PhD in Orthodox Studies

PhD Application Deadline: PhD program applications are accepted only in even-numbered years (2026, 2028, 2030). The next deadline for PhD applicants is April 30, 2026.

The following are required as part of the online application:

• CV / Résumé. This includes personal details with a history of your education, research and employment to date.
• Personal Statement. In not more than 1,000 words, the personal statement is an autobiographical account outlining the major events in one’s life.
• Description of Research Interests. A brief outline of applicant’s area of interest for research, in not more than 500 words.
• Two Samples of Academic Work, in English,  approximately 2,000 words each (word count includes notes but not bibliography).
• Three Academic References. References will be requested and submitted via our online application portal and should arrive in a timely manner, before the deadline.
• Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificates. Unofficial transcripts will be uploaded into the online application. Applicants must also have the granting institution send certified transcripts directly to AHOS with official English translations, if applicable.
• Certificate of English Language Proficiency, if applicable. Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of proficiency in English. This can be either an IELTS score of 7.0, a TOEFL iBT,score of 100, or a Cambridge CPE at grade C. English language requirements may be waived if the applicant is a graduate of a recognized university whose language of instruction is English.
• Financial Verification. Applicants are asked to demonstrate that sufficient funds are available for academic and travel expenses, either through private funds or scholarship.
• Non-Refundable Application Fee of $75 (seventy-five U.S. dollars), payable by credit card through the online application process.

PhD Admissions Requirements

Admission to the Ph.D. Program in Orthodox Studies typically requires a graduate degree specifically related to the candidate’s area of research. A Master’s degree in Theology (MTh), Divinity (MDiv) or Religious Studies, is preferred. However, graduates of other academic disciplines may be admitted to the Ph.D. Program upon completion of such bridging courses as are deemed necessary by the Admissions Committee.

PhD English Language Requirements: Ph.D. applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of proficiency in English. This can be either an IELTS score of 7.0, a TOEFL iBT score of 100, or a Cambridge CPE at grade C. English language requirements may be waived if the applicant is a graduate of a recognized university whose language of instruction is English.

PhD Ancient & Modern Language Requirements: Ph.D. applicants who do not have proficiency in Ancient or Biblical Greek must acquire a sufficient knowledge of Greek by the end of the second year of the Ph.D. Program. Ancient or Biblical Greek is a prerequisite for attaining the AHOS Ph.D. in Orthodox Studies, in addition to which one other ancient tongue is required, such as Latin, Syriac, Hebrew, Coptic, Armenian, Slavonic, Georgian, Arabic.  Proficiency is also required in at least one modern language other than English. French and German are strongly recommended, but proficiency in other modern languages might also be acceptable, depending on the character of the proposed topic of research. Please refer to our language tutor, Fr. Patrick O’Grady, at frpatrick.ogrady@ahos.edu, for additional advice and guidance.

For More Information about the program, visit(Academic Programs – PhD in Orthodox Studies)

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