By pursuing an academic career in theology or religious studies, you can expand the scope of human knowledge by undertaking research into texts, theological discourse, and lived experience. You also join a global scholarly conversation about human culture and meaning. Furthermore, you can communicate the relevance of religious literacy to undergraduate students preparing for a variety of careers.

It’s important to keep in mind that those who pursue a career in academia face many challenges and uncertainties. Earning a PhD in these disciplines generally takes a minimum of 7 years, during which you will have few financial resources and may have to delay other personal goals. Furthermore, the job market for tenure-track positions is increasingly tight. The academic path is not one to just drift into. It requires commitment and carries a degree of risk, but also offers intellectual and spiritual rewards.

Your theology coursework has given you skills that will be helpful in this field:

• Reading and analyzing complex texts.

• Making strong, well-supported arguments.

• Synthesizing and communicating complex information to different audiences.

While at Fordham

Speak to professors who work in the areas in which you’re interested about their experiences and advice. To get a taste of academic work, consider submitting a paper to an undergraduate journal, presenting at an undergraduate conference, or helping a faculty member with research. Some opportunities to do so include:

• Fordham Undergraduate Research Journal
  This is a student-run journal that is published annually. It features peer-reviewed, original research conducted by undergraduate students in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences. The journal offers opportunities to submit articles for publication and join the editorial staff.

• Rose Hill Undergraduate Research Symposium
  Fordham holds an annual Undergraduate Research symposium where students give a 10–12 presentation based on their research. This typically takes place in the spring semester.

• ARS Nova – Arts and Research Showcase
  Fordham holds an annual event at which students present their original work through visual presentations, performances, and oral explanation. This typically takes place in the spring.

• Rose Hill Summer Research Grant
  You can apply for summer grants of up to $4000 for work on a research project of your own or that of a faculty mentor. With the guidance of a mentor, students will learn about how their work fits in with the larger academic community as they prepare their projects for public dissemination and presentation. Applications are typically due in mid-March.

• Lincoln Center Dean’s Summer Research Grant
  You can apply for summer grants of up to $3500 for work on a personal research project. Applications are typically due in early-March.

• Regional American Academy of Religion Undergraduate Symposium
  The American Academy of Religion and Society of Biblical Literature hold an annual regional conference in New Brunswick, New Jersey that includes an Undergraduate Symposium. It typically takes place in March.

• National Council on Undergraduate Research Conference
  This national conference offers the opportunity for students in all fields to present their research. It typically takes place in March.

• National Undergraduate Theology Research Conference
  This national conference offers the opportunity for undergraduate scholars to gather and present their academic research in the fields of Theology and Religious Studies. Individual and group presentations are accepted. The conference typically takes place in April. Ask one of the Chairs of Undergraduate Studies or follow the Theology Department Newsletter for more details.

• Investigate academic journals that publish undergraduate work and consider revising a strong research paper for publication. You can find a handy list here.

Participating in conferences and publishing might seem daunting at first, so talk to a professor who does research in your area of interest for tips on getting started.

The Office of Prestigious Fellowships compiles information on funding for a variety of academic experiences during all of your years at Fordham. Consider taking advantage of these opportunities, too. For more information, refer to this link.

Note that these opportunities for research, presenting at conferences, and publishing are valuable even if you decide not to pursue graduate studies. They can familiarize you with research, analytical, and communication skills that are relevant to many fields.

Following Graduation

Unlike some other fields in the humanities, theology and religious studies PhD programs require you to earn a master-level degree before applying. Some students interested in graduate studies go to graduate school right away, while others wait a few years to discern and strengthen their applications while working, teaching, or committing to a year of service. Here are some factors to keep in mind while thinking through this decision:

• Certainty. How confident are you that you would like to commit to this path? If you are still unsure, you might consider working for a few years or undertaking a year of service.

• Life experience. Some alumni have reported that they are grateful for having taken a few years between undergraduate and graduate studies. These years can give you the opportunity to learn skills for self-care and relating to a community outside of school. Work or service during this time can help you approach your academic interests with new eyes and a keen awareness of the effect of ideas on lived experience.

• Money. Be realistic about your financial situation and the prospect of taking on student loans for your master-level degree. Some programs are generous with financial aid, but it’s possible you’ll need to take on some debt. It might be advisable to build up financial resources before committing to the long path of graduate studies.

In most cases, you will be choosing between one of the following degrees:

• Master of Theological Studies (MTS) or Master of Arts in Religion (MA)
  This is typically a two-year degree that requires you to specialize in a particular facet of theology, scripture, or religious studies.

• Master of Divinity (MDiv)
  This is typically a three-year degree that involves both graduate studies in theology and internships in ministerial settings. Recent Fordham Theology alumni have attended the following divinity schools for master-level work:

  • Boston College School of Theology and Ministry

  • Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

  • Harvard Divinity School

  • Notre Dame

  • Union Theological Seminary

  • Yale Divinity School

You might also consider earning a master-level degree abroad on a scholarship such as the Fulbright. The Office of Prestigious Fellowships holds regular information sessions about this type of opportunity. For more information, refer to this link.

Helpful Resources

• Whitney Bauman, “Stages of Education.” Covers the stages of becoming a scholar of religion.

• David Shorter, “The Gentle Guide for Applying to Graduate School.” Offers advice for how to approach a PhD application. We recommend keeping these tips in mind for being strategic about your master-level studies as you prepare for a PhD program.