Baylor University
Description of PhD Program
The Doctor of Philosophy in Religion provides an opportunity for qualified students to do graduate work in this discipline at the highest level and in the university setting. It provides preparation for research and teaching in graduate theological education and in the college and university setting where religion is taught as one of the liberal arts and in relation to other such disciplines, particularly the humanities, the social sciences, and the natural sciences. The Baylor program offers work in four areas: New Testament, Old Testament, Historical Studies, and Theological Studies (Historical Theology, Systematic Theology, Christian Ethics, Contemporary Theology, Religion and Literature).
Tuition & Housing Costs
The Graduate Program in Religion anticipates that successful applicants to the PhD program will receive a graduate assistantship. For students entering in the Fall of 2019 the base annual stipend is $20,000 per year for up to five years, plus tuition remission. The Dean of the Graduate School may also contribute up to $8,000 per year, for up to five years to the stipend total. The tuition scholarship for a full-time PhD student in 2020-2021 provides over $43,000.00 for coursework, which includes all normal tuition costs, though the university does charge student fees that are not covered as part of this tuition grant. The work of Graduate Assistants supports the teaching task as well as the significant research of faculty.
Tuition Per Credit Hour $2,093
Housing ranges from $4,475-$5,700 a semester
Financial Aid Fellowships
Financial Aid & Summer Stipends
The Graduate Program in Religion anticipates that successful applicants to the PhD program will receive a graduate assistantship. For students entering in the Fall of 2019 the base annual stipend is $20,000 per year for up to five years, plus tuition remission. The Dean of the Graduate School may also contribute up to $8,000 per year, for up to five years to the stipend total. The tuition scholarship for a full-time PhD student in 2020-2021 provides over $43,000.00 for coursework, which includes all normal tuition costs, though the university does charge student fees that are not covered as part of this tuition grant. The work of Graduate Assistants supports the teaching task as well as the significant research of faculty.
Student loans are available to qualified students through the Student Financial Aid Office.
The Graduate School is eager to support students as they contribute original research in Old Testament, New Testament, Historical Studies, and Theological Studies. The Graduate School offers two kinds of travel support – Travel to Professional Meetings and Travel to Support Doctoral Research.
Travel to Professional Meetings
Eligibility: The applicant must be formally registered for at least one credit hour at Baylor University during the semester when the presentation is made. Summer request can be based on fall registration. This program is designed to support presentation of findings of graduate-student research, artistic performance, etc. The program is not intended to support recruitment activities, attendance at meetings without presentation of scholarship, costs of publication, or costs of conducting research.
Award: Two awards of $400 are available each year (June 1-May 31 of the following calendar year). Any one award may not exceed $400. However, students may request less than $400, thereby possibly allowing support for more than two meetings in a year. The award is paid by check directly to the graduate student.
Travel to Support Doctoral Research
Eligibility: The applicant must be formally registered for at least one credit hour at Baylor University during the semester of travel. Summer request can be based on fall registration. The student’s dissertation proposal must be formally approved by the program at the time of application.
Award: The Graduate School will match funds with the student’s department, up to $400. A doctoral student is eligible for one such award during her/his studies at Baylor University.
Summer Dissertation Fellowship
In an effort to support students working to complete their dissertation, the Graduate School offers a select number of Summer Dissertation Fellowships intended to enable students to work on their projects without seeking summer employment. The fellowship includes a stipend of $3000 paid over two months (June and July). To be considered for a fellowship, students must submit a letter of application and a letter of support from either their dissertation advisor or Graduate Program Director.
Hispanic Centers & Programs
Hispanic Student Association
The Hispanic Student Association at Baylor University was founded in 1987. The organization maintains an integral role on campus as it promotes diversity, inclusivity, and collaboration, and educates the community about Hispanic culture, heritage, and traditions. HSA’s mission statement: “To foster an enriching experience of the Hispanic culture, heritage, and traditions in the Baylor and Waco communities while empowering and supporting students with their personal development, and advocating for a diverse and inclusive environment” HSA’s Four Core Values: Diversity, Harmony, Scholarship, and Development
Library Resources
The Baylor University library offers an extensive collection of bound volumes, periodicals, and electronic resources. The Graduate Research Center, which opened its doors in August 2016, provides Baylor graduate students and faculty with resources designed to support and inspire them in their academic endeavors. In addition to providing collaborative and individual spaces that foster inquiry and analysis, the GRC also provides programming throughout the year that addresses specific graduate student interests and needs. These events are hosted by Baylor Libraries and on-campus partners, including the Graduate Writing Center and the Counseling Center.
Other Resources
With the mentoring of faculty active in cutting-edge research and teaching, doctoral students are encouraged to publish their work and present it at academic conferences.
HTI Scholars
Contact Information
The HTI person to contact for information on PhD studies at Baylor University is:
Name: James D. Nogalski
Title: Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in Religion
Phone: 254 710-1592
Email: James_Nogalski@baylor.edu