{"id":438,"date":"2023-01-31T18:22:23","date_gmt":"2023-01-31T18:22:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/religion\/?page_id=438"},"modified":"2026-08-12T01:07:35","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T01:07:35","slug":"prospective-graduate-students-information-page","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/religion\/graduate-study\/prospective-graduate-students-information-page\/","title":{"rendered":"Apply to USC Religion (PhD)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>Applications to the Graduate School of the University of Southern California are coordinated through the WebAdMIT application system. The Religion PhD application deadline is <strong>January 6<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>The online graduate admission application system and instructions can be found\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/gradadm.usc.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a><\/strong>. The application portal will prompt you to create a user account and will walk you through the process. It is important to note that you need not complete your application at one sitting; your application will not be complete until you hit \u201csubmit\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>If you have questions about the application process or experience difficulties with the online portal, please contact Staff Graduate Advisor Brian Eckert at<strong>\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:brianeck@usc.edu\">brianeck@usc.edu<\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0 If you have further questions about USC\u2019s graduate program in Religion, please contact Director of Graduate Studies, Professor Max Strassfeld at <a href=\"mailto:strassfe@usc.edu\"><strong>strassfe@usc.edu<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n    \n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--image-gallery \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--image-gallery\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n  <div class=\"inner-wrapper\">\n\n    \n      <div id=\"gallery-580747917\" class=\"gallery-container\">\n\n      <div class=\"swiper images\">\n        <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\n                                    <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n                                      \n<div class=\"f--field f--image\">\n\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n              \n      <img\n                            data-src=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/religion\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/103\/2023\/03\/convocation1950x1097-768x432.png\"\n          data-srcset=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/religion\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/103\/2023\/03\/convocation1950x1097-1920x1080.png 1920w,https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/religion\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/103\/2023\/03\/convocation1950x1097-1280x720.png 1280w,https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/religion\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/103\/2023\/03\/convocation1950x1097-768x432.png 768w\"          data-sizes=\"(min-width:1200px) 75vw, (min-width:768px) 83vw, 100vw\"          class=\"lazyload\"\n        \n                  alt=\"Photo of Board Auditorium at USC during a convocation ceremony.\"\n        \n        \n                                      \/>\n\n    \n    \n  \n  \n\n<\/div>\n                              <\/div>\n                              <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"swiper captions\">\n        <div class=\"controls-container\">\n          <button class=\"button-prev\" aria-label=\"Previous Image\">\n            <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"\n            x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" xml:space=\"preserve\">\n            <polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#000\" points=\"15.7,27.5 5.7,17.5 \n            15.7,7.5 18.7,10.4 13.6,15.4 28.3,15.4 28.3,19.6 13.6,19.6 18.7,24.6 \"\/>\n            <\/svg>\n          <\/button>\n          <button class=\"button-next\" aria-label=\"Next Image\">\n            <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"\n\t x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#000\" points=\"19.3,27.5 29.3,17.5 \n\t19.3,7.5 16.3,10.4 21.4,15.4 6.7,15.4 6.7,19.6 21.4,19.6 16.3,24.6 \"\/>\n<\/svg>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\n                                    <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n                              <\/div>\n                              <\/div>\n\n      <\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n  \n  <\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--spacer \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--spacer\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n            \n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--accordions \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--accordions\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      <div class=\"header-container\">\n\n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--section-title\">\n\n    \n  <h2>\n          Application Elements\n      <\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n      \n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p>To be considered complete, your application must contain the elements listed below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n      \n      \n    <\/div>\n  \n      <ul>\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-1-7a71CmckKL\" aria-controls=\"section-1-1-7a71CmckKL\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Curriculum Vitae<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-1-7a71CmckKL\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-1-7a71CmckKL\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>There is no \u201cright\u201d approach to structuring your CV for graduate school. However, it is a good idea to take some time to identify the skills and achievements you would like to highlight for your application to the Religion PhD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-2-7a71CmckKL\" aria-controls=\"section-1-2-7a71CmckKL\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Academic Records<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-2-7a71CmckKL\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-2-7a71CmckKL\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <hr style=\"height: 2px; border-width: 0; color: #ffcc00; background-color: #ffcc00;\" \/>\n<p>You must upload copies of your transcripts for each of your previous academic institutions (colleges or universities) via the Graduate Application website.