Can I get into a Philosophy PHD program from an Mdiv ?

[Spiltteeth]

Freinds, help me out.

I'm starting my journey to get an Mdiv at St Vladimir’s Seminary, an Eastern Orthodox Christian college.

I want a PHD in philosophy for an academic job in philosophy of religion or theology.

I'd like to put French phenomenology, semiotics, and Nietzsche in theological dialouge.

Basically philosophy of religion type stuff.

I know, MDiv is more pastoral, but it's the only program that'd take me having no bachlears. 

Do you think I'd have to get a masters in philosophy first before applying for a philosophy PHD program ?

Or, could I go for a religious studies PHD ?

I hesitate as I'm told most academic jobs wish to see proof that you can do real philosophy, even if your interest is religion.

 

Edited March 1, 2023 by Spiltteeth
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[steadygaze108]

3 hours ago, Spiltteeth said:

Freinds, help me out.

I'm starting my journey to get an Mdiv at St Vladimir’s Seminary, an Eastern Orthodox Christian college.

I want a PHD in philosophy for an academic job in philosophy of religion or theology.

I'd like to put French phenomenology, semiotics, and Nietzsche in theological dialouge.

Basically philosophy of religion type stuff.

I know, MDiv is more pastoral, but it's the only program that'd take me having no bachlears. 

Do you think I'd have to get a masters in philosophy first before applying for a philosophy PHD program ?

Or, could I go for a religious studies PHD ?

I hesitate as I'm told most academic jobs wish to see proof that you can do real philosophy, even if your interest is religion.

 

A few things:

• To get a PhD in Philosophy, you generally need to have an MA in Philosophy. Given that you will be graduating with an Mdiv, you probably should apply for PhD's in Divinity Schools or seminaries.
• Both Religion and Philosophy departments offer Philosophy of Religion tracks, but the prerequisites and requirements in each department differ. Research.
• I think Jesuit schools would be suitable for your research interests. 
• I know many folks who went from an Mdiv to a PhD, but in Religion departments and not in Philosophy.
• In sum, to do a PhD in Philosophy at a Philosophy department, you need to get an MA in Philosophy. The philosophical gourmet has a good ranking of (some fully-funded) MA's in Philosophy. You *could* go from a Mdiv to a Phd in Philosophy in a Philosophy departments at Jesuit schools (though I suspect some will require you to get an MA in Philosophy first). You options are broader if you plan on a PhD in Philosophy of Religion at a Religion department.

Edited March 1, 2023 by steadygaze108

[xypathos]

@steadygaze108's advice is spot on. Broadly and generally speaking, Theology/Religious Studies and Philosophy departments at secular schools don't play well together.

If you want to be a professor of philosophy, get a PhD in Philosophy. If you want a PhD in Philosophy, almost universally, you'll need a MA in Philosophy.

People who get a PhD in Religious Studies (or Theology) with a concentration/focus in Philosophy of Religion (PoR) can get hired by a Religious Studies department (job market is a different concern). BUT! A philosophy department won't touch you for a myriad of reasons. Get a PhD in Philosophy with a focus in PoR, you're employable by religious studies AND philosophy.

There are exceptions at places like Boston College, CUA, etc., but we're talking about 1-2 faculty members.