Claremont School of Theology
Description of PhD Program
Doctoral study at Claremont School of Theology allows for students to study within the context of an institution which is uniquely United Methodist, ecumenical and interreligious. Our internationally recognized faculty offer students an education which is both deep in their own tradition and in dialogue with an interreligious community. Presently, CST is also developing a certificate in Latin American Studies, available to doctoral students in all programs through courses in Spanish and English. PhD concentrations offered:
- PhD in Practical Theology (Education and Formation or Spiritual Care and Counseling). Students applying to the Ph.D. in Practical Theology must have completed either a Master of Divinity degree or a master’s degree (ideally, in their chosen area of concentration, e.g., a master’s degree in Spiritual Care, Counseling, Religious Education, etc.).
- PhD in Religion (Comparative Theologies & Philosophy, Hebrew Bible & Jewish Studies, New Testament & Christian Origins; Process Studies; Religion, Ethics & Society). Students applying to the Ph.D. in Religion will ordinarily have completed a Master’s Degree but, with the approval of the faculty in the field, may be admitted to the Ph.D. after having completed a minimum of 24 hours of graduate work appropriate to the field of study.
Through cross-registration, students are also eligible to take course work at the following institutions: The Academy of Jewish Religion, California, Bayan Claremont, Claremont Graduate University, and the University of the West.
Tuition & Housing Costs
The cost of attendance (COA) is the cornerstone of establishing a student’s financial need, as it sets a limit on the total aid that a student may receive. The COA is determined by law (Higher Education Act, Sec. 472) and is not subject to regulation by the Department. The COA for a student is an estimate of that student’s educational expenses for the period of enrollment. The number of units enrolled in, will determine the appropriate budget:
| Ph.D. (In Coursework) |
|
|---|---|
| Tuition | $37,560 (24 credits) |
| Books & Supplies | $1,700 |
| Room & Board | $15,000 |
| Transportation | $4,000 |
| Miscellaneous | $3,000 |
| Total | $61,260 |
| Application for Admission | $50 |
| Admission Confirmation Deposit | $200 |
Tuition Assistance
Financial Aid-Fellowships
Claremont School of Theology assists students through Institutional Scholarships, federal work-study, access to external loans, and directing students to outside opportunities such as scholarships and grants. A limited number of Faculty Assistantships are available each year. Individual faculty members initiate appointments. Faculty members may give preference to students who are eligible for Federal Work-Study, but they are not to do so. Students attending CST are eligible for a range of scholarships and Teaching/Research assistantships, as well as student loan programs.
Merit Scholarships
Students are automatically considered for institutional merit scholarships upon admission to CST.
Doctoral scholarships are allocated at the discretion of the faculty in that particular discipline.
Merit scholarships are communicated in writing by the admissions office and recorded in a student’s financial aid award letter. Merit scholarship agreements are entered into by the institution and the student, and is governed by the policies noted on the merit scholarship letter and CST catalog.
In general, to retain merit scholarships students must maintain a 2.8 for M.A. and 3.0 for Ph.D./D.Min.) and register at least half time.
Please note, students awarded a Trustees, Presidential, Deans or Korean Leadership scholarship come with their own academic performance and extracurricular activities requirements as outlined on your scholarship letter. The following is a list of institutional aid you may be awarded:
- Presidential scholarship
- Dean’s scholarship
- Korean Leadership scholarship
- Claremont Scholarship – Graduate
- Claremont Scholarship – PhD
Fellowships
Fellowships provide support for new students who demonstrate both need and merit upon nomination from staff, faculty, and administrators.
Merit-based fellowships are awarded to students based on the recommendation of each academic department.
Hispanic/Latine Faculty
| Junker, Yohana A. Assistant Professor of Art, Religion, and Culture Louisville Institute Postdoctoral Scholar yjunker@cst.edu |
Neighboring Institutions or Programs
Through cross-registration, students are also eligible to take course work at the following institutions: The Academy of Jewish Religion, California, Bayan Claremont, Claremont Graduate University, and the University of the West.
The Claremont Colleges Services offers a range of support services to foster diversity at The Claremont Colleges and help students from underrepresented populations thrive academically, socially, and culturally, ensuring a rich, diverse experience for all students.
LatinX Graduate Student Union – Latinx grad organization
Yearly Events
The CST community hosts a wide variety of events and conferences for the campus and the community, including programs with a focus on Latin American history/religion. In addition, CST students have access to events sponsored through the Claremont Colleges.
Library Resources-Special Collections
The CST Library is permanently closed. As of July 1, 2020, we have transitioned library services to the Mark O. Hatfield Library at Willamette University.
CST students, faculty, and staff can always access digital materials through the Digital Theological Library (thedtl.org) using their CST ID numbers. Non-CST users can access the Open Access Digital Theological Library (oadtl.org).
The Hatfield Library will be open to users with Willamette ID cards starting August 17. Information about hours, resources, and services at Hatfield is available at https://library.willamette.
For questions about CST community access at Hatfield and other library needs, contact Maggie Froelich (mfroelich@willamette.edu)
HTI Scholars
Maria Elizabeth Feliberty
Ann Hidalgo
Eunice Villaneda-Bolaños
Contact Information
The HTI person to contact for information on PhD studies at Claremont School of Theology is:
Name: Rev. Dr. Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook
Title: Vice-President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty
Phone: (909) 447-2520
Email: SKujwa-Holbrook@cst.edu
Person in Charge of Enrollment:
Name: Ms. Heather Hawkins
Title: Director of Admissions and Enrollment Services
Phone: (503) 480-2317
Email: hhawkins@cst.edu