SemperDiscentes

This makes sense given my little knowledge. The religion department doesn't seem to a have a shared focus or reputation in any subfield (any longer at least), perhaps with the exception of religion and science (although most of these folks seem to work with people in the School of Theology anyway). Also, the cost of living is so high that between the philosophy department, the School of theology, and neighboring schools (e.g., Boston College, Harvard, etc.) the religion department appears redundant given the economic climate these days.

I'll take a stab at this, although this is not my area of expertise. Three programs come to mind: 1) Graduate Theological Union 2) Rice's PhD program in GEM [GEM info here: https://reli.rice.edu/what-gem] 3) California Institute of Integral Studies The first is known for interdisciplinary work around the areas of philosophy, religion, science, and mysticism (especially known for process theology). The second is a newer program that focuses on alternative religious experiences under the category of Gnosticism, Esoterism, and Mysticism (GEM). The last is similar to GTU (1st) although I'm not as familiar with them, but they do have a strong philosophy-mysticism emphasis (e.g., they have a Phd in Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness). The 'brass tacks' is that 1 and 3 typically don't provide funding, but there does seem to be significant support for Rice's program.

p.s. focusing on philosophy of/and religion.

I'm splitting my focus between religion and German programs, aside from one comparative thought program. For Religion: U-Virginia, U-Toronto, U-Chicago, Columbia, Princeton, & Brown.

@JonesSJ For learning German as 'research language' (i.e., for reading), consider Learning German Quickly, which is the standard text for many in theology, philosophy, and literature. It is tailored to graduate students learning the language in order to develop reading competency (e.g., it includes exercise with writers from like Nietzsche, Goethe, and Max Weber). Besides paying for language courses (very pricey) or traveling abroad (also pricey), you'll most likely have to construct some program of self-study. P.S. There are places that teach theological German over the summer, but these are either in Germany (e.g., Mainz) or in one or two places in the U.S. (Yale and U-Chicago?).

Thanks! This is very helpful. I was concerned about who to contact first (i.e., school or grant organization). Within the school, did you talk to the international office or the office related to your studies? I was thinking about emailing the dean of the school(s) I'm interested in with my info and interests to see if they can direct me to the right direction. Would that be too forward? Most of these protestant theology faculties are quite small I believe.

Hello! I would absolutely love to study in Germany for a year but would need some outside funding to afford the cost of living. Does anyone know of any good resources, scholarship sources, or ideas/suggestions? I've included my research interests below (also I'm okay with German-based instruction). Research Interests: History of Christian Thought, Continental Philosophy, German Romanticism & Idealism, Theories of Religion, Philosophical Hermeneutics, 19th Century Theology, Affect Theory. Any help is much appreciated. Thanks!

Thank you both! I think Pierre de Olivi's answer was exactly what I was looking for (i.e., the permission to give myself more a nuanced description of my language levels without merely listing courses taken, etc.). And, of course, proving your language competency really doesn't matter once you are in a program.

*Note: I am asking this question specifically for those interested in academia, whether current or future professionals in the field. Question: how do you designate your language competence on your CV? Do you list your CEFR levels? Number of credit hours? Also, how do you highlight your competence in a certain language without devaluing your language work in other areas? For example, I know people who take one course in Syriac and list "Syriac (reading)" on their CV. But what if you have real professional working proficiency in another language (e.g., you can read professional articles or sight read period texts pretty well)? I know this question contains a mix of elements, but I'm interested in what the rest of you think. It's such a struggle for me to fight for transparency and authenticity while still wanting to market myself well (I'm sure some understand the feeling). P.S. (I'm a graduate student [M.Div] interested in doing a PhD in Religion/Philosophy/Theology in early modern period (18th-19th century Europe).

@xypathos - Do you know where YDS will be posting this information?

Hello everyone! I've got quick question that you all may be able to help out with. I'm considering applying to Phd programs in English in the future. I have a B.A. in Religion, an M.A. in Business Management, and am finishing up an M.Div from a seminary/divinity school. Despite the fact that I do not have a degree specifically in English, would I have a chance at getting accepted into a Phd program if the school I apply to is known for their emphasis on literature and religious studies (e.g., University of Chicago, Baylor, University of Virginia, etc.)? Would this even be worth considering?

Has anyone here attended or know much about BU's School of Theology & Ministry? I'm looking to apply to their M.Div program next Fall, but I haven't found anyone who really knows much about it. The vibe I've gotten is that its pretty top tier (although not ivy-league tier) for divinity schools/seminaries. I know they have a reputation for providing substantial funding as well, but I haven't learned much besides that. I'm interested in the study of theology/philosophy and would be looking for a program that could increase my chances of getting into a funded PhD program. Any thoughts?

Thanks so much for all of this information and advice! This has been really helpful. I'm still thinking Princeton would be the best fit for me. I've narrowed my list down to four schools: 1) Princeton Theological Seminary 2) Yale Divinity School 3) Boston University School of Theology 4) Union Presbyterian Seminary

Hello Everyone! I'm looking to apply to some M.Div programs next Fall (2019) and need some advice regarding what schools would be a good fit and what my chances would be of getting into them. I've spoken with a couple of professors at a few different schools, but I'm hoping that this forum could help fill in the gaps. My criteria are the following: 1) Generous funding (*highest priority) 2) Solid academic reputation that would increase chances of getting into a funded Phd program in Theology/Historical Theology 3) Not hostile to conservatives (I'm a progressive evangelical of sorts) 4) Not evangelical (I'm really interested in more mainline theology--Neo-Orthodoxy, Post-liberlism, etc.) 5) Not in Texas or Florida : ) Relevant Info on Myself: B.A. - Pastoral Leadership & Biblical Exposition - 3.8 GPA M.A. - Executive Leadership (Business) - 3.9 GPA Research Interests: Contemporary/modern theology, existentialism, theology of Karl Barth/Emil Brunner, nature of Christian revelation, pneumatology Career Goal: professor, writer, pastor Current Career/Experience: Completed two ministry internships, substitute teacher at a high school, currently head of sales and marketing for a small start-up Current Church/Theological Affiliation: I'm attending an evangelical Presbyterian church (EPC), although my theology aligns much more with mainline Protestantism Programs I'm Interested In (order of interest): 1) Princeton Theological Seminary 2) Yale Divinity School 3) Boston University School of Theology 4) Candler School of Theology 5) Union Presbyterian Seminary