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, you must have official copies sent to USC directly from your institution(s) of study. You can find addresses for mailing or sending e-transcripts <a href=\"http:\/\/gradadm.usc.edu\/lightboxes\/us-students-transcript-requirements\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>here<\/strong><\/a>. The Graduate School requires official transcripts in order to process your enrollment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-3-7a71CmckKL\" aria-controls=\"section-1-3-7a71CmckKL\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Personal Statement<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-3-7a71CmckKL\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-3-7a71CmckKL\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <hr style=\"height: 2px; border-width: 0; color: #ffcc00; background-color: #ffcc00;\" \/>\n<p>\u200bThe personal statement (2-3 single-spaced pages) should set out your interests, relevant background (especially language training), proposed areas of study, and your ultimate professional ambitions.<\/p>\n<p>Please be detailed; lay out the specific parameters of your area of interest, why you are interested in it, what scholarly contributions you hope to make to the field and why they are important, and what difficulties you anticipate. Tell us why you think the USC School of Religion is the place for you to pursue this interest and who among our faculty you anticipate playing a major role in your training.<\/p>\n<p>Please note that we do not expect you to lay out a full dissertation topic or proposal and will not judge your statement in that light. Your personal statement is simply your opportunity to put flesh on the bare bones of your application, giving us a picture of who you are, what motivates you, and what you find exciting about the field of religion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-4-7a71CmckKL\" aria-controls=\"section-1-4-7a71CmckKL\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Writing Sample<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-4-7a71CmckKL\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-4-7a71CmckKL\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <hr style=\"height: 2px; border-width: 0; color: #ffcc00; background-color: #ffcc00;\" \/>\n<p>All applicants are required to submit a writing sample on a topic related to religion. The School of Religion looks especially for good use of source material and strong, original and critical diagnosis or interpretation. If you have written an honors or M.A. thesis or published an article, send us a copy. You may also submit, however, undergraduate essays or seminar papers more generally. Your writing sample should not greatly exceed 20 double-spaced pages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-5-7a71CmckKL\" aria-controls=\"section-1-5-7a71CmckKL\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Letters of Recommendation <\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-5-7a71CmckKL\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-5-7a71CmckKL\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <hr style=\"height: 2px; border-width: 0; color: #ffcc00; background-color: #ffcc00;\" \/>\n<p>Please arrange to have three letters of recommendation submitted by college or university professors or instructors who are familiar with your work, can speak to your scholarly aptitude and have played a significant role in your education. The\u00a0Graduate Admissions website\u00a0contains instructions for requesting letters of recommendation in the Program Materials section of the application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-6-7a71CmckKL\" aria-controls=\"section-1-6-7a71CmckKL\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Test Scores<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-6-7a71CmckKL\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-6-7a71CmckKL\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <hr style=\"height: 2px; border-width: 0; color: #ffcc00; background-color: #ffcc00;\" \/>\n<p>\u200bUSC does\u00a0<b>not\u00a0<\/b>require the GRE.<\/p>\n<p>Non-native speakers of English should review USC\u2019s English\u00a0<strong><a href=\"http:\/\/gradadm.usc.edu\/lightboxes\/international-students-english-proficiency\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">language proficiency policy\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>to determine whether or not they need to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. Scores\u00a0will only be considered if they are received directly from TOEFL or IELTS to USC\u2019s\u00a0<strong>institutional testing code 4852<\/strong>. The School of Religion recognizes that the unique nature of its Ph.D. program will appeal to people of varied backgrounds, including some whose native language is not English. We value diversity and encourage all potential applicants with a serious interest in the study of religion to apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n          <\/ul>\n  \n  \n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n      \n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--accordions \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--accordions\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      <div class=\"header-container\">\n\n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--section-title\">\n\n    \n  <h2>\n          Required Application Questions\n      <\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n      \n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p>In addition, there will be three questions required for you to answer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n      \n      \n    <\/div>\n  \n      <ul>\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-1-UdgdO2TwGo\" aria-controls=\"section-1-1-UdgdO2TwGo\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Identification of Track<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-1-UdgdO2TwGo\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-1-UdgdO2TwGo\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <hr style=\"height: 2px; border-width: 0; color: #ffcc00; background-color: #ffcc00;\" \/>\n<p>All applicants are required to identify which track they are submitting to. The list of tracks, as well as links to their