Balance to the Ph.D.: History and Religion

[Marcion]

I was wondering if people could give me some insights into Ph.D. programs in American History. My training and background is in Religious Studies but I have moved more into American History but still with a heavy focus to religion. I am looking at American History Ph.D. programs and looking for ones that have interest in religion. Some schools I have contacted that advised me to look to more Religious Studies departments. Any recommendations? I am mostly interested in the American Revolution and the Great Awakening.

[nevermind]

How do you see religion playing a role in your research should dictate where you apply to programs. I suspect the reason you've been recommended "religious studies" departments is that your inquiries have focused on your past research and you've not really clearly communicated your research goals as a historian. This is an important point to consider because if you make this "mistake" in your SOP, you'll likely get rejected from history programs who may think you'd be better suited for religious studies. FWIW, my interests are in religion as well (but not American History) and I have a pretty extensive background in it...however, in my graduate work, the "religious" aspect is definitely not theological in nature and isn't a primary focus...it simply helps contextualize my "historical" research. For example...

I don't say: "I'm interested in tracing Judaism and its Other in the making of modern-state Israel/Palestine." (religious studies focused)

I *do* say: "I'm interested in how the development of water technology contributes to the making of modern-state Israel/Palestine (1880-present)." (historical focus...specifically, history of science)

I hope that example is helpful.

---

Some programs to check out might be:

(but this is simply from a quick Google search...you may have scholars in mind that you want to work with) 

Notre Dame (http://history.nd.edu/graduate-programs/areas-of-study/) with a strength in American / Religious History

Baylor (http://www.baylor.edu/History/index.php?id=7728)

Chicago (https://divinity.uchicago.edu/religions-america)

FSU (https://religion.fsu.edu/graduate_phd.html)

Yale (http://religiousstudies.yale.edu/academics/fields-study/american-religious-history)

[TMP]

For history PhD programs, you would have to clearly articulate that you use religion as a lens in which you examine historical events.  Not that you're interested in the religious functions of the Great Awakening and how it arose in the context of the American Revolution. 

More specifically, what ARE the questions you want to answer?

Semantics are important in distinguishing yourself when you're trying to fit in a program.