after coursework register for continuous registration until language exams are completed.

• GDR 994 - Doctoral Exams

V. Comprehensive Exams

Complete four comprehensive exams demonstrating capacity in disciplinary and signature subjects, as outlined by the faculty. Students register for continuing registration until all exams are completed. After the two required semesters, students may also elect to continue in GDR 810 - Comprehensive Exam Colloquy  for 0 credits.

• GDR 994 - Doctoral Exams

VI. Dissertation

Complete a dissertation prospectus and a doctoral dissertation. Students register for continuous registration until the dissertation is complete. After the required two semesters, students may also elect to continue in GDR 820 - Dissertation Colloquy  for 0 credits. Students also register for GDR 999  in the final completion semester.  

• GDR 995 - Prospectus
• GDR 999 - Dissertation/Thesis Completion
• GDR 998 - Dissertation Continuation FT