webpages, are below:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/religion\/graduate-study\/asia-pacific-religions\/\">Asia Pacific Religions<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/religion\/graduate-study\/christian-studies\/\">Christian Studies<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/religion\/graduate-study\/global-islam\/\">Global Islam<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-2-UdgdO2TwGo\" aria-controls=\"section-1-2-UdgdO2TwGo\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Selection of Advisors<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-2-UdgdO2TwGo\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-2-UdgdO2TwGo\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <hr style=\"height: 2px; border-width: 0; color: #ffcc00; background-color: #ffcc00;\" \/>\n<p>Each student entering the PhD program <strong>will select a primary academic advisor before classes begin<\/strong>. The advisor must be an internal member of the School of Religion who works in the student\u2019s proposed area of research. In addition, <strong>at least one other faculty member from the school of Religion is selected<\/strong> to constitute, along with the primary advisor, the student\u2019s \u201cmentoring committee.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The mentoring committee is responsible for overseeing the student\u2019s program of course work, course of language study, timing of qualifying exams and so on. The membership of the mentoring committee can be changed at any time with the agreement of the student, the student\u2019s primary advisor, and the School of Religion director of Graduate Studies.<\/p>\n<p>To review and choose your academic advisors, please visit <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/religion\/home\/prospective-graduate-students-information-page\/faculty-areas-of-study-and-advisement\/\">here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Your choice of TWO (2) advisors must be noted<\/strong> in the Graduate Application Website in the &#8220;Questions,&#8221; section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-3-UdgdO2TwGo\" aria-controls=\"section-1-3-UdgdO2TwGo\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">History of Research Language Training<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-3-UdgdO2TwGo\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-3-UdgdO2TwGo\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <hr style=\"height: 2px; border-width: 0; color: #ffcc00; background-color: #ffcc00;\" \/>\n<p>In the application, you will be asked to describe your training in relevant research languages.<\/p>\n<p>For each language, you are to list the program or courses taken and number of years studied. If you have taken any standardized language exams, list the exams taken and scores received. It would also be useful to upload official exam reports under the &#8220;Other&#8221; document category in the Documents tab.<\/p>\n<p>If you have acquired research language competency through other means, you may want to consider uploading a letter of evaluation from a language instructor who can attest to your competency in the relevant research language(s). You many upload such letters to the &#8220;Other&#8221; document category in the Documents tab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n          <\/ul>\n  \n  \n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--link-list \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--link-list\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      <div class=\"header-container\">\n\n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--section-title\">\n\n    \n  <h2>\n          Graduate School Funding\n      <\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n                        \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Every entering graduate student to the USC School of Religion is funded for a minimum of five years, through a combination of fellowships and graduate assistantships (usually in the form of teaching assistantships), contingent upon satisfactory progress toward degree. There is no separate application necessary for either fellowship or assistantship consideration. Your application for admission doubles as an application for fellowship and assistantship aid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n          <\/div>\n  \n  \n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n        \n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--link-list \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--link-list\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      <div class=\"header-container\">\n\n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--section-title\">\n\n    \n  <h2>\n          Additional Resources for Prospective Students\n      <\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n                <\/div>\n  \n      <div class=\"links-container\">\n\n                        \n        \n          \n            <div class=\"column\">\n                <ul>\n                                                                  <li>\n                                \n<div class=\"f--field f--link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a \n  class=\"link\"\n  href= \/religion\/home\/prospective-graduate-students-information-page\/applying-to-the-religion-phd-program-faqs\/\n    aria-label=\"Read more about Religion Application FAQs\"  \n>\n    Religion Application FAQs \n  <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#000\" points=\"19.3,27.5 29.3,17.5,19.3,7.5 16.3,10.4 21.4,15.4 6.7,15.4 6.7,19.6 21.4,19.6 16.3,24.6 \"\/><\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n                                                    <\/li>\n                                                                                        <li>\n                                \n<div class=\"f--field f--link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a \n  class=\"link\"\n  href= \/religion\/faculty-areas-of-study-and-advisement\/\n    aria-label=\"Read more about Faculty Areas of Study and Advisement\"  \n>\n    Faculty Areas of Study and Advisement \n  <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#000\" points=\"19.3,27.5 29.3,17.5,19.3,7.5 16.3,10.4 21.4,15.4 6.7,15.4 6.7,19.6 21.4,19.6 16.3,24.6 \"\/><\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n                                                    <\/li>\n                                                          <\/ul>\n            <\/div>\n\n          \n          \n        \n          \n            <div class=\"column\">\n                <ul>\n                                                                  <li>\n                                \n<div class=\"f--field f--link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a \n  class=\"link\"\n  href= https:\/\/gradadm.usc.edu\/\n    aria-label=\"Read more about Graduate Admissions Website\"  \n>\n    Graduate Admissions Website \n  <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#000\" points=\"19.3,27.5 29.3,17.5,19.3,7.5 16.3,10.4 21.4,15.4 6.7,15.4 6.7,19.6 21.4,19.6 16.3,24.6 \"\/><\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n                                                    <\/li>\n                                                                                        <li>\n                                \n<div class=\"f--field f--link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a \n  class=\"link\"\n  href= https:\/\/gradadm.usc.edu\/tools-resources\/fee-waivers\/\n  target=\"_blank\"  aria-label=\"Read more about Application Fee Waivers\"  \n>\n    Application Fee Waivers \n  <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#000\" points=\"19.3,27.5 29.3,17.5,19.3,7.5 16.3,10.4 21.4,15.4 6.7,15.4 6.7,19.6 21.4,19.6 16.3,24.6 \"\/><\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n                                                    <\/li>\n                                                          <\/ul>\n            <\/div>\n\n          \n          \n        \n\n\n\n    <\/div>\n  \n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--spacer \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--spacer\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n    \n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--cta-cards-collection \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--cta-cards-collection\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      <div class=\"header-container\">\n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--section-title\">\n\n    \n  <h2>\n          For More Information\n      <\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n      \n      \n      \n    <\/div>\n  \n      <div class=\"cards-container\">\n      \n        <div class=\"card\">\n\n                            <span tabindex=\"0\">\n            \n                                    <h3>Staff Graduate Advisor<\/h3>\n                \n                                    <span class=\"card-description\"><strong>Brian Eckert<\/strong>\r\n<br><strong><a href=\"mailto:brianeck@usc.edu\">brianeck@usc.edu<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/span>\n                \n                            <\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n      \n        <div class=\"card\">\n\n                            <span tabindex=\"0\">\n            \n                                    <h3>Director of Graduate Studies<\/h3>\n                \n                                    <span class=\"card-description\"><strong>Prof. Max Strassfeld<\/strong>\r\n<br><strong><a href=\"mailto:strassfe@usc.edu\">strassfe@usc.edu<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/span>\n                \n                            <\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n  \n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n      \n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--contact-details \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--contact-details\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n  <div class=\"inner-wrapper\">\n\n          <div class=\"header-container\">\n\n                      \n<div class=\"f--field f--section-title\">\n\n    \n  <h2>\n          Contact Us\n      <\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n        \n                      \n<div class=\"f--field f--link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a \n  class=\"link\"\n  href= http:\/\/bit.ly\/USCReligion\n  target=\"_blank\"  aria-label=\"Read more about Donate to the School of Religion\"  \n>\n    Donate to the School of Religion \n  <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#000\" points=\"19.3,27.5 29.3,17.5,19.3,7.5 16.3,10.4 21.4,15.4 6.7,15.4 6.7,19.6 21.4,19.6 16.3,24.6 \"\/><\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n        \n      <\/div>\n    \n    \n      <div class=\"contacts-container\">\n\n        \n                      <div class=\"contact-card\">\n\n              \n                                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p align=\"center\"><b>Chair<br \/>\n<\/b>Cavan Concannon<br \/>\n<strong><a href=\"mailto:concanno@usc.edu\">concanno@usc.edu<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><b>Academic Program Manager<br \/>\n<\/b>Angie Guerrero<strong><br \/>\n<a href=\"mailto:angiegue@usc.edu\">angiegue@usc.edu<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n              \n              \n              \n            <\/div>\n                    \n                      <div class=\"contact-card\">\n\n              \n                                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p align=\"center\"><strong>USC School of Religion<\/strong><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\">825 Bloom Walk, ACB 130<br \/>\nLos Angeles, CA 90089<br \/>\n<strong><a href=\"mailto:religion@usc.edu\">religion@usc.edu<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n              \n              \n              \n            <\/div>\n                    \n                      <div class=\"contact-card\">\n\n              \n                                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p align=\"center\"><strong>Director of Undergraduate Studies<\/strong><br \/>\nJill Hicks-Keeton<br \/>\n<strong><a href=\"mailto:jill.hk@usc.edu\">jill.hk@usc.edu<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><strong>Director of Graduate Studies<\/strong><br \/>\nMax Strassfeld<br \/>\n<strong><a href=\"mailto:strassfe@usc.edu\">strassfe@usc.edu<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n              \n              \n              \n            <\/div>\n                    \n      <\/div>\n\n        \n     \n    \n  <\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":278,"featured_media":0,"parent":164,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-content-detail.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-438","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Apply to USC Religion (PhD) - School of Religion<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" 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