HDS - Career Services - PhD Applications FAQs

Career Services

FAQs on Applying for Doctoral Programs

Compiled by the Office of Academic Affairs, the Committee on the Study of Religion, Dean William Graham, and the Office of Career Services.

We recognize that many students at Harvard Divinity School are extremely interested in applying to doctoral programs. In order to facilitate and explicate the application process, we have gathered the general wisdom from a variety of resources, including faculty and staff, in this central location. Since there is the expected range of opinions on how best to answer the most common questions, we strongly advise you to make full use of your advisors and any other faculty who know you and your work well.

The American Academy of Religion (AAR) has also been conducting surveys. For more information visit the Survey of Graduate Programs in Religion and Theology page on the AAR website.

How long does the PhD take on average?

Different schools have different average time-to-degrees. At Harvard, the average time to degree in a humanities PhD program is between seven and eight years. In religion, this is usually because many program options, like New Testament and Buddhism, require significant amounts of language study, as well as overseas field research, particularly for those studying non-Western traditions. Students with a master's degree in their chosen field should be able to complete the doctoral degree in five to seven years, depending upon the field and its language requirements.

How do I evaluate the "right" program for me?

The decision to pursue doctoral work is very individual: there is no one who can tell you what is right for you. First, sharpen your definitions of your intellectual interests (and what bores you), as well as your personal goals and aspirations. From there, do your research. Ask questions! Think beyond the boundaries of individual departments, as you will probably be doing much of your work across disciplines. Go to the websites of various schools, and of departments within each school. Speak with the faculty at different institutions. Do their interests fit yours? Are they people you would like to spend more time with? Second, talk to current doctoral students. Are they happy? Do they feel supported by their advisors and part of a vibrant intellectual community? Finally, read the work of professors and recent graduates. Are faculty and students at a particular institution producing work you find interesting and compelling?

Should I contact the programs or professors before applying, and what information should I be requesting from them?

That can be helpful, as long as you keep your questions focused and succinct. Most information can be found on program websites, so do your research before you contact people directly. If and when you talk to faculty members, tell them about your intellectual interests and ask their advice about whether their program would be an appropriate place for you. Remember that they may view any conversation with you (before or after you apply) as part of the evaluation process. Remember that they might not be there when you register.

How specific should my research interests be when applying to doctoral programs?

It is useful to have a good idea about your dissertation interest before applying. At the same time, it is not necessary, and sometimes discouraged, to have your dissertation interest be too specific. The doctoral committee expects you to be open to broadening your interests while in the program. Ultimately, the research needs to be specific but within a meaningful range.

How much background in the specific field should I have when applying to doctoral programs?

This is something you should discuss with your faculty advisor when you get here, as well as with faculty in the fields you are interested in studying. Different areas require different kinds of background, including language preparation. We want to stress the importance of a strong languages foundation as a basis for most doctoral programs.

What should I include in my personal statement?

In general it is not a good idea to say, "I want to study x discipline because I really love it." The readers assume you have an interest in your field. Instead, be specific about what topics in your field intellectually engage you. What problems or critical issues would you like to work with? What skills have you acquired, or are you acquiring, that will help you deal with these issues (e.g., research tools, critical theory, languages)? This is not your life story, but a picture of you as a "thinking person." Indicate the kind of scholar you want to be. Also say why it is you want to become that scholar in the particular institution to which you are applying. Show familiarity with their program or faculty. It is perfectly acceptable to indicate which professors you hope to work with, but you should also demonstrate some real familiarity with their work; don't just name-drop. (It is a good idea to contact people from the school to which you are applying to get a better sense of the institution and the people you might be working with; show that you have done your research.) It is not necessary to know your thesis before beginning your doctoral program; in fact, showing room for growth and development is considered a positive thing.

Who should write letters of recommendation if I only have one year (as an MTS) to get to know faculty?

