Divinity schools of large universities, seminaries or schools of theology typically offer doctoral programs in theology. Ph.D. programs in religion fall under the bailiwick of the university's graduate arts and science or liberal arts schools. For example, Harvard University and Duke University provide Th.D. programs in religion at their divinity schools and the Ph.D. program at their graduate-level liberal arts schools. Students at both universities take courses in both programs, however, to fulfill degree requirements.
Th.D. candidates specialize in a field of theological studies related to Christianity, such as early Christian studies, New Testament, Old Testament and history of Christianity. The Th.D. program at Duke University also emphasizes the ministries of Christian communities as an integral part of course work. In contrast, Ph.D. candidates can specialize in fields that are not related to Christianity, such as Islam or Hinduism. Ph.D. programs offer courses that cover a variety of world religions and position religious studies as a discipline with the university's spectrum of research areas. These programs emphasize the theoretical and critical aspects of religious studies. Both Th.D. and Ph.D. programs prepare students for careers in teaching and research.
The Th.D. program may require an MDiv or a commensurate master's degree for admission. In contrast, admission to a Ph.D. program in religion may not hinge on the master's degree. While Harvard Divinity School requires the MDiv or an equivalent degree, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Ph.D. program in religion does not. Universities with both Th.D. and Ph.D. programs may have varying degree requirements for admission.
In general, Ph.D. and Th.D. students must acquire proficiency in a minimum of two modern languages in order to read scholarly texts. Proficiency in one language is typically required upon entry to a doctorate program. Skills in a second language can be acquired within the first year of graduate study. Because their studies revolve around Biblical texts, Th.D. students must also learn an ancient language, such as Hebrew or Greek.