Overflowing

Thanks for the thoughts FSMITH010. I have looked into Boston College, and it might be a good fit. BC and another Christian school (for a Theology degree) are on my list, but just didn't mention them here. However, I am really interested in doing this kind of research at a non-religious University to gain a broader perspective and feedback. I have talked with a professor at Michigan who would be interested in this topic, and I have identified a couple people at the other schools that have interests in religion or ethical education. I will be reaching out to a few more POI this summer to see if I can get a better feel for how my interests fit with theirs. Its true that my area of interest is unique and may not fit most schools. I found that i just have to look a little harder to the schools or POI that are interested in this field. Not a downer at all. Push back and corrective ideas help us to think better.

I will join the crowd of "way too early" application talk. I am looking into PhD work for Fall 2016, primarily in the area of religious/theological education. I want to look at the way we educate Pastors/Clergy in the professional graduate school (like a seminary or divinity school). I would ideally approach the topic from a historical perspective, so I am looking into History of Education programs. One of my biggest concern is my lack of education background. I have a bachelor and masters in biblical/theological studies but I have only a handful of education classes on my transcript. I have been told that having a background in the field may or may not be a big deal depending on the school. Any thoughts? Since people normally share their "stats' here is a little of my resume. Undergrad GPA 3.8, Masters GPA 3.7, GRE V163 Q161 AW 5.0. Current schools on the list: Michigan U, New York University, Stanford, and Harvard. A couple clarifying newbie questions: POI = professor of interest SOP = Statement of purpose Is that right?