Ultimately, the best way to get a recommendation is by being an excellent student. Produce smart, interesting work and talk to your instructors about it. Faculty members will often tell you if they are not comfortable writing a letter for you, or if they don't feel that they can write a strong letter on your behalf. Make sure to ask them about writing a recommendation letter early, as they are very busy. It is also a good idea to follow up with faculty to ensure that letters have been sent. Strong faculty recommendations from your undergraduate institution can also be useful. Think about asking professors with whom you had considerable interaction and who work in the area of your research interest.

What is a "good" GRE score?

GRE scores are only one part of your application to doctoral programs, and they are viewed in the context of the entire application package. There is no consensus on what scores should be, or how much they should be weighted in the admissions process. We know that some programs put more weight on GRE scores than others and have different expectations concerning the scores. Also, different people on the committees for the various programs will have differing opinions concerning the importance of GRE scores. Some professors feel that there is a minimum GRE that students "have to have" in order to be considered (e.g., 600), while others discount that concept. The best you can do as an applicant is to work on improving your score, to apply to multiple programs, and to remember that the GRE score is only one aspect of the application, and rarely the most important.

How much does your GPA matter in the application process?

GPA is the third most important aspect of your application, following your personal statement and letters of recommendation. The doctoral committee will be wary of students who have a GPA that is inconsistent with the rest of their application.

What should I look for when trying to decide on a writing sample?

Not every school will require a writing sample, but in general, your best seminar paper would be an appropriate writing sample. Consider length as well as quality; most admissions committees do not want to read a dissertation-length writing sample.

Is research experience required prior to applying to a PhD program?

No. The MTS program is a time for deep intellectual discernment and orientation. It is not worth it to try to publish instead of spending time studying. If you want the committee to see some of your work, select one of your good class papers, polish it, and include it as a writing sample with the application.

To how many schools should I apply?

Apply to all the schools that are strong in your discipline, including those beyond the Ivy League. Be open geographically. We recommend applying to five to seven schools. Specify why you want to go to a particular school, who you want to work with, and what it is about their work that is compelling.

Does it reflect negatively on me, the applicant, if I apply to more than one program at the university?

It is a smart idea, and it doesn't decrease the validity of your application. The committee will carefully study your interests and try to find the best departmental fit. Also, if there is a candidate two departments really want, both will accept the candidate and it will be left to them to make a final choice.

How do I fund my studies?

Every doctoral program has a different financial aid package. You should speak with the financial aid office personnel at the respective schools to which you are applying. They will often know of outside programs for which you might be eligible.

If I am not accepted into a doctoral program, how should I spend my time before I apply again?

You should spend the interim period strengthening and focusing your application. Make your statement of purpose more focused—what academic area do you want to pursue and why? If you did not do well on your GREs, take them again. Make sure your languages are sound. You need to make the case that, because of more study, or work with a professor, or research, your candidacy is stronger the second time and different in some specific way from your first application.

Are there differences between ThD and PhD students in what they study at Harvard and where they typically teach?

At Harvard, one studies a field with virtually or exactly the same faculty, whichever program one enters. While the PhD is the normal degree for someone planning to go into general liberal arts teaching, in practice, graduates of both programs have virtually 100 percent placement records both in colleges and universities and on occasion in seminaries. On the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid website, you will find more information comparing the two programs.

Do I need a CV as part of my application package?

Each school will say on its website what is required in its application package; however, it is a good idea to send a copy of your CV.

What is a dossier service and how do I use it?

Harvard Divinity School has an agreement with FAS which allows our students to utilize the FAS dossier service for free. Your dossier is the collection of letters of recommendation in support of applications for academic positions, fellowships, or graduate programs of study. The dossier service maintains your file of letters and sends them out at your request. Most HDS faculty use and appreciate your use of this service. Please give them ample time (three-four weeks) to write your recommendations. Visit the FAS Office of Career Services website for specifics on the use of the OCS Dossier Service.