Due to curriculum changes new applications will open September, 2027. In September 1981, the University of Denver and the Iliff School of Theology jointly inaugurated a program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy in the Study of Religion. Although planned and staffed initially by the faculties from Iliff and the University of Denver's Department of Religious Studies, other faculty from the Graduat
e Schools of Professional Psychology, Social Work, Education, and International Studies as well as the departments of Anthropology, History, Political Science, Art and Art History, English, Psychology, and Philosophy at the University are currently involved in the program. Starting in 2025 the Joint Doctoral Program (JDP) has been undergoing administrative and curriculum changes to make it more responsive to contemporary interdisciplinary movements in theological and religious studies. We look forward to fully unveiling the revised structure soon and reopening applications in September 2027. However, what we can say right now is the revised JDP will give students more educational breadth as well as the opportunity for increased specialization in their work. It is being designed so students can focus their doctoral education on the future jobs they want given the ever-changing higher education environment. By providing more interdisciplinary independent research and teaching opportunities, students will be prepared for work in fields beyond just teaching religious and theological studies in universities, colleges, or seminaries. Students can more easily specialize for different vocational contexts including religious organizations, research institutes, counseling centers, government agencies, nonprofits, and the like as well as other academic departments. Classes for the JDP are offered in a traditional classroom setting for the first 2 years at both the University of Denver and Iliff School of Theology. Afterwards the program shifts to being remote and more self-paced.
