DU/Iliff Joint PhD Program

In September 1981, Iliff and the University of Denver jointly inaugurated a program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy in Religious and Theological Studies. Although planned and staffed initially by the faculties from Iliff and the University of Denver’s Department of Religious Studies, other faculty from the Graduate Schools of Professional Psychology, Social Work, Education and International Studies and from the departments of Anthropology, History, Political Science, Art and Art History, English, Psychology and Philosophy at the University are currently involved in the program.

In 1999-2000 the Joint Ph.D. Program was revised to make it more responsive to contemporary movements in theological and religious studies. It features a combination of three required courses for all students in the program and a great deal of flexibility and permeability between the subject areas making up specialized concentrations in the study of religion and theology. The revised structure gives educational breadth as well as opportunity for specialization.

The Joint Ph.D. Program is designed to prepare persons for independent research and teaching in the fields of religious and theological studies. In the revised program, special emphasis is given to enabling students to be effective teachers in the study of religion and theology. Some will use these abilities as university, college, or seminary scholar-teachers. Others will find vocational fulfillment within the context of religious organizations; especially churches, institutes, counseling centers, government agencies and the like.

Currently, the Doctor of Philosophy in Religious and Theological Studies degree program offers concentrations in:

• Biblical Interpretation
• Religion and Psychological Studies
• Religion and Social Change
• Theology, Philosophy and Cultural Theory

Special features of the program include doctoral colloquia, interdisciplinary team teaching, research seminars, independent study, special lectures and events, and a certificate program in Latina/o Studies.

Classes for the Joint PhD Program are offered in a traditional classroom setting at either the University of Denver or Iliff School of Theology. Some online courses may be available, but it is not possible to complete the degree in an online format.