Claremont Graduate University
Description of PhD Program
Claremont Graduate University’s PhD in Religion trains graduate students in the theories, methods, and knowledge they need in order to participate in and shape the study of religion in the 21st century as well as to apply those tools to productive careers outside the academy. Students enrolled in this PhD program must choose from one of the following areas of specialization: Critical Comparative Scriptures, History of Christianity & Religions of North America, Philosophy of Religion & Theology, and Women’s Studies in Religion. Interdisciplinary concentrations are available in the School of Arts and Humanities, including American Studies, Continental Philosophy, Early Modern Studies, Hemispheric & Transnational Studies, Media Studies, and Museum Studies.
Tuition and Housing Costs
Estimated Tuition (California Residents, Non-Residents, International)
Program 72 units
Tuition per unit* $1,980
*Based on 2021-2022 tuition rates.
Student Fees (per Semester)
$245 Student Fee
$125 Technology Fee
$719 International Student Services Fee* (international students only)
*Subject to change.
For estimates of room & board, books, etc., please download CGU’s Cost of Attendance 2020-2021 .
Post-Coursework Fees
Continuous Registration Fee: $1,310 per semester
Doctoral Study Fee: $2,275 per semester
Claremont Graduate University is mindful of the evolving financial concerns of students over the course of pursuing a graduate degree. Therefore, during stages like qualifying exams, thesis research and composition, and dissertation defense, we ask that students pay a flat, per-semester fee—rather than full tuition cost per unit—in order to maintain enrollment. Conversely, this fee is not incurred when students are enrolled in courses.
Financial Aid-Fellowships
Claremont Graduate University offers financial support to assist students in the pursuit of their degrees. A typical financial aid package awards qualified students a tuition fellowship, federal student loans, and work-study. The award of institutional aid (tuition fellowships) is decided by the School of Religion, and is competitive and merit based. The most qualified students are offered a Full-Fellowship, but nearly all students receive some percentage of institutional aid. In some cases, students are also offered a Research Assistantship with a small accompanying stipend.
Types of Fellowships:
- Departmental Fellowships
- Blaisdell Fellowships
- Trustee Fellowship Awards
- SAH Dean’s Award
- Yellow Ribbon Program
Hispanic/Latine Faculty
Dr. Daniel Ramírez (HTI Scholar)
Associate Professor of American Religions
Gastón Espinosa (HTI Scholar)
Arthur V. Stoughton Associate Professor of Religious Studies, Claremont McKenna College (part of the Claremont Consortium)
Library Resources-Special Collections
The Honnold/Mudd Library special resources section includes access to the Mexican Newspapers Collection: 1821–1927 and the General Jose Maria Maytorena Papers: 1910 Mexican Revolution.
HTI Scholars
Thomas Evans
Francisco Muñoz
Contact Information
The HTI person to contact for information on PhD studies at Claremont Graduate University is:
Name: Dr. Daniel Ramírez
Title: Associate Professor of American Religions
Phone: 909-621-8504
Email: Daniel.Ramirez@cgu.edu