The Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies with a Texts and Tradition track in Islamic Studies is a graduate program that focuses on the scholarly study of Islam's historical development, beliefs, practices, and cultural expressions. This program prepares students for advanced research and teaching positions in the field of Islamic studies.
The curriculum of this program typically includes courses in Islamic history, theology, philosophy, law, ethics, mysticism, literature, and art. Students are also expected to acquire advanced skills in Arabic and other relevant languages for their research.
The program's core courses usually cover Islamic intellectual history, Quranic studies, Hadith studies, and the development of Islamic law and jurisprudence. Elective courses may include topics such as Islamic mysticism (Sufism), modern Islamic movements, gender and Islam, Islamic art and architecture, and Islamic philosophy.
To complete this program, students are typically required to write a dissertation on a topic of their choice under the guidance of a faculty advisor. The dissertation should contribute original research to the field of Islamic studies and demonstrate the student's ability to conduct independent research.
Graduates of this program may pursue careers in academia, research institutions, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations. They may also work as consultants, advisors, or advocates in the fields of interfaith dialogue, international relations, human rights, and cultural exchange.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies with a Texts and Tradition track in Islamic Studies is a rigorous and interdisciplinary program that provides students with an in-depth understanding of the historical development, beliefs, practices, and cultural expressions of Islam. Here are some highlights of the program:
Advanced knowledge of Islamic texts and traditions | The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Islamic texts and traditions, including the Quran, Hadith, Islamic law, and Islamic intellectual history. |
Interdisciplinary approach | The program combines approaches from various disciplines, including history, theology, philosophy, law, ethics, mysticism, literature, and art, to provide students with a well-rounded education in Islamic studies. |
Language proficiency | Students are expected to acquire advanced proficiency in Arabic and other relevant languages to conduct research on primary sources and engage with Islamic scholarship. |
Research and writing skills | The program emphasizes the development of research and writing skills through coursework, seminars, and independent research. Students are required to complete a dissertation that demonstrates their ability to conduct original research in the field of Islamic studies. |
Career opportunities | Graduates of the program can pursue careers in academia, research institutions, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations. They may also work in fields related to interfaith dialogue, international relations, human rights, and cultural exchange. |
Cultural competency | The program provides students with cultural competency skills, allowing them to engage with diverse Muslim communities and understand the complexities of Islam in the contemporary world. |
1 | Admission to the Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies with a Texts and Tradition track in Islamic Studies typically requires applicants to submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, transcripts of previous academic work, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. |
2 | Some programs may also require applicants to take a language proficiency test, such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), if English is not their native language. |
To be eligible for the program, applicants should have a bachelor's or master's degree in religious studies, Islamic studies, or a related field, and a strong academic record. |
Proficiency in Arabic and other relevant languages is also essential. |
The duration of the program varies depending on the institution but typically ranges from four to six years. |
Students are required to complete a certain number of coursework units and write a dissertation. |
Selection criteria for admission to the program may vary from institution to institution but typically include academic records, test scores, letters of recommendation, and the applicant's statement of purpose. |
Some programs may also consider work experience and research interests. |
To apply for the program, applicants should research the admissions requirements and procedures of their desired institutions. They may be required to submit an online application, transcripts of previous academic work, test scores, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. |
It is important to carefully follow the instructions provided by each institution and to meet all application deadlines. |
1 | The application process for the Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies with a Texts and Tradition track in Islamic Studies typically involves submitting an online application form, transcripts of previous academic work, test scores, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. |
2 | Applicants may also need to provide a writing sample, a research proposal, or other supplemental materials as specified by the institution. |
3 | It is important to carefully review the application instructions and requirements for each institution and to submit the application before the deadline. |
The application fee for the program varies depending on the institution. It typically ranges from Notified Soon. |
The syllabus for the Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies with a Texts and Tradition track in Islamic Studies varies depending on the institution but typically includes coursework in Islamic history, theology, philosophy, law, ethics, mysticism, literature, and art. |
Students are also expected to acquire advanced skills in Arabic and other relevant languages for their research. |
The program's core courses usually cover Islamic intellectual history, Quranic studies, Hadith studies, and the development of Islamic law and jurisprudence. |
Elective courses may include topics such as Islamic mysticism (Sufism), modern Islamic movements, gender and Islam, Islamic art and architecture, and Islamic philosophy. |
Graduates of the Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies with a Texts and Tradition track in Islamic Studies may pursue careers in academia, research institutions, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations. |
According to PayScale, the average salary for individuals with a PhD in Religious Studies is $77,000 per year, but this can vary based on the specific job and industry. |
Job opportunities for graduates include university professors, researchers, consultants, interfaith coordinators, NGO directors, policy analysts, and cultural advisors. |
Graduates of the program can pursue a wide range of careers in various fields, including academia, research institutions, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations. |
They may work in fields related to interfaith dialogue, international relations, human rights, cultural exchange, and diplomacy. |
Job opportunities for graduates include university professors, researchers, consultants, interfaith coordinators, NGO directors, policy analysts, and cultural advisors. |
Some top colleges and universities that offer a Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies with a Texts and Tradition track in Islamic Studies include:
1 | Harvard University - Cambridge, MA |
2 | University of Chicago - Chicago, IL |
3 | Duke University - Durham, NC |
4 | Princeton University - Princeton, NJ |
5 | University of California, Berkeley - Berkeley, CA |
6 | Columbia University - New York, NY |
7 | University of Michigan, Ann Arbor - Ann Arbor, MI |
8 | University of Toronto - Toronto, ON, Canada |
9 | University of Oxford - Oxford, UK |
10 | Leiden University - Leiden, Netherlands. |
PH.D. ADMISSION PROCEDURE
DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST
FAQs About Ph.D. Program
Q.1 - What is the procedure for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.
Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?
ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.
Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?
ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.
Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?
ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.
Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.
Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?
ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?
ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.
Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?
ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.
Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?
ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.
Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?
ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.
Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?
ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.
Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?
ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.
Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?
